Mary Hanna and Gitte Donvig’s Grand Prix horse Port Said has passed away at the age of 30.
“Today we lost a beautiful soul,” said Mary on Tuesday. “Our lovely Port Said went to the other side peacefully.
“Together [with Gitte Donvig] they had great success in many Grand Prix competitions. After many years in the top sport, he had a beautiful and long retirement on our property along with Sancette and Calanta.
“It always gave me joy to see them standing under the old gum tree. Three beautiful old Grand Prix horses living the good life. In winter they went down to Kim Howes’ for their seaside holiday, and some warmer weather. RIP dear Portie.”
The Westfalen gelding was by Phoenix out of Bluetenpracht (by Brentano II x Octavo xx), and was bred by Ludger Schulze-Tomberge.
A licensed stallion who stood at stud for season in Germany, he was then later gelded to focus on the competition area. He competed in Germany and was training at Small Tour level when Mary Hanna purchased him at Hof Kasselmann in Hagen.
Mary and Port Said debuted at Grand Prix in Australia in 2007 and together they completed 14 FEI Big Tour tests. Daughter Gitte then took over the reins two years later, and in 2010 they were the runners-up for the Australian Grand Prix title. Together, Gitte and Port Said competed in over 40 FEI Big Tour tests before the horse’s retirement from international competition in 2013.
Rest in peace, Portie. Equestrian Life’s thoughts are with Mary, Gitte and all those connected with this special horse.
