Latest from Horse & Hound in Nick-skelton

How to watch Big Star: The Nick Skelton Story on streaming platforms – film release date announced

Jennifer Donald — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 17:47:16 +0000

Since the release of the highly anticipated film Big Star: The Nick Skelton Story in cinemas last June, one of the biggest questions among equestrian fans has been “When will it be released on streaming platforms?”

The good news is that the wait is almost over.

How to watch the Nick Skelton film

Big Star: The Nick Skelton Story is a documentary film charting the double Olympic medallist’s incredible sporting career. It received rave reviews on its cinema release, including a five-star rating from Horse & Hound, calling it “This summer’s must-see movie – and not just for equestrian fans”.

In exciting developments this week, it has been announced that the biopic will indeed be available on several popular streaming services with a release date of Tuesday 10 March 2026.

Big Star: The Nick Skelton Story will be available to stream on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Fandango At Home and Vimeo On Demand.

“Ever since it was announced that the film was coming out in the cinemas, people have been asking when can we watch it outside the UK or at home if they missed it at the cinemas,” Nick told H&H. “It’s been a long time coming, but hopefully it’s going to be good.

“The response to the film has been amazing – so many people have said how entertaining and informative the film was.”

Showjumping hero’s inspirational story

Nick Skelton’s movie is an all-access documentary of the showjumping hero’s inspirational story.

“Crashing into the British showjumping scene during the heyday of the sport in the 1970s, Nick Skelton dominates the competition until he breaks his neck in an unlucky fall,” reads the film trailer. “Doctors tell him to quit riding, but he refuses to give up.

“He makes an against-all-odds comeback and pursues his elusive dream of winning an Olympic gold medal with the help of his once-in-a-lifetime horse Big Star.”

The pinnacle of Nick Skelton’s career came at the Rio Olympics in 2016 when, at the age of 58, he was crowned Olympic champion on crowd favourite Big Star. But he also won team gold at the London 2012 Olympics, an assortment of medals at European and World championships and he still holds the record for the British equestrian high jump.

Nick won the Hickstead Derby three times and triumphed in nearly every other major grand prix across the world with a string of top horses that also included Arko III, Dollar Girl, Apollo and St James during a glittering career spanning more than four decades.

So grab your popcorn and settle into your favourite armchair, it’s almost time to watch and enjoy the Nick Skelton film to your heart’s content.

Big Star: The Nick Skelton Story is directed by Sarah George, executive produced by Debbie Burrows and distributed by Dartmouth Films.

Stream now via Amazon Prime

How to watch Big Star from anywhere

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‘It’s this summer’s must-see movie – and not just for equestrian fans’: Nick Skelton film review with UK cinema release date

Jennifer Donald — Tue, 13 May 2025 15:32:52 +0000

Leading names from the equestrian world gathered in central London on Friday night (9 May) for the world premiere of the film Big Star: The Nick Skelton Story, which is released in UK cinemas from 6 June.

Zara Tindall, Jodie Kidd, John Whitaker and Geoff Billington were just some of the stars who joined Nick, his family and partner Laura Kraut at Ham Yard Hotel for an exclusive viewing of this much-anticipated documentary film charting his incredible sporting career.

The evening concluded with an enlightening Q&A with the double Olympic showjumping gold medallist, the film’s director Sarah George and executive producer Debbie Burrows, hosted by Steven Wilde.

Nick Skelton’s team-mates and lifelong friends John Whitaker and Geoff Billington enjoyed reliving their golden years together, echoing Nick’s hopes that the film will be “good for the sport” as it offers unrivalled insight into the showjumping world, the unique relationship between horse and athlete, and the highs and lows endured by a sporting hero.

“The film-makers have done a great job and I particularly enjoyed watching all the old video footage included in it,” says John. “What Nick did during his career – ultimately winning individual gold, which is what everybody is aiming for – was remarkable really and the film reflected the fact Nick only achieved it all by putting 200% into everything he did.”

Geoff adds: “I was there from the beginning so I’ve seen it before! It’s a good story, plenty of drama, and a great film, so I hope lots of people go and see it.”

Big Star: The Nick Skelton Story hits UK cinemas on 6 June and another preview will take place in Windsor this Friday (16 May) during Royal Windsor Horse Show.

Big Star: The Nick Skelton Story film review – five stars

This official all-access documentary of national hero Nick Skelton is this summer’s must-see horse movie. Most people will be aware of Nick’s inspirational story, his against-the-odds comeback from a broken neck and the remarkable journey he went on with his horse of a lifetime, Big Star, to ultimately win individual gold at the Rio Olympics in 2016 at the age of 58.

But this film contains plenty of unexpected twists and turns, from the touching contributions from the people who know him best to the early home videos of a young Nick Skelton and his beloved first pony Oxo and incredible footage taken during his time with Liz and Ted Edgar and from legendary venues such as Hickstead, Spruce Meadows and the Olympic Games.

Fresh insight also comes from the searing honesty with which Nick talks to camera, reflecting on his four decades as one of the world’s most successful and decorated showjumpers, recovering from a potentially life-changing injury in 2000 and the perilous road to achieving double Olympic gold with the mighty Big Star.

As British chef d’equipe Di Lampard says in the film, “It was in his DNA, he’s a winner.”

Nick’s is the perfect story, tailor-made for the big screen, but the production team at Dirty Robber have done a superb job condensing hours and hours of footage and sporting achievements into an enchanting spectacle, packed full of heartbreak and heroism.

Contributions come from his sons Dan and Harry Skelton, legendary showjumper David Broome, devoted supergroom Mark Beever, team-mates John and Michael Whitaker, with an emotional tribute from 2004 Olympic champion Rodrigo Pessoa perhaps the most touching and humbling of all.

You also know you’ve made it in life when The Boss himself, Bruce Springsteen, shares one of the coolest appraisals of Nick’s riding career.

I’ve watched every genre of sport documentary from Messi and Mbappé to Formula 1: Drive To Survive and Champions: Full Gallop; it’s a tried and tested formula that rarely fails to deliver, but Big Star: The Nick Skelton Story sets the bar even higher and I’m sure will appeal far beyond the equestrian world.

As one lady in the audience at Friday night’s premiere revealed, she’d been inspired by Nick Skelton from first seeing him on the cover of Pony magazine many years ago. His story continues to inspire and this five-star film is a fitting tribute to a truly remarkable sportsman.

