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Nick Skelton: ‘Big Star will jump at Olympia and I’ve received SPOTY invitation’

Gemma Redrup Gemma Redrup

    • Individual showjumping Olympic gold medalist, Nick Skelton made a guest appearance at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) this weekend (8-9 October), where he received the HOYS Equestrian of the Year title.

    He also revealed what his plans are for his superstar horse Big Star, who paraded in front on his fans during the final night of the show and shared the latest news on the drive to see him crowned BBC Sports Personality of the Year (SPOTY).

    Where next for Big Star?

    British showjumpers times Rio nick skelton rio showjumping

    Nick Skelton and Big Star at the Rio Olympics. Picture by Peter Nixon

    “Big Star will be competing at Olympia (13-19 December). I’ve decided to take him there so that I can give something back to the people who have supported us. Big Star’s fans in England don’t get a chance to see him competing much, so that’s why I want to take him,” explained Nick, who won’t be jumping on the Sunday as it clashes with SPOTY.

    “He loves the attention and has a great character and temperament so going out in front of everyone doesn’t bother him at all.”

    Continued below…

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    Will you be back at the HOYS venue, the NEC, for the BBC SPOTY Award?

    Nick Skelton Rio gold

    Nick Skelton takes the gold medal at the Rio Olympics. Picture by Peter Nixon

    “Well I’ve had the invitation to attend it. To get nominated would be great, but it would be in my wildest dreams to think that I could be winning it, especially with the likes of Mo Farah and Andy Murray, who have a huge following. I don’t know how many votes I need to win but I’m sure British Showjumping will push it — we’ll see what comes.”

    How many autographs have you signed since Rio?

    “I don’t know — but a lot! I had a crampy hand when I’d finished here [at HOYS] today. It’s amazing though — it’s good for the sport and for our country. It’s great that people turn out and want a piece of us.”

    As told to LloydBell

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    Gemma Redrup
    Gemma Redrup

    H&H features, racing and point-to-point editor
    Gemma is an experienced journalist, having been part of the H&H team since 2014, who is passionate about all equestrian sports, including racing and point-to-pointing. She has enjoyed riding out for top trainers Nicky Henderson and Charlie Appleby and took part in a charity Flat race at in August 2018. Gemma’s reporting talents have taken her to numerous five-star events around Britain and Europe, as well as European championships.
    Gemma Redrup

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