Britain’s leading lady rider Laura Renwick secured the win in the Dick Turpin Stakes with the speedy mare Beluga at this year’s Horse of the Year Show.
“She’s tough to catch if she leaves the fences up,” said Essex-based Laura. “She always goes fast, it’s just the way she likes to compete.”
Caroline Tyrrell’s The Comedian was crowned Virbac 3D Worming Cob of the Year Champion in front of a 9,500-strong crowd on day four of the event. The eight-year-old liver chestnut gelding by Welcome Flagmount gave Norfolk-based Allister Hood a foot-perfect ride despite the electric atmosphere that was quickly building in the Andrews Bowen International Arena.
“It was amazing and he was just fantastic,” said Allister. “He stood like a rock in there.”
Sunday 13th October also saw home-grown World Number One show jumper Ben Maher from Essex claim the Thistledown Stakes with Kavanagh.
“I hadn’t had a great start to the week. My top horses are having a week off, so I had to borrow some,” Ben explained. “Kavanagh belongs to John and Laura Renwick, and Laura usually rides him. I have a different style to her, so it’s taken us a few days to click. Now we have, it’s been great to give the home crowd a win.”
Photo: ES Photography