Big Star: The Nick Skelton Story is released in UK cinemas on 6 June.

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When Andy Murray chatted with fellow Olympic champion Nick Skelton: ‘I was in a lot of pain for a long time’

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Welcome to the next generation of Skeltons and Whitakers: ‘We have a Nations Cup team now!’

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#Throwback to when… AP McCoy jumped Olympic gold-medallist Big Star

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Nick Skelton’s Hickstead Derby memories: ‘Apollo knew the course, virtually – he was brilliant to ride round there’

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Coming to cinemas, Olympic gold medallist Nick Skelton stars in an inspirational story of ‘passion and perseverance’: ‘I hope it will be good for the sport’

Jennifer Donald — Sun, 20 Apr 2025 19:21:35 +0000

The highly anticipated film charting the story of double Olympic showjumping gold medallist Nick Skelton will hit British cinemas soon.

Big Star: The Nick Skelton Story will premiere in London at the beginning of May, then will be released nationwide.

“I’m really looking forward to it, hopefully it will be good for the sport,” Nick told H&H.

The big-screen version of Nick’s life story is described as “the official all-access documentary of national hero Nick Skelton CBE – one of the most decorated and enduring equestrian champions the world has ever seen.

“Nick’s passion and perseverance drove him to seven Olympic Games and inspired athletes in the sport worldwide.”

Nick Skelton: an inspirational story

The film includes interviews with Nick Skelton’s family and key members of the British equestrian community. Nick’s inspirational tale has been brought to life by a production team that includes Laura Kraut’s son Bobby Kraut in the role of associate producer, contributing his knowledge and insight about the sport of showjumping and Nick’s achievements to the project.

“It’s taken a very long time to get the film out there because of Covid and various other things needing to be put in place, so I’m delighted it’s finally going to happen,” said Nick. “It was a great experience filming it all and they’ve done an excellent job making the finished product.”

Nick Skelton was crowned Olympic individual showjumping champion at the 2016 Olympics in Rio at the age of 58, the fairytale ending to an extraordinary story which included a back-from-the-brink comeback after Nick broke his neck in a fall.

His partnership with the hugely popular showjumping stallion Big Star also brought a new generation of fans.

Nick’s updated autobiography Gold was released in 2017 and soon fans will be able to enjoy unrivalled insight to this much-loved showjumping hero’s remarkable story at the cinema.

“I suppose mine is a good story,” said Nick.

Big Star: The Nick Skelton Story is presented by Debsdocs Productions, produced by Dirty Robber and distributed by Dartmouth Films.

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Sad farewell to ‘great man’ who owned Olympic horses and a Grand National winner

Gemma Redrup — Fri, 31 Jan 2025 14:27:36 +0000

John Hales, who had a long-standing association with both showjumping and racing, has died at the age of 85.

John was British Showjumping president between 2005 and 2008, and was also one of the sport’s most successful owners. Notable horses that belonged to John included Nick Skelton’s superstar Arko III, who won in excess of £1m during his illustrious career. John also owned Russel II, who with Nick represented Great Britain at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, and a number of other showjumpers throughout his life, who he enjoyed alongside his wife Pat and daughter Lisa.

“John was a great character, you couldn’t ask for a better owner,” Nick Skelton told H&H. “He loved to win and when he won, he celebrated, but if he lost he was magnanimous in defeat. Whether it was showjumping or racing, horses were John’s life.”

John’s instantly recognisable racing silks of yellow with a red star were also carried to victory by many horses, most famously by the indomitable One Man, who the Hennessy Gold Cup, two King Georges and the 1998 Queen Mother Champion Chase.

Neptune Collonges also won the Grand National under Daryl Jacob for John and trainer Paul Nicholls, winning by a nose in 2012.

Paul Nicholls confirmed his death this morning (31 January).

“It is with great sadness to report that John Hales passed away last evening” he said. “A great man and a fantastic owner and friend for many people. Thoughts with his wife Pat and his wonderful family. He will be missed by so many in racing. RIP John.”

Other horses that John enjoyed success with include Azertyuiop, who won the Champion Chase in 2004. He had further Cheltenham Festival victories with Paul Nicholls and jockey Ruby Walsh, with Noland and Al Ferof in the Supreme, and Politologue secured him a third Champion Chase when ridden by Harry Skelton in 2020.

More recently, John joined Sir Alex Ferguson, Peter Done and Ged Mason in the ownership of Protektorat, who won the Ryanair Chase at the 2024 Cheltenham Festival. John was at Windsor racecourse to enjoy his last winner 12 days ago, when Harry Skelton rode Protektorat, for brother Dan Skelton, to a 22-length win over Venetia Williams’ Djelo in the Fleur De Lys Chase.

John co-founded the Golden Bear Toys company in 1979, which went on to produce products from major children’s shows such as Teletubbies, Basil Brush, Thomas The Tank Engine and In The Night Garden.

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When Andy Murray chatted with fellow Olympic champion Nick Skelton: ‘I was in a lot of pain for a long time’

Jennifer Donald — Tue, 30 Jul 2024 11:04:37 +0000

As the curtain falls on the glittering career of British tennis player Andy Murray, we look back at the time he and Olympic showjumping legend Nick Skelton sat down to chat about their respective careers for Horse & Hound...

Their respective sports may be poles apart, but when we brought together the double Olympic champion Nick Skelton, veteran of seven Olympics with 17 championship medals to his name, and triple Grand Slam-winning tennis player Sir Andy Murray, who bows out on a glittering career with his final match at the Paris 2024 Olympics, they discovered a wealth of common ground.

Sit back and enjoy being a fly on the wall for this unique chat between two sporting legends…

NICK SKELTON: Even though I competed in showjumping for over 40 years, nothing beats the buzz of trotting into the arena; I never got tired of it because every horse and each course of fences threw up new challenges. How do you stay motivated? Do you still get the same buzz walking onto court as you did 20 years ago?

SIR ANDY MURRAY: I love playing tennis as much now as I did when I started. I think having time off with an injury really helped me to realise that. I don’t think I could do what I do with all the training and travel and the recent injuries, without getting a buzz from the game still. In terms of motivation, I’m still really driven to go out and win matches. The challenges are different now, but I’ve still got the same work ethic and desire to win. I think that’s just something within me.

