Jack The Giant ended his showing career on a high when winning the SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse of the Year at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS).
Top show producer Allister Hood rode the 14-year-old by Giants Causeway in the prestigious championship for ex-racehorses.
“What a way to end his career,” said Allister. “He’s done his job now. This was the only win that had eluded him, so I’m thrilled we got it for him today.”
Jack the Giant was trained by Nicky Henderson during his racing career. Now, following his second career of showing, he is going to embark on a third career in the hunting field.
Second place went to Her Majesty The Queen’s Barber Shop ridden by Katie Jerram.
Allister was victorious again on Saturday, riding Caroline Tyrrells’ lightweight cob Our Cashel Blue in the Humdinger Consultancy Cob of the Year Championship.
The seven-year-old denied last year’s Champion, Randalstown Musketeer, a consecutive win.
Kim Smith’s nine-year-old Thoroughbred Rathnaleen Gothic won the Sandal BMW Intermediate Show Riding Type of the Year, ridden by Lizzie Smith.
The pair had finished reserve in this class last year. “He was amazing today. Absolutely foot perfect and he held it together for himself,” said Lizzie.
Both the champion and reserve in the Kathleen Wood Children’s Riding Pony of the Year Championship went to 148cm ponies. Joanne Price’s 10-year-old bay gelding Litton Enterprise stood champion, ridden by Phoebe Price, while Margaret Cartlidge’s Basford Black Prince stood reserve with Poppy Carter.
“He’s made all my biggest dreams come true,” said Phoebe. “He’s usually quite laid back but rises to the challenge when he’s out. At home we have lessons, take part in fun rides and like to hack out.”
Out of 17 competitors in the Carrs BMW Lead Rein Pony of Hunter Type of the Year, it was Rebecca Godfrey-Faussett’s nine-year-old Welsh Section B Gryngallt Picture Frame stood top of the line-up.
In the Price Family Mini Show Pony of the Year, Lisa Kerr’s six-year-old Wytchwood Love Potion took the top prize.
Image credit ES Photography