Rich Man Poor Man was crowned champion in the SEIB Insurance Brokers Racehorse to Riding Horse Championships at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) in Birmingham last week.
The 13-year-old ex-racehorse from Dumfries and Galloway, who is owned by Morean Hamilton and was ridden at HOYS by Kirstine Douglas, had been placed in this class four times previously but victory had always eluded him.
“This is my first HOYS win, it’s quite surreal to have done it. Robbie is a big horse for the indoor arena and we were wondering if it would be the one we just wouldn’t win,” said Morean.
“He’s been placed every time he’s qualified for HOYS and when we saw last night that Hayden Hankey was the ride judge we thought that could be a good move for us.”
‘Icing on the cake’
Rich Man Poor Man was previously trained as a National Hunt horse by Philip Kirby Racing and made the move to the show ring nine years ago.
“Today Robbie went the best he’s ever gone here, he really came out and carried himself. He’s a great horse and this is the icing on the cake,” said Kirstine.
“Robbie was big and weak when he came out of training from Philip Kirby’s yard but it’s been a different story for him in the show ring. It’s taken plenty of time and patience to get here.”
Long time supporter is finally recognised
Series creator, Nicolina MacKenzie of the Absolutely Genuine Company, said: “I’m beyond delighted that an owner and rider that have supported the series for so many years with this special horse have finally had all their hard work rewarded.
“From the first year he arrived at one of our qualifiers Stretcholt in Somerset as a youngster the three of them have continued to support us and today they have become very well deserved champions. It’s absolutely wonderful.”
Reserve champion was Migration, the 10-year-old bay gelding who is owned by Anthony and Georgina Andrews and ridden by Hannah Horton.
Photo credits: 1st Class Images.
