It’s been a long time coming, but 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.
A woman who pleaded guilty to attempting to give rat poison to a seven-year-old mare called Elle, belonging to Gill Poole, in May 2023, cited mental health issues and the death of her husband 14 years ago – and said she pleaded guilty on her barrister’s advice but did not do it. Christine Campey, of Caldwells Gate Lane, also said she suffers from chronic pain. She was given a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay costs of £500 and £430 compensation. Gill told H&H she had panic attacks after the incident.
Five-time Hickstead Derby winner William Funnell is aiming to secure the one derby title missing from his collection – Hamburg. William is taking Dublon, with whom he won his record fifth Hickstead Derby last year, to the Al Shira’aa German Show Jumping & Dressage Derby (28 May-1 June). The British jumping star, who has also won derbies in Falsterbo, La Baule and Eindhoven, admitted feeling “a bit nervous!”
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now
Horse & Hound Newsletter
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
Carol is an experienced journalist and editor, who is also a passionate amateur rider and dedicated horse owner, having ridden since childhood. She has a particular interest in the emotional well-being and ethical training of horses, alongside veterinary matters, having garnered extensive first-hand experience of numerous equine health conditions through more than 30 years of horse ownership.