NICK: Showjumping has become a big-money sport but the Olympics always remained the pinnacle for me – how does it compare in tennis and for you personally?

Sheer delight on the face of Andy Murray after clinching a straight sets victory at Wimbledon 2013. (Image credit: SNS Group via Getty Images)

ANDY: In tennis, the Grand Slams are really considered the pinnacle of achievement, but winning the Olympics was a real highlight for me. It’s one of my proudest achievements – not much compares with standing on the podium having competed for your country. I also really enjoyed being part of Team GB.

You have won so many things and have so many accolades – what is your proudest achievement?

NICK: Winning individual gold in Rio was undoubtedly my proudest moment – as you say, standing on that podium when you’ve done it not only for yourself but for your country, the whole team at home and all the people that have helped you over the years meant so much. But I’ve always said that winning on home turf with the whole crowd behind you is an amazing feeling and being part of the team that won gold in London was really special, too.

Individual gold medalist Nick Skelton on the podium at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. (Image credit: Getty Images)

Dealing with injuries

NICK: I’m pretty relaxed but I think a few pre-competition nerves are healthy – do you get nervous before a match and how do you cope with pressure? Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions?

ANDY: I often get nerves but I actually think that it’s a good thing, it shows you care. There was always a lot of pressure on me around Wimbledon and I used to find that difficult to deal with. I perform better when I’m under pressure so it helps me in a strange kind of way.

I don’t really have any pre-match rituals – I know a lot of athletes do. We tend to follow the same routine before a match in terms of when I eat, how I warm up, opponent analysis and so on, but there aren’t any rituals.

Nick Skelton riding Big Star at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. (Image credit: Getty Images)

NICK: One of the hardest things I’ve ever had to deal with was coping with the unbearable pain in my back in my later years and being told I would never ride again after breaking my neck in 2000. You’ve obviously been experiencing something similar with your hip and consequent surgery, how have you coped with that and your recuperation? Are you a good patient?

ANDY: It’s been a tough few years and I struggled with it mentally and physically. I was in a lot of pain for a long time and it’s hard dealing with that every day. However, the thought of competing again kept me going and having a great team around me also helped lift me up when things were really tough. I think I’m a pretty good patient and I spent hours every day rehabbing, I’m pretty meticulous with that. How did you get back on a horse after breaking your neck? Did you think about giving up?

NICK: When I had my accident I was told I would never ride again, but that wasn’t what I wanted to hear so I was determined to find someone in the medical profession who would tell me I could ride and eventually I did. When I got back on, I didn’t feel any trepidation or nervousness, it all came back naturally and all I wanted to do was to get back in the ring with Arko, a really good horse I had before my accident. He gave me the determination to carry on.

Once healed, my neck never gave me any bother – it was my back that I really suffered with in the end. I endured so much pain over the years and it wears you down and it makes you bad-tempered. Eventually I just thought that was enough for me and that was when I announced my retirement – after Rio seemed like the perfect time to go.

Much of showjumping is about training the horse, although most of us never stop learning, can you give us an insight into your training regime? Do you still train as hard now as you did in the early days?

Andy Murray with his gold medal after winning the final of the men’s tennis singles at the London 2012 Olympic Games. (Image credit: Corbis via Getty Images)

ANDY: I have definitely modified my training regime to include more time for rest. I don’t think I used to appreciate how important it was when I was younger but I now see the value, especially for players who want to extend their careers into their thirties. I’m still training five days a week and that includes a mix of on-court time and strength and conditioning work. We are quite data driven with the training so I continually monitor my performance.

NICK: That’s really interesting – we don’t use data as such, even with the horses, whereas many racing stables weigh and monitor them constantly. But there’s definitely a lot more vet work involved now – every horse is looked over by a vet each week to check they have no issues or problems coming – it’s much easier to try to stop something before it happens. Keeping them fit and healthy is the top priority; you can’t get an unhealthy horse to perform well.

Professional rivalries

NICK: Can you describe the rivalry on court? It must feel much more personal when you’re facing up against one other player on court for several hours, whereas mine was always against several riders who you would do little more than trot past on your horse. Is there anyone you feared most or felt intimidated by?

ANDY: There wasn’t really any one person I feared coming up against. Even when you are at the top of your game, any of the players in the top 100 can knock you out of a tournament so you have to have that respect for every opponent you meet. I try not to let personal rivalries get in the way of the tennis as I think it stops you focusing on getting the job done. Do you prefer competing in individual events or as part of a team?

Andy Murray playing Roger Federer during the men’s singles gold medal match of the London 2012 Olympic Games. (Image credit: AFP via Getty Images)

NICK: There are many more individual competitions than team competitions in showjumping, but over the years I’ve ridden in a lot of teams and won a lot – it’s always an honour to ride for your country. Probably the best teams I rode on were with my friends John and Michael Whitaker – we were team-mates for so long, we knew each other so well and that camaraderie adds a whole new dimension. A lot also depends on what horse you have at the time, but to achieve something big on your own does mean that bit more, I think.

The one aspect of showjumping I didn’t enjoy was the travelling, living out of a suitcase and passing through endless airports. If there was one thing you could change about your profession, what would it be?

ANDY: That’s a tough question. I found it hard as a young player growing up with so much pressure and media attention. That’s quite hard to deal with when you are trying to focus on becoming a professional. I mentor a few up-and- coming footballers and tennis players now through my management company, 77 Sports Management, and that’s one of the things I try to help them with.

Now you are retired, how do you find life outside the sport? Are you enjoying your free time or do you miss competing?

NICK: Free time? What’s that? I seem to go to more shows now than when I was riding! But I actually don’t miss competing at all. I was there, I did it and then it was time to leave. I don’t wish I was still doing it, I’m just happy about what I achieved. The sport has gone up another level, it’s super-competitive and I don’t miss the stress. But it’s interesting to watch the sport change and I’m busier than ever, helping and training, so I’m still heavily involved.

Team gold medallist Nick Skelton celebrates before the medal ceremony at London 2012 Olympic Games. (Image credit: Getty Images)

The importance of down time

NICK: I saw you attended the Cheltenham Festival recently – do you enjoy racing? Have you thought about coming to Dan Skelton Racing and buying a horse…

ANDY: [Laughs] That’s not on the list right now! I really enjoyed my day out at Cheltenham, although I didn’t win much money! It’s great to see Rachael Blackmore rising to the top of the sport. Do you think this will pave the way for more female jockeys? Why do you think it’s taken so long for a female jockey to win the Grand National?

