Robert Oliver’s show cob The Duke retires to hunt with the Belvoir

Robert Oliver’s lightweight show cob The Duke has been retired.

The 11-year-old will be hunted by Robert’s daughter Sophie with the Belvoir, Leicestershire.

Simone Cuddy’s The Duke won on many occasions with Robert — including claiming the cob of the year title at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) in 2007, beating the 2006 HOYS supreme So Smart, and the Queen’s Cup at the Royal Cornwall.

Sophie is in charge of the Belvoir hunt horses.

“Sophie’s really looking forward to it — it’s a wonderful Christmas present for her,” Robert told H&H.

“We will miss him though, he’s been part of our yard for over five seasons and has won many times.”

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