Where are They NOW

Heron’s Heir

Shelly Saunt with Heron’s Heir and their well deserved trophy!

As promised, here is an update on Heron’s Heir, who was nominated for a prestigious accolade at the RoR Retraining of Racehorses Awards 2026 at the end of last month.

Shelley Saunt, based in Coalville and a member of Endurance GB’s Leicestershire & Rutland group, has been awarded the 2025 Retraining of Racehorses Elite Endurance Performance Award with Heron’s Heir, whom she affectionately calls “Harry”.

The award was presented at Cheltenham Racecourse at the end of January and was attended by RoR patron Zara Tindall.

A five-time winner under Rules, Heron’s Heir was retired from racing in 2017. Shelley acquired him shortly thereafter and undertook his retraining herself. In 2022, the partnership embarked upon what would become a highly successful endurance career.

The journey has not been without its challenges. Injuries sustained by Shelley in 2023 and 2024 brought premature ends to their seasons; nevertheless, they secured podium finishes in the RoR Championship standings. In 2025, they completed their first full competitive season together, delivering a dominant performance across multiple competitions to claim the National title.

Shelley reflects:

“I am incredibly proud of Harry. Everything we have achieved has been just the two of us, built on trust and patience.

“Endurance was never something I imagined pursuing, yet it has proved to be exactly what he loves. Winning this award was deeply emotional — it truly means the world to me.”

People like Shelley, who give our former racehorses a meaningful life beyond the track, make all the difference — thank you, Shelley, for everything you have done for Heron’s Heir.