David Broome says . . .
“It was a great day to be British; following a team with such spirit and commitment [during the Nation’s Cup at Hickstead]. It was a good team on paper and full marks to everyone for a wonderful performance.
“When I walked the course, I thought it was big enough, and Bob Ellis had pitched it about right, with just three double clears. Winning was a great feeling, and raised British spirits. We now have a team that has tasted success. A show on a wet day isn’t usually the place to be, but I loved being at Hickstead.”
Mark Phillips says . . .
“I’m having trouble getting my head around the implications of so many championships. There will certainly be plenty of marketing opportunities, but I fear that the championships will have less meaning, as no sooner will we have one champion than another will appear on the horizon.
“The jury is still out at present and it will be interesting to gauge reactions from around the world. For certain though, those people selling good horses will be in for a bumper time, as the demand for high-quality horseflesh is certain to rise!”
Graham Fletcher says . . .
“This season’s big talking point has been the sale of former British team horses, Luidam and It’s Magic Max, for Billy Twomey and Peter Charles to ride for Ireland.
“Now comes the news that Fleur, formerly ridden by Irishman Trevor Coyle, is back in Michael Whitaker’s yard, while Tim Stockdale has gained the ride on Jerome III, previously partnered by Cameron Hanley. The quote of the season came from Edward Doyle when he greeted Tim at Chester with: “Hey what’s all this about you English nicking our horses?”
Lucy Higginson says . . .
“Anyone who grazes horses will welcome the formal launch of the “Draft code of practice to control and prevent the spread of ragwort” last week, a keystone of the wider Ragwort Control Bill.
“Not the grabbiest title perhaps, but the code is full of good and easy-to-follow advice on ragwort and how to shift it from your particular bit of land. Advising people is only part of the job, or course. As one journalist pointed out some landowners don’t give a damn about their ragwort problem. I passed tons of the stuff on my drive home.”
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