NICK: Over the years, there have been more female jockeys coming through – times have changed and the sport has changed. My daughter-in-law Bridget Skelton is as tough as they come and she’s won at the Cheltenham Festival, but they are all tough and they put their heart and soul into it, so it was only going to be a matter of time before a female jockey won the Grand National. But sometimes horses do just run better for female jockeys.

Rachael rides for a great stable, she had a good horse in the race and she was able to come up with the goods. That will have inspired a lot of kids – how many girls now say they want to be Rachael Blackmore or Bridget or Hollie Doyle or Hayley Turner? It’s certainly not just a man’s world anymore.

What else do you do to unwind, how do you switch off between matches?

Kim and Andy play croquet on the lawn in front of Cromlix hotel near Dunblane. (Image credit: John Paul)

ANDY: I have four children (and two dogs) so that takes up most of my free time! I really enjoy my golf and was able to play a bit last year. I have a few business interests which also keep me busy – a five-star hotel in Scotland, Cromlix, which I bought in 2014 and I try to get up there whenever I can. Plus I’ve invested in a few brands like TRR Nutrition (collagen supplement) and Halo (hydration drinks) and my tennis clothing line, AMC. After all of that there isn’t much free time left!

NICK: I enjoyed a really lovely stay at Cromlix a while ago – and I was lucky enough to meet you there. It’s such a beautiful hotel and the food is unbelievably good, too. I’m just waiting for an invite back!

But finally, I have to ask… Have you forgiven your wife Kim for voting for me for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award in 2016? [Andy announced while receiving his winner’s trophy that Kim had actually voted for third-placed Nick].

ANDY: It’s taken a long time but yes, she is now forgiven!

This exclusive feature first appeared in H&H magazine, on sale Thursday 8 July 2021

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‘Nick Skelton told me to win!’: top advice pays off on rider’s Hickstead debut

Eleanor Jones — Sun, 28 Jul 2024 11:19:10 +0000

Nina Mallevaey did exactly what her coach Nick Skelton told her on her debut visit to the Agria Royal International Horse Show – and walked off with a win.

Nina and the Rein family’s Destine To Be put in a super clear to finish just ahead of Matt Sampson and Pretty Pi’Que De’Luxe in the Breen Equestrian CSIYH1* final. Shane Breen, class sponsor, finished third on the promising Konrad Obololensky, who was the highest-placed seven-year-old.

The super-scopey eight-year-old Destine To Be looked to be having the time of his life as he and the French rider gave a superb display of control and balance to win by a third of a second.

Nina has only been riding the British-bred Diamant De Semilly gelding a few months but they already have a confident, assured partnership.

“He’s a really nice horse,” she said. “He likes to go in that big grass ring; he’s so scopey, so it suits him really well. He’s very quick over the ground and naturally fast, and I knew I could let him loose a bit at the jumps, just sit up a bit before the fences, as he’s so careful. He makes it easier for me!”

This first trip to the All England Jumping Course has been a successful one for Nina, who jumped clear with Dynastie De Beaufour in the second round of her first five-star Nations Cup.

“It’s an amazing show,” she said. “It was a dream to compete here so I’m really happy.

“I think it’s a really good experience for young horses to compete in that big ring, it makes it special and a great experience for them; they learn a lot here. These classes are very good for them, for the future.”

Nina had planned her summer around Hickstead, and Dublin Horse Show, at which she will also make her debut next month, under the watchful eye of Nick, who had to leave for Paris before this final but had left his words of advice.

“He said ‘You should be clear, and if you’re in the jump-off, let go of the reins and go as fast as you can – and win!”

And so she did.

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Welcome to the next generation of Skeltons and Whitakers: ‘We have a Nations Cup team now!’

Jennifer Donald — Mon, 13 May 2024 09:36:20 +0000

Two famous equestrian families have welcomed new arrivals, with showjumper Joe Whitaker and his wife Fiona celebrating the birth of baby Bonnie, while husband-and-wife jockeys Harry Skelton and Bridget Andrews have welcomed baby Rory to the world.

For Joe and Fiona, this is baby number four. Bonnie Whitaker was born at home on Sunday, 28 April at 9.16am, with Joe saying “Our hearts are so full”.

She is a little sister for Sophia, Stevie Joe and Emily Rose, and the latest addition to the famous Whitaker dynasty.

“Everyone’s doing well and she’s settling in nicely,” Joe told H&H. “She’s sleeping well, doing three hours in between feeds, so that’s great – she’s a little cracker, we’re absolutely smitten.

“I think she’s going to be a little rider – there are three or four ponies waiting for her when she’s ready and her brother and sisters are getting them revved up for her!

“They’re all smitten with her, too – all three of them are fighting for kisses and cuddles with their baby sister at the moment.”

While Joe – who is the son of Steven and Carole Whitaker, brother to Ellen, Thomas and Donald Whitaker – and Fiona’s first daughter Sophia was born in hospital, the following three have all been born at home, with Joe actually delivering baby number two, Stevie Joe, himself.

“Fiona was definitely a bit more relaxed having the midwife this time!” said Joe, revealing that Bonnie weighed in at 9lb 10oz, much to the surprise of him and his wife. “She was big! Fiona did amazing in the labour – she had a couple of very good midwives with her, who kept her relaxed and positive, which made such a difference.

“Fiona’s an incredibly strong woman.”

So can we expect a baby number five to add to the Whitaker family clan?

“Never say never but I think that’s it – we’ve got a Nations Cup team, that’s all we need! We just need to get some horses now,” he said.

Bridget and Harry Skelton: a baby boy

The day before, Saturday 27 April, Rory Skelton made his appearance at 5.10am weighing 8lb 13oz, a first child for jockeys Bridget and Harry Skelton and a second grandchild for Harry’s father 2016 Olympic showjumping champion Nick Skelton.

Rory’s early morning arrival meant Harry could hotfoot it down to Sandown Park for four rides in the crucial season finale to the jumps season, where his brother Dan Skelton was vying for the trainers’ championship with history-making Willie Mullins.

“Once Bridget and Rory were doing well, I went down to Sandown and her mum came up and spent the day with her and they watched the racing,” Harry told H&H. “There were no winners unfortunately, but Rory’s settling in at home now and Bridget’s doing really well so I couldn’t be prouder of the two of them.

