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‘He’s a diamond’: triple HOYS winner enjoys his championship moment at the NEC

Alex Robinson Alex Robinson

    • On the final day of the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), The Binks Family HOYS 2024 show hunter pony of the year spoils were secured by a three-time class winner.

    Katie Parker and her 133cm contender Thistledown Sea Mariner shone the brightest in a field of eight championship finalists. Judges were JJ Kemp and Chris Lawrie.

    “He was a top, top pony; just outstanding,” said ride judge JJ.

    It was a bittersweet moment for Katie, though, as this was her final ride on “Mario”, who is produced by Sharn Linney.

    The grey gelding is a pure-bred Welsh section B, being out of Loveden Sea Pearl by Paddock Sahara. He was bred by Sandy Anderson, also the breeder of the winning 123cm pony, Thistledown Galaxy, piloted by Rocco Lindsay.

    Sharn picked the gelding out of the field as a three-year-old. She explained: “We’ve had him since day one. He walked up to us and I said he was the one I wanted. He was coming home on our lorry.”

    Mario also won the 133cm crown in 2021 under Lily Brennan and last term he was victorious here with Katie.

    “He’s an absolute diamond to produce,” Sharn said.

    Reserve in the HOYS 2024 show hunter pony of the year championship was the second placed 133cm combination, Evante Hughes and her home-produced gelding Warleigh Fantastic Light.

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    Alex Robinson
    Alex Robinson

    H&H showing editor
    Born and raised in the Lake District, Alex has grown up on the showing scene. She has qualified and competed ponies at the Royal International, Horse of the Year Show and Olympia and has first-hand knowledge of the current issues in the showing world as well as the horses, ponies and riders who compete in the sport. Alex joined H&H in January 2018 since when she has cemented its place as the leading equestrian publication for both showing reports and current showing news in the UK.
    Alex Robinson

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