Attraction is the star of the show

Celebrities from the equestrian world recently dined at the Natural History Museum, the venue for this year’s Animal Health Trust UK Equestrian Awards.

Now in their 16th year, the awards recognise the achievements of horses and their owners, trainers and riders across all disciplines, pulling together all equine events and celebrating outstanding contributions to equestrianism.

Award categories include show jumping, eventing, racing, dressage and showing as well as special awards for veterinary achievement and voluntary services.

Winners in the past have included Frankie Dettori, Sheik Mohammed and the Queen Mother, as well as Desert Orchid, Milton Dubai and Persian Punch.

Attraction was this year’s winner of the Great Leighs Racing award, thanks to her astounding performance this season, including winning both the English and Irish Oaks.

Following their respective successes at the Olympics, Leslie Law won the Petplan Eventing Award and Carl Hester received the Berkeley Group Dressage award, while Robert Smith won the Golden Bear Products Show Jumping Award and Beamish III received the Arena Leisure Showing Award.

Other winners included Junior (Martin Collins Enterprises Special Award), Bruce McGorum (Letheby and Christopher Veterinary Achievement Award) and SPANA (Lexington Insurance Voluntary Service Award).

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