LAST week Irish Horse World in this paper devoted a page, and editorial comment by Isabel Hurley, to the news that Jonty Evans launched an appeal to raise funds to keep Cooley Rorkes Drift – known as Art – in his yard and competing for Ireland.

This ‘horse of a lifetime’ performed with distinction at the Rio Olympics, finishing ninth with Jonty in the saddle. The scale of this achievement will not be lost on fans of eventing. It is not lost on those prepared to pay a sum of £1m for this proven performer, who has been guided to his present position by Jonty.