From return winners to HOYS debutants, the second day of competition at Birmingham’s NEC was action-packed. Cheryl Mackintosh’s Connemara Woodbank Smokey Sam, who jumped his heart out to win the Thor Atkinson Steel Fabrications Ltd HOYS 143cm M&M working hunter sash with Scottish producer Kirsty Aird, was among yesterday’s victors. The show marked “Sammy’s” final HOYS working hunter appearance, with the gelding now going out on loan to be shown as a veteran. Kirsty said it was “fantastic” for Sammy to finish at the top.
Del, the former top ride of Carl Hester – who has been more recently campaigned by fellow Olympian Fiona Bigwood – has been sold to Irish grand prix rider Fenella Quinn. Carl and the 14-year-old Diamond Hit son were part of the bronze medal-winning team at the World Equestrian Games in 2018 and Del has notched up a number of wins with Fiona since joining her in April 2021. Aberdeen-based Fenella said trying Del was “every bit as magical” as she had hoped it would be, and she is looking forward to forming a partnership with him.
3. Fancy dress at the London International Horse Show
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Back by popular demand, the fancy dress pairs relay will return to the London show, at its new home at ExCeL, this Christmas. For many years the class was a crowd favourite at Olympia, with names including Harvey Smith, David Broome, Nick Skelton and John Whitaker among those to have taken part. A celebrity compere will host the evening and a panel of judges will mark the pairs on their riding skills as well as their costume designs. Spectators will also be invited to participate in the judging in what is being billed as “the horse world’s Christmas party of the year”.
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Since joining H&H in 2018, Becky has covered a broad range of equestrian news including welfare matters, veterinary studies, FEI Tribunal hearings and road safety campaigns. She has also interviewed top riders including Scott Brash, John Whitaker and Ian Stark, to name just a few. Becky’s reporting has taken her to Canada for Spruce Meadows and France for Pau five-star, as well as the Royal Highland and Blair Castle International Horse Trials closer to home. She was also a key part of the remote reporting team for the Tokyo Olympics and the Europeans.
