Prize-winning racehorse to lead Kingsclere jubilee parade

Kingsclere’s grand parade for the Queen’s platinum jubilee will be led by prize-winning racehorse Side Glance.

The magnificent black horse, bred by Park House Stables based in the village, will walk at the head of the parade on Saturday, June 4, with a young rider wearing the Queen's racing colours.

Side Glance, or "Sidey", won nearly £2 million in prizes in his racing career including wins at Ascot and Epsom races and in the 2013 Group 1 McKinnon Stakes in Melbourne, Australia.

He was bred by Emma Balding, mother of Andrew Balding, and successfully raced for Sheikh Fahad of Qatar.

Current owner Leanne White isn’t able to ride the horse herself due to an injury, so her 12-year-old stepdaughter Jemima White will put on the Queen’s racing colours and take up the reins.

Jemima learnt to ride on Side Glance from the age of 10 and still regularly rides and takes care of him.

The initiative was organised by Kingsclere Community Association.

Parish councillor David Conquest said: “I'm delighted that we will have such a wonderful animal leading our village jubilee parade.

“It’s a great opportunity for the whole village to come together.”

After Side Glance’s retirement from racing in 2015, and a spell doing dressage around the country, he now lives a relaxing retirement, with some local dressage, show jumping, fun rides and Retraining of Racehorses parades.

The parade, which begins at 2pm, will be part of a host of events the village has arranged for the long weekend, including a jubilee party at the Fieldgate Centre.

The parade is open to everyone and has a royal and 1950s theme, with prizes for the best costumes.

A beacon will also be lit on the downs between White Hill and Watership Down on Thursday, June 2, while the following day there will be a Duck Race at the stream at the foot of Pope’s Hill.