“I’ve changed lots of nappies already – you get plenty of practice, pretty quickly!”

With the sport of Kings clearly in his genes, Rory has already enjoyed his first racing experience, with the new family visiting their local Mollington point-to-point in Warwickshire.

“He had a good day out there,” said Harry. “He’s a bit off getting a pony yet, but he’s had lots of lovely presents from a lot of people, so I’d like to thank everyone for their good wishes.”

#Throwback to when… AP McCoy jumped Olympic gold-medallist Big Star

Jennifer Donald — Tue, 19 Dec 2023 12:20:59 +0000

Take a look back in the H&H archives to see how the legendary jockey got on when taking to the saddle on Nick Skelton’s Olympic showjumping champion

Towards the end of 2016 Horse & Hound asked the 20-time champion jockey AP McCoy if he might come out of retirement to try his hand at showjumping. And to tempt him, we lined up a very special horse for him to ride — Nick Skelton’s Olympic gold medal-winning partner, Big Star.

Sir AP Anthony Peter McCoy OBE (A. P. McCoy) riding Big Star during a Showjumping training session at Nick Skelton's stables at Arden Cote Farm in the village of Shelfield near Ancestor in Warwickshire in UK on 28th November 2016 nick skelton (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

“He’s a very cool beast. I’m buzzing!” said AP afterwards.

“Get yourself a jacket and a pair of boots, there’s a new job for you in showjumping,” said Nick Skelton, who was on-hand to put this new partnership through their paces.

The idea for the feature came from an Injured Jockeys Fund charity evening where host Clare Balding suggested, slightly tongue in cheek, that AP McCoy would enjoy the sport of showjumping as a new venture, now that he’s hung up his racing boots. Horse & Hound’s Showjumping Editor Jennifer Donald decided to put the wheels in motion.

“I thought it was a brilliant suggestion from Clare and, although AP didn’t seem too keen on the idea on the night, I suspected he wouldn’t be able to resist the opportunity to do it on a really top class horse — which is why Big Star immediately sprung to mind,” said Jennifer.

Nick needed very little persuading to let AP ‘have a go’ on his multi-million pound horse — Nick has a huge amount of respect for AP as a horseman and Big Star’s owners were happy to go along with it, too, and for that we are very grateful.

‘That was special’: Skelton brothers celebrate 1,000 winners together

Jennifer Donald — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 16:07:24 +0000

The Skelton brothers, trainer Dan Skelton and jockey Harry Skelton, are no strangers to multiple winners, having achieved many outstanding successes together in recent years. But their winning double at Haydock Park on Saturday, 25 November, was a particularly memorable one because it was a landmark 1,000th winner for the pair.

Ten years after Harry rode his first winner for his older brother on Mister Grez at Ffos Las in 2013, the brothers united to record this milestone in the Betfair Exchange Graduation Chase, in which Dan sent out the very exciting Grey Dawning, in only his second start over fences, with Harry in the saddle. They posted a very impressive and special winning performance, coming home well clear of the Willie Mullins-trained Cheltenham Festival winner and Grand National third Gaillard Du Mesnil, ridden by Patrick Mullins.

“To do that together was special – a red letter day,” Harry told H&H. “It’s a great number but you’re on to the next one, too.

“Grey Dawning is a horse we’ve always really liked, so it’s nice to see him progressing now and there’s plenty to look forward to with him,” he said of the Flemensfirth six-year-old, owned by Robert Kirkland and bred by Grange Stud.

Harry Skelton gives Grey Dawning some well deserved pats after their landmark success at Haydock Park. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Dan revealed he had known about the approaching milestone 1,000 winners, but had kept it to himself so as not to put any pressure on his brother – it came down to Dan’s daughter Florence to announce the achievement to her Uncle Harry in the Haydock winner’s enclosure.

Harry Skelton: “A nice winner for a massive supporter”

Earlier in the afternoon, the Skelton brothers’ 999th success together had come with Real Stone, a strapping eight-year-old chaser owned and bred by Sue Welch, who with her husband Fred was a great supporter of their father Nick Skelton and bred his Olympic mare Showtime, and many other top-class showjumpers.

“She’s been a massive supporter of our family for a long time. She’s very much part of the family, so it’s great to get a nice winner for Sue,” said Harry.

Dan Skelton set up his impressive Warwickshire training establishment in 2013 and has since established himself as one of the country’s leading trainers, sending out six Cheltenham Festival winners. He racked up his 1,000th winner as a trainer back in November 2021, just a month after younger brother Harry, who carries the mantle of stable jockey, had ridden his 1,000th winner in an equally glittering career. Harry was crowned champion jockey in 2021 and has ridden 24 winners already this season after missing the early part of the season with a shoulder injury.

We’re looking forward to the next 1,000!

Nick Skelton’s Hickstead Derby memories: ‘Apollo knew the course, virtually – he was brilliant to ride round there’

Jennifer Donald — Fri, 23 Jun 2023 07:32:56 +0000

Looking ahead to the 61st edition of the iconic Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby on Sunday 25 June, we’ve been speaking to some of the competition’s past winners to hear their stand-out memories.

Here is what Nick Skelton, who won the Hickstead Derby in 1987 riding J Nick, and 1988 and 1989 on Apollo, had to say…

First Hickstead Derby memory

“Watching Stroller win in 1967 when I was 10,” says Nick. “In those days it was the big class in showjumping, a real spectacle and I’d never seen anything like the bank or the dyke.”

First Hickstead Derby experience

“When I was riding for Ted Edgar, we thought St James would win the Derby because he was careful and dead brave. We didn’t build any of the Derby fences at home, but I think we went to practise at David Broome’s and St James jumped the dyke there fine, but he didn’t take to it at all at Hickstead,” recalls Nick.

“But there’s nothing like the dyke at Hickstead. The way Dougie Bunn and Pam Carruthers built the course is just brilliant – the dyke is angled in that corner and the horses jump away from the cars, making it a bit scary; it’s very clever. I don’t care what they say though, the course now is a lot easier than it was!”

The times it all went right in the Hickstead Derby

“I had to wait until 1987 when I won it on J Nick – he was a real handful, strong and wayward, but he jumped it very well. He jumped the dyke about a foot higher, he was very good, and I remember being interviewed by David Vine afterwards on the BBC,” says Nick.

