‘Red letter day’ for Robert Walker at HOYS

Prolific show producer and rider Robert Walker has enjoyed a “red letter day” at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) winning three classes.

‘Very emotional’

Robert’s first win of the day was the TopSpec Heavyweight Show Hunter of the Year with Vantage Point, which saw them qualify for the championships.

He then went on to take the Leeman Family Maxi Cob of the Year Championship with Starry night. The 11-year-old gelding, who is owned by Camilla Neame and Val Sheenan, has won the class at HOYS for the past six years.

Robert retired him in the ring after the class, which he described as “very emotional”.

Trio of wins

His trio of wins was completed when Vantage Point was crowned TopSpec Show Hunter of the Year Champion. This is the second year running Robert has won the title – last year riding Ceasers Palace.

“We have a fantastic team of horses and it was great to win again this year,” said Robert. “We’ve had three rides and three winners today. It’s one of those days we might never do again.”

‘Overwhelmed’

Earlier in day Clare Curry and Noble Star were named Guy Fawkes III Intermediate Show Hunter of the Year Champions. She has owned the 15hh gelding since he was four and said the family will never part with him.

“My mum would sell me, my sister and the house before him, he’s everyone’s best friend,” said Clare.

“Last year my sister won here and that was a win for me too. I didn’t think it would ever happen to me. I want to cry, but I’m so overwhelmed I can’t.”

‘Cloud nine’

In the Underwood Working Hunter Pony of the Year Championship, Philippa Weir emerged the victor riding Freckleton Maximus.

The first year psychology student from Dumfries was delighted with her first HOYS win.

“I am on cloud nine,” she said. “HOYS is a whole different scale, it’s amazing to win here.”