After another stellar performance in the Topham Barnes Riding Horse of the Year, reigning champion Diamonds are Forever III wasn’t ready to give up the Championship title at this year’s Horse of the Year Show (HOYS). The eight-year-old Warmblood owned by Annabel Jenks took the honours after securing the Large Riding Horse section earlier in the day with Norfolk’s Allister Hood.
Fresh from his win on Our Cashel Blue in The Colosso Family Cob of the Year Championship yesterday, Allister said: “He [Diamonds are Forever III] was wonderful in there. He never misses a beat.”
By Diamond Hit, Diamonds are Forever III has been unbeaten in every class for the last two seasons, which Allister said “in this day and age, is quite phenomenal.” He continued: “He just oozes charisma… He draws you to him and then you just want to look at him.”
Small Riding Horse Casino III also successfully defended her title in the Small Riding Horse and went one better this year to stand Reserve Champion with Jayne Ross. The Warmblood mare is by Painted Black and owned by Diane Stennett.
Second in the Large Riding Horse was Vanessa Ramm’s Irish Sports Horse Corbally Lucky Boy with Martin Skelton in the saddle. The 12-year-old qualified at Derbyshire Festival of Showing and was third in this class at HOYS last year.
Patricia Duncan’s Kilnamona Glen stood second in the Small section ridden by Caroline Mackness.
Photo: 1st Class Images
