Ramiro De Belle Vue passes away

JESSICA Mendoza’s Ramiro De Belle Vue passed away last week following colic complications after an eye operation. The 16-year-old gelding by Mozart Des Hayettes was a prolific winner for Mendoza across Europe, most recently winning three class in a row at two and three-star level in Vilamoura. The British rider announced his passing during the week, saying: “I couldn’t have asked for a better few years on him. He took me from winning at my first Global Tour to winning my first Derby and car. The most cheeky and cheerful character who has a special place in all my teams heart. Thank you for everything and sweet dreams little man.”

Barbury Castle estate sold

BARBURY Castle Estate has been sold. However the horse trails and further fixtures at the venue are set to continue, according to Horse & Hound. It is believed the new owner is keen to continue with the equestrian events and the 2017 horse trials will take place from July 6-9th.

Pender and Hughes in winning form

MIKEY Pender scored two wins in 48 hours at the four-star show in Abu Dhabi aboard two Irish Sport Horses.

The Kildare teenager (17) came out on top in the Longines Grand Prix qualifier riding HHS Hercules (ISH), with an impressive clear round in 36.08 seconds. On Friday morning he guided Z Seven Caretina to victory in the young horse Grand Prix. The mare by Coltaire Z was the only six-year-old in the top five, with seven-year-old horses filling the remaining places.

Pender and Z Seven Caretina (ISH) last year won the silver medal in the five-year-old final at the World Championships at Lanaken in Belgium.

Kilkenny’s Marion Hughes and Heritage HHS Fortuna (ISH) added another Irish victory in the Al Sakab Equestrian two phase class, crossed the line with the fastest time of 23.46 seconds. The Irish pair also featured in Thursday’s Grand Prix qualifier, with Pender taking fourth place aboard Z7 Cordanos V, one place ahead of Hughes riding Can Ya Makan.

See page A45 for more international show jumping results.

Skelton nominated

OLYMPIC gold medallist Nick Skelton has been nominated for the Laureus World Comeback of the Year award.

The British show jumper, who rode Big Star to glory at the Rio Olympic Games last summer, is one of six nominees in the category at the Laureus World Sports Awards. The winners will be choosen by members of the academy and will be revealed on February 14th in Monaco.