Rock Model Trophy: Olympic event horse remembered in new prize

Rock Model trophy: the new trophy will be given in honour of the Italian Olympic horse — Vittoria Panizzon and Rock Model at Belton in 2013.

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Olympic event horse and European medallist Rock Model will be remembered in a new trophy awarded at the Eventing Spring Carnival at Thoresby Park Horse Trials (31 March-3 April).

Sarah Bullen is marking the career of her home-bred by providing the trophy, which will be given to the winner of the Investec-sponsored CCI3*-S section on Saturday of the event.

Among his achievements he was very successful at Belton – the forerunner of the new fixture at Thoresby, with both events organised by BEDE Events. The pair won the under-25 advanced there in 2005, and the advanced in 2007, and finished third in the Grantham Cup CCI4*-S in 2013. Bug was also second in an open intermediate at Oasby, another BEDE Events fixture, on his final eventing run in the autumn of 2013.

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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.

Olympic event horse remembered with new trophy: ‘Shining a light on his fantastic career’

Sarah said: “It is wonderful to mark his career even so many years after his passing and thanks to this new trophy he will continue to shine a light on the fantastic career he and Vittoria had together.”

Hear more about Rock Model when Vittoria Panizzon features on the Horse & Hound Podcast next week (episode 94).

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