Mary King is officially eventing No.1 – and wins $50,000

Mary King has finished the year as eventing’s world number one, topping the HSBC Rankings and scooping a $50,000 ( £31.847) bonus.

Mary said on her facebook page: “I am delighted to announce that today I have been confirmed as number 1 in the HSBC World Eventing Rankings. It’s been a wonderful year thanks to everyone for their support throughout 2011!”

The British eventer, who turned 50 in June, has enjoyed her best ever season.

At four-star level, she finished third at Badminton, first and second at Kentucky, eighth at Luhm ¼hlen, third at Burghley and fourth at Pau. These results also won her the $150,000 ( £94,000) top prize in the HSBC FEI Classics.

While the HSBC FEI Classics is decided on four-star results only, riders best six results at any FEI level determine their position in the HSBC Rankings. But four-star results carry the most points, so it’s no surprise that the same rider notched up first place in both standings.

Top 10 in HSBC Rankings at the end of 2011

1. Mary King (GB)
2. William Fox-Pitt (GB)
3. Andrew Nicholson (NZL)
4. Piggy French (GB)
5. Clayton Fredericks (AUS)
6. Oliver Townend (GB)
7. Dirk Schrade (GER)
8. Frank Ostholt (GER)
9. Boyd Martin (USA)
10. Nicola Wilson (GB)

Full rankings

H&H interviewed Mary King about her stellar year for 10 November issue. If you would like to order a back issue, tel: 01733 385170.

Pippa Roome

H&H magazine editor and eventing editor

Pippa is a true eventing geek and has been H&H’s eventing editor since 2005. She has first-hand experience of competing up to British Eventing intermediate and international CCI2*-L level, and has worked in the industry on a top event yard. Pippa enjoys nothing more than immersing herself in the sport at the highest level, reporting from the five-stars and international championships, including the Olympics.