“Then Apollo was just brilliant to ride round there because he’d been round so many times, he knew the course, virtually, so it was all very easy to him. He was second there twice as well as his two wins.

“People used to jump their best horses in it – even the likes of Deister won the Hickstead Derby, and Apollo won the Aachen grand prix in 1987 and 1988.”

Could this ground-breaking piece of kit revolutionise the horse world?

Jennifer Donald — Sun, 05 Mar 2023 16:32:02 +0000

One of the inevitable downsides of horse ownership is the ailments, niggles and injuries that crop up. So wouldn’t it be fantastic if you could help resolve minor issues in your horse’s body before they showed up in the form of lameness or below-par performance?

The company behind the Equusir BEST-Box says it is designed to do just that and there are some yards in the UK that believe they are already seeing the benefits as debates about the technology cause a real stir within the racing industry and the wider equestrian world.

One such establishment is Dan Skelton’s Warwickshire racing yard, which has been using “the magic box”, as they call it, for the past year. It was Dan’s double Olympic gold medal-winning father Nick Skelton, who came across the kit while at a showjumping competition in Vienna, Austria.

“It was something I’d never seen before so I enquired about it and they gave us a demonstration,” Nick explains of the Equusir BEST-Box. “I asked if it was possible to get one in England and they sent it over.”

BEST stands for Bio Energetic Scan and Treatment and the German-designed machine’s manufacturer’s claim that the box scans each horse using “bioenergetic measurements”, then applies infrared and coloured light to relevant areas it has detected during the scans.

“We like it a lot – it helps us think outside the box,” says Dan, who trains around 100 National Hunt racehorses from his base. “We use it all the time; it’s become part of every horse’s routine now.”

The Skeltons’ “magic box” has changed the way they manage their equine athletes. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

According to Equusir, the Equusir BEST-Box helps to “maintain physical health in the long term while continuously increasing athletic performance” through a cycle of scans and applications. The company recommends these applications should be performed on three consecutive days, followed by a one-day break, followed by three more days with one application each.

During the colour light and infrared applications “the body’s own systems of the horse are supplied with additional energy,” says Equusir. The result is said to be a horse that is “more relaxed and ready to perform”.

“We use it on the showjumping horses, too, when they’re in England,” adds Nick. “But Dan swears by it. It shows up any little problems and niggles – it’s all logged on the computer.”

Obviously significant issues need to be diagnosed and treated by a vet, but it is interesting that this top National Hunt trainer is choosing to use this system in the day-to-day management of his leading equine athletes.

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‘A very fine line’: new elimination rule in showjumping comes under debate

Becky Murray — Mon, 09 Jan 2023 18:13:44 +0000

Eliminations in showjumping have come under discussion as a new welfare-related rule giving judges the power to stop combinations mid-round comes into force.

H&H reported that new rules had been approved at the FEI General Assembly across the disciplines (news, 24 November). Under one of the new 2023 showjumping rules, the president of the ground jury, or in their absence a designated ground jury member, may ring the bell to eliminate a combination while a round is ongoing if it is decided it would be “contrary to the principles of horse welfare to allow the combination to continue”. The decision is final and not subject to appeal or protest.

The rule was proposed by the Swedish equestrian federation following the Tokyo Olympics, where a combination completed a showjumping round despite the horse bleeding from the nostrils. But the new rule does not refer specifically to blood.

During the rules revision process, the FEI said there were “too many cases that could lead to such an elimination” and it was not deemed possible to list them all – and if the new rule “appears problematic in its implementation during 2023, it could be reviewed for 2024”.

The rule was a major talking point at the International Jumping Riders Club (IJRC) general assembly last month, with many riders disagreeing with its implementation and raising concerns about the training and experience needed by the ground jury to make such a call, especially at championships. The IJRC said at first it had not been in favour of the rule, but it changed its opinion because it is “important that the riders and the IJRC stand up for the wellbeing of horses”.

After the Tokyo Games, Nick Skelton said in his H&H column (12 August 2021) that the rules around when the bell is rung needed to be clearer and suggested having a professional rider in the judges’ box to help make this call, a suggestion he repeated during the IJRC meeting.

During the meeting, Belgian showjumper Pieter Devos agreed with Nick and said a judging panel including a rider should be formed for championships.

“At championship level, I think there must be the option [for a panel]. This is the only way,” said Pieter.

“On the other hand, at the lower levels it is important that there is a rule like we are talking about. But it’s very complicated in my opinion to have people who never sit on a horse, with all respect, judge whether people finish a round or not.”

Nick proposed trialling a panel at an event such as a Nations Cup to see how it works, and Brazilian Olympic rider and FEI athlete representative Rodrigo Pessoa said the suggestion will be made [to the FEI].

Former Olympic showjumper Graham Fletcher told H&H it would be a difficult decision for officials to make, but in principle he believes the new rule is “right”.

“You need people that have a horsey background, as well as knowing all the rules and regulations, and who know the difference between a rider that has been hard on a horse, or ones basically giving them a strong ride,” he told H&H, adding that he agrees with the suggestion of having a rider on a judging panel to help judges with these decisions.

“It’s a very fine line between a horse that’s maybe had just a little spook at a fence and will jump the next time, and one that’s had a complete crash and is turned round to have another go. I think it’s a hard ask to ask somebody to stop someone in the ring and I think they certainly need an ex-rider or pro alongside them to advise.”

Graham added that he would also like to see more action taken when a rider shows frustration after a difficult round.

“Every now and again, you see a rider who’s had a disappointing round and they’re riding the horse a bit rough out of the ring and taking it out on the horse. For me, a jury should step in then and reprimand that rider. It’s awful to watch and as we try to make our sport more consumer friendly, everything has to be done to do that.”

FEI level three judge and British Showjumping (BS) judge Joanna Gillespie, who has officiated at shows in the UK and abroad, told H&H the sport has to be seen by the public to be looking after the welfare of the horse. She added that if she believed a horse’s welfare was being put at risk during a round, she would be happy to eliminate the combination.

“Horse welfare is top of the agenda,” she said. “When eliminating someone, if a horse is going badly and is clearly not happy, then I would be content to eliminate it. It might end up unsound after the round, if allowed to continue.

