Top showjumping stallion Hello Oscar has been put to sleep at the grand age of 29.
Owned throughout his life by Margaret Lock, who bred him in 1986, the Hanoverian chestnut stallion was produced and ridden by John Renwick until 1994. He then competed under Allan Clutterbuck and later Geoff Glazzard. He had enjoyed his retirement with Margaret and was a respected stallion, siring both eventers and showjumpers.
Standing at an almighty 17.1hh, Hello Oscar — no connection to Hello Sanctos’ prefix — made Nations Cup appearances including at Lisbon and Aachen, and enjoyed success in major classes including the Hickstead Derby with Geoff.
“He had a wonderful temperament, you wouldn’t have known he was a stallion,” said Geoff. “For some reason he always lit up in the Hickstead Derby — he loved Hickstead. I saw him a few years ago at Mrs Lock’s and he looked very happy.”
The Grade A international showjumper was by Sue and John Rawding’s stallion Dallas and out of the mare Nice ‘N’ Easy, who was showjumped at a high level by former British team manager Derek Ricketts.
He retired from competition in 2002 and stood at stud in Ireland for some time before returning to Margaret’s base in Essex.
“He was a real gentle giant,” said Derek Morton who looked after Hello Oscar while grooming for Geoff. “If ever he stood on your toe and you’d shout at him, he’d then have a proper sulk.”
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The stallion’s successes included third in the 1998 Hickstead Derby with Geoff — he was also sixth in his first attempt, he had grands prix wins at Royal Welsh, Royal Lancashire, third in the grand prix at Windsor and eighth in the San Marino grand prix. He had winnings in excess of £100,000.
His full sister Hello Feliz was also an international showjumper and won the speed grand prix at the Royal International Horse Show.
