Spirit of Thelwell races to new lengths with the Shetland Pony Grand National

The spirit of world-renowned cartoonist Norman Thelwell (1923-2004) lives on in the current day through its sponsorship and support for well-known and beloved charitable organisation, the Shetland Pony Grand National. 

After a very successful 2024 racing season for Cherhill Shetlands, adorned with our Thelwell breeches, pony Oldeworlde Daniel has been selected as one of the nine chosen runners to feature in the prestigious London International Horse Show this December. The tens of junior jockeys who take part are trying to gain one of 10 places at the world famous London International Horse Show at Excel, where the ponies race around the Show’s main International Arena at a fast and furious pace.

Only those ponies who have ridden a certain number of podium finishes during the season are selected to ride in what is widely considered as the highlight of the equestrian year and a celebration of many equine achievements, and Thelwell is honoured to play a part in this fiesta of pony and horse.

2024 has been the second season that Thelwell has supported Cherhill Shetlands in the Shetland Pony Grand National, which it is proud to do on two counts; one in that it is supporting the plucky  and talented rider, Fleur Smith (daughter of jockey Bill Smith who rode Spanish Steps and also in the Grand National alongside Bob Champion), has the added honour of wearing the Aldaniti silks which Bob himself wore when he amazingly overcame cancer to then win the 1981 Grand National on the horse of the same name. Shortly after winning the race, Bob formed the Bob Champion Cancer Trust and over the last 43 years, has raised over an incredible £16 million.

Oldeworlde Daniel is fortunate enough to wear the Aldaniti silks thanks to kind permission of Barkfold Manor Stud, after he rode to win the Shetland Pony Race at the Bob Champion Cancer Trust Charity Race Day at Wincanton racecourse in October 2023.

Isabella Bride, Founder of Cherhill Shetlands, commented: “We are delighted that Oldeworlde Daniel & Fleur Smith will be representing Cherhill Shetlands in the Shetland Pony Grand National (SPGN) at the London International Horse Show this December. It is a true honour to own one of the 9 Shetland ponies selected to take part in this prolific event. Not only am I proud of Daniel & Fleur but of our whole team of riders who work tirelessly in all weathers, all year round to keep both themselves and the ponies in top notch condition. Thelwell have been a brilliant supporter of Cherhill Shetlands throughout 2023 & 2024. It is fantastic that they were our sponsor when Daniel had his very first race at the South of England Show last year and we are now looking forward to having them supporting Daniel at London this December.“

David Thelwell, and his sister Penny, stated: “We have really enjoyed meeting some of the wonderful Cherhill Shetland ponies in the flesh this year – including Dan – some of them reminding us fondly of our father’s prolific illustrations. The passion and determination for ponies is apparent within Cherhill in both ponies and riders, and we’re thrilled that this spirit, that is wholly synonymous with Thelwell, lives on and will be represented at this year’s London International Horse Show. Dad would be delighted!”