“A lot of professional riders know when there’s something wrong and they do pull their horses up, but there are a lot of riders who just continue, so I think elimination is something that should be considered. We have had this rule in BS now for sometime: ‘If in the opinion of the judges, a horse or rider is unfit to compete, the judges may prevent the competitor from starting or may curtail their round.’ In FEI & BS competitions, you would have a quick discussion with your fellow officials [before eliminating].”

Mrs Gillespie added that FEI judges, stewards and course-designers receive full training.

“We complete an online assessment every year and every three years we have to attend an assessment in person. Our training is definitely being upgraded for making the decisions under the new rules on welfare of the horse,” she said.

10 years ago today: Team GB showjumpers won Olympic gold! Epic moments to savour

Jennifer Donald — Sat, 06 Aug 2022 07:32:49 +0000

A decade ago today (6 August) showjumping fans up and down the country erupted in delight as Great Britain’s quartet of Nick Skelton, Scott Brash, Peter Charles and Ben Maher won a glorious team gold medal in front of their home crowd at the London 2012 Olympics.

Tabloid headlines took great delight in highlighting the combined age of the team (two of whom were in their 50s), running with headlines about Britain’s “Golden oldies”.

“I’ve waited a long time for this,” said Nick, then 54 and riding at his sixth Olympics.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

But it was a phenomenal team performance and possibly one of the biggest surprises of the Games because it had been a whopping 60 years since Great Britain had last won a showjumping gold medal at the Olympics – when Harry Llewellyn (Foxhunter), Douglas Stewart (Aherlow) and Wilfred White (Nizefela) took the crown in Helsinki in 1952.

We remember that momentous day in London like it were yesterday, but how many of these epic moments do you recall from the day British showjumpers won Olympic GOLD?

1. ‘The best day of our lives’

A real team effort from the riders, not to mention the grooms, owners, trainers, supporters and a hard-working crew behind the scenes, resulted in the highest accolade of the sport, an Olympic gold medal.

“This is the best day of my life – the best day of all our lives,” said an ecstatic Scott Brash.

“How fortunate we are to have a quartet of riders that came together at just the right time and did us all proud,” said Graham Fletcher at the time.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

2. THAT electrifying jump-off

2008 was the first time the Olympic showjumping team gold medal was decided by a jump-off and Greenwich made it two on the trot. The British squad had to do it the hard way, going into battle with the Dutch, and all four riders from both nations had to jump once more against the clock over a shortened course.

Nick went first and delivered a flat-out clear, then Jur Vrieling matched his clear for the Netherlands. Ben Maher nailed a classy economical clear before Dutchman Maikel van der Vleuten dropped two poles. British hopes soared, but then Scott just rubbed the second fence for four faults. However, when Marc Houtzager hit one fence, the cogs began whirring as last British rider Peter Charles and Vindicat entered the ring, having yet to jump clear throughout the competition. But Peter dipped into every pot his great experience and rode the round of his life, leaving every fence standing and glorious gold was won.

Olympics Show jumping 06 08 2012 SKELTON NickBIG STAR (Image credit: Trevor Meeks)

3. The moment Peter Charles sealed gold

After Peter and Vindicat crossed the line to put that spectacular clear on the scorecard, a storm broke over the crowd and they lost all control, cheering, whistling, stamping and hugging with tears running down many a cheek. The champagne bar was the most popular spot in Greenwich within minutes of the team gold being won.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

4. Nick Skelton’s premature leap on the podium

So excited was Nick about finally winning gold at his sixth Olympics, that he leapt on the podium too early – much to his team-mates’ amusement.

Great Britain's Nick Skelton jumps on the podium early to celebrate their Gold medal after the Equestrian Team Jumping, during day ten of the London 2012 Olympics. (Image credit: PA Archive/PA Images)

5. A packed podium

Great Britain won gold ahead of the Netherlands and Saudi Arabia. Dutch team member Jur Vrieling reflected: “We were going for gold from the beginning. But of course, we are very happy to win silver.” Meanwhile the Saudi riders were delighted with their first Olympic team medal.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

6. The tears, the emotion

Nick Skelton’s emotion after he won gold was plain for all to see – he’d set out his plan to win gold and so determined and focused had he been, that he’d galvanised those around him into believing that gold was their destiny. He received 345 text messages of congratulations in the immediate aftermath and even gave BBC presenter Clare Balding a huge on-camera hug after winning gold.

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 08: Nick Skelton of Great Britain riding Big Star competes in the Individual Jumping Equestrian on Day 12 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Greenwich Park on August 8, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) (Image credit: Getty Images)

7. The fences and that stunning backdrop

Bob Ellis’s London and maritime-themed courses were masterful and having the City skyline as the backdrop proved spectacular, and a constant reminder of how lucky we were to have the greatest sporting event on home soil. On walking Bob’s track for the first time, Saudi rider Ramzy al Duhami quipped: “I wish I had shown my horse more postcards of London!”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

8. The support of the crowd

For anyone lucky enough to bag a ticket to Greenwich that day through the official London 2012 ballot, the atmosphere was electric as we rode every rollercoaster of emotions through the afternoon – and well into the night as the celebrations rolled on. But the riders credited the passionate, hyper-excited crowd for lifting them to glory.

“Without this crowd, we could never have done it,” said Nick Skelton. “People said that riding in an Olympics at home would add pressure, but it was totally the opposite.”

In the crowd was showjumping legend John Whitaker, who recalls: “I was just enjoying myself, thinking I’d managed to stay anonymous, when they announced on the loudspeaker that it was my birthday and everyone turned round to look at me. It wasn’t so quiet after that!”

Olympics Show jumping 06 08 2012 MAHER BenTRIPPLE X (Image credit: Trevor Meeks)

9. Look out, ladies

One of our favourite moments was when Scott Brash, in response to Clare Balding asking him how winning team gold would change his life, said: “To be honest, I’m hoping it will help me pull more women.”

Scott Brash (GBR)&Hello Sanctos - Jumping - Team Final / Third Qualifier - London 2012 Olympic Games - Greenwich Park, London, United Kingdom - 06 August 2012 (Image credit: Jon Stroud Media)

10. The heroic horses

While the riders made showjumping history, the four horses – Big Star, Hello Sanctos, Tripple X III and Vindicat – became national heroes too.

Scott said of Sanctos: “He’s a joy to have in your stable, so easy to work with.”

