Promising Inter II debut for Charlotte Fry and Ilegro: ‘He has the complete package’

Charlotte Fry and the KWPN-approved stallion Ilegro (Inclusive x Negro, breeders: the Hanse family from Burgh-Haamsteede and Van Olst Horses, Den Hout) have already been particularly successful at (inter)national Light Tour level. Last Friday at Indoor Oosteind, they showed they are ready for the next step. The eight-year-old stallion debuted in the Intermédiaire II with a promising score of 71.323%, standing head and shoulders above the competition.

Following the Valegro era, the successes of this dam line are being continued by his nephews, the KWPN-approved half-brothers Ilegro and Nalegro, who were both bred in the same year via embryo transfer from Valegro’s full sister Jalegrofleur. The Painted Black son Nalegro has been competing in the Grand Prix since this year and has already scored well over 72% on several occasions. Now, his half-brother Ilegro has also made the step up to the Grand Prix. That his debut would be so immediately successful did not come as a complete surprise to his rider. “To be honest: he is so talented and was already doing so well at home that this was actually somewhat to be expected,” says Fry with a laugh.

Ilegro made his international Small Tour debut at The Dutch Masters in March, after which he also competed internationally in Fontainebleau. His last appearance was in the national class at CHIO Rotterdam. “So it had been a while since he was last away from home. He therefore found it quite nerve-wracking to be at a competition again. However, we made good use of the time at home to prepare him for the transition to the highest level.” “We always knew that Ilegro had the potential to become a Grand Prix horse. The fact that he is now showing that in competition only makes us more confident and enthusiastic. He still needs to gain a bit more ring experience, but I expect the transition to Grand Prix won’t be long in coming. If everything goes according to plan, he can start competing in some bigger competitions next year. But of course, he is only eight years old, so we are in no rush.”
Fry is particularly enthusiastic about Ilegro’s attitude in the ring. “He is so honest. I was also very happy with his piaffe and passage. Even when he isn’t entirely sure of himself yet, he just tries it. We had a few small mistakes this time, mainly because he is just starting out at this level and was still a bit enthusiastic. But he is still so young and has already shown so many highlights. It takes time to get everything in the right place. It is simply a long journey.” The British top rider makes no secret of her enthusiasm for the dark brown stallion. “His way of moving is so special, with incredible balance. He combines that with a wonderful character. He hardly realizes he is a stallion; he is incredibly easy and calm around other horses. In the ring, he always wants to go and do his job. That combination of character and talent means he has the complete package. He is sweet, but at the same time very pleasant and sharp to ride. I am truly incredibly enthusiastic about him.”

Jayson in the lead in the Prix St. Georges
In addition to Ilegro, Fry also brought Jayson (Johnson x Negro), Secret Lover (Secret x Fürstenball), and O’Frederic (For Romance I x Fidertanz) to the start at Indoor Oosteind. With Jayson, she won the Prix St. Georges with a score of nearly 72%, while with Secret Lover she finished third. O’Frederic finished third in the Intermédiaire I. “Jayson did very well and I am very happy with him. He has a lot of presence and really says: look at me! And rightly so, with his black color and beautiful appearance. At home, we are also quietly continuing to work with him towards the Grand Prix.” ‘Great to go through that development with the horses’ Fry therefore has no shortage of talented horses presenting themselves at the highest level. “It is incredibly nice that they are all starting to come through now. I have had almost all of them under saddle since they were three years old, and it is great to experience that entire development with them. Because I have been riding them for so long, I know them inside out. Moreover, they are all different, which means they continue to challenge me and I myself continue to learn and keep looking at the sport with an open mind,” concludes Fry.