Press release from The Billy Stud

William Funnell’s long time partner Billy Congo (Vetcha x Animo) will be retired from top level sport at the age of 18 to concentrate on his breeding career.

Billy Congo was the most successful stallion on the 2013 Global Champions Tour circuit, with Grand Prix results including a 2nd place in the Monte Carlo GCT, a 2nd place in the Cannes GCT, a 4th place in the London GCT and a 6th place in the Estoril GCT. The same year, Funnell rode Billy Congo to team gold at the European Championships in Herning, Denmark. Other notable victories include; 1st in the CSI5* Grand Prix in Donetsk, 1st in the CSI3* Grand Prix in Lummen, 1st in the CSI5* 1.55m in Rome and double clear in the Nations Cup at CSIO5* Hickstead.

Billy Congo progeny:

Billy Buckingham (Billy Congo x King of Diamonds) 1.60m, W. FUNNELL (GBR)

Billy Onslow (Billy Congo x Iroko) 1.60m, D. KENNY (IRL)

Billy Fanta - (Billy Congo x Cevin Z) 1.50m, S. COHEN (USA)

Billy Cool (Billy Congo x Kannan) 1.50m, J. TOWELL (USA)

Billy Bluebell (Billy Congo x Jazz) 1.50m,  R.SAMPAIO PEIXOTO (POR)

Billy Drizzle (Billy Congo x Animo 1.50m, A. HEMPLEMAN (GBR)

Billy Guilder (Billy Congo x Cavalier) 1.50m, E. DOYLE (IRL)

Billy Ontime (Billy Congo x Anytime) 1.50m N. FEARON (IRL)

William Funnell: “Congo has certainly been a horse of a lifetime for me, not only did he take me to a European team gold medal (Herning 2013) and numerous Grand Prix wins, he has also been a hugely influential part of our breeding program at The Billy Stud. He has sired many of our top horses including my 2018 Hickstead Derby winner and World Equestrian Games ride Billy Buckingham (Billy Congo x King of Diamonds).”

Donal Barnwell – Breeder: “Billy Congo, without equal, is a proven world class stallion. With a natural balanced canter, outstanding conformation and quality, he epitomises the ideal sporthorse sire, which he passes on to his progeny. For us, Congo is The Billy Stud. Why wouldn’t you use him?”

Michael Whitaker: “I watched Billy Congo competing on the Global Tours and I was impressed with not only his ability but also his consistency at the top level. I had 3 broodmares at home, two of which I had been struggling previously to get in foal, they all took first time to Billy Congo. They have now just turned 3yr olds and look exceptional loose jumping, so it will be exciting to get them broken in and riding.”

Tessa Clarke – Breeding Specialist: “ Congo has exceptional quality semen and has the highest conception rate of any stallion I have ever worked with in the last 20 years. The fertility quality of his frozen semen is just as good as his chilled.  

Billy Congo will be available chilled & frozen.

Contact: info@thebillystud.co.uk      www.thebillystud.co.uk