“He’s amazing. He hasn’t got a negative. He’s the most perfect horse,” said Nick Skelton of the stallion, owned by Gary and Beverley Widdowson, who went on to take him to individual gold at the Rio Olympics four years later.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

11. All the headlines

The British showjumpers made headline news around the world, unsurprisingly many of which featured the “Golden oldies” line but it was great to see equestrian sport receiving extensive coverage, including on both the BBC and ITV main news at 10pm. John Whitaker reflected: “What an unbelievable result for the British showjumpers – it’s been a long time coming!”

SCOTT BRASH AND HELLO SANCTOS (Image credit: Trevor Meeks)

‘I was a bit rusty to start with’: top National Hunt jockey wins showjumping class at Royal International

Jennifer Donald — Fri, 29 Jul 2022 11:32:21 +0000

Leading National Hunt jockey Harry Skelton has made a winning return to his showjumping roots, taking top spot in Thursday’s 1.25m at the Longines Royal International Horse Show.

Riding the experienced 13-year-old gelding Charming Fellow Z, Harry rocketed home to win in Hickstead’s ring four.

“He’s a good old horse really, one of Dad and Laura’s, who had a bit of time out with injury,” said Harry, who rode the gelding in the Markel Champions’ Challenge in aid of the Injured Jockeys Fund at Olympia in 2018, when the bridle broke and Harry’s father Nick Skelton performed a quick fix with cable-tie.

“He’s a good fun horse – I’m very competitive though, we’re not here to take part! I’ll always go in and have a go and sometimes it doesn’t quite go to plan – Dad was laughing watching some of my rounds I’d say – but it’s in our blood, we get in there and try to win.

“We won a rug and a good rosette, so that was great.”

Royal International: ‘It’s great to be back’

Harry continued: “It’s great to be back here at Hickstead, we always come down here and enjoy it. I spent a lot of time here as a kid – we grew up here really and the Bunns have always been very welcoming to all of us. This ring is one of the best in the world.”

Harry’s last appearance in the International Arena at Hickstead ended rather unceremoniously when he ended up “in the middle the Hickstead planks” on the tremendous 12.2hh pony Fontmell Rasputin, owned by John and Clare Whitaker.

“I sent Harry on his path to success – he never gives me any racing tips though!” said John.

Harry has forged a stellar career as a jump jockey, being crowned champion in 2021, but returned to the showjumping ring last year – his first time in nearly 20 years – last summer, during National Hunt racing’s quiet season.

“We’ve not had as many racehorses in through the summer so we’ve had a bit of time to do this,” said Harry, whose wife and fellow jockey Bridget Skelton has also been back in the jumping ring. “I felt like I had a lot more to learn coming back to showjumping, but I did it a lot as a kid so it was all there, I was just a bit rusty to start with!”

The couple have been producing some young showjumpers and Harry was also competing the four-year-old Chamiousse RBF Z at the Royal International, a youngster who Nick Skelton sourced and has been with Harry for just 12 weeks.

“Dad saw him and liked what he saw. This is only his fourth show, but he’s very good,” said Harry. “I’ll just try to bring him along and produce him a bit. There’s no rush with him, we’ll just take our time and hopefully he goes on to do something good.

“Competing in showjumping is just something outside racing for us to do – we do seem to be gathering showjumpers though so I don’t know where it will end up! But we’re really just doing it for fun.”

Harry rides primarily for brother Dan Skelton, who trains 150 racehorses from their Warwickshire stables and the preparations are starting to be made for the new season gearing up again.

“I’ll be back to the day job tomorrow!” said Harry.

Nick Skelton and Laura Kraut help rising showjumping star fulfil his potential

Sarah Eakin — Sat, 19 Mar 2022 21:30:38 +0000

USA’s Brian Moggre is just 20 and in the salad days of his professional career but he has already accomplished something most showjumpers are lucky to achieve in a lifetime, by taking a grand prix second place at Aachen last summer – and he has done it with the support of two of the world’s legendary showjumpers, Laura Kraut and Nick Skelton.

“I started getting help from them a year and a few months ago,” said Brian, who is set to ride in tonight’s Saturday Night Lights at the Winter Equestrian Festival, riding Stevie Macken’s Dior P Z, competing against 45 other combinations including Laura on St Bride’s Farm’s Confu.

“They are fantastic,” Brian said. “Laura, being a competitor here herself still, and Nick. As a young professional they really encourage me to be my own person. They guide me along the way and they help with training. And provide insight in any way I need it, whether that be the riding or running the business aspect of it. I am so grateful that they have kind of taken me under the wing.”

Last year Brian and his Aachen horse Balou Du Reventon, were shortlisted for the Olympics. He was 19 at the time and could have been overwhelmed, had Nick and Laura not been ready to weigh in with support.

“I think it’s a lot for a 19-year-old to handle,” said Brian. “They really helped me to keep my head on my shoulders, keep my head in the game and really keep a competitive mindset about it, plus being realistic. Laura and Nick have both been to endless championships. They’ve been through the process so to be associated with people who have done all the things that I hope and dream to do someday really makes me feel great as an upcoming professional.”

Tonight’s track will be designed by week 10’s international arena course designer, Canada’s Michel Vaillancourt. “It’s later in the circuit so it [the course] definitely won’t be a walk in the park,” Brian predicted. “For a four-star grand prix it will definitely ask all the right questions, but I don’t think it will over-face many horse-rider combinations. I also don’t think it will be a giveaway and I think it will be good sport tonight.”

Dinner with Nick Skelton and Laura Kraut sold for $10,000

Sarah Eakin — Wed, 16 Mar 2022 17:59:58 +0000

New records were set for attendance, auction proceeds, and funding raised to support FEI partner charity, Just World, at an annual gala, held in the Grand Prix Village, next to the Winter Equestrian Festival.

“The fun thing is everyone was happy,” said Laura Kraut, who has been a longstanding ambassador of the Just World charity. “Everyone’s there because they know it’s for a good thing. Even at the end of the circuit, when everyone’s kind of tired – myself included – when we got there all of a sudden you had energy and it was well worth going.”

A highlight of the evening was a live auction in which a dinner with Nick Skelton and Laura Kraut at Maxwell Plum’s in Wellington, proved to be a prized item. “I think we went for ten thousand!” said Laura, who added “No, not at all,” when asked if she expected her and Nick to raise that much.

“We will try to arrange the dinner before [the end of WEF] and if not, we will do it next year,” said Laura. “The people who bought us were lovely people.”