Hamlett takes centre stage

Two horses round off their competitive careers with victories, a championship specialist earns her fourth title and a pair with a combined age of 105 prove invincible

- EMILY BEVAN

BRC NAF Five Star National Championships, Lincolnshire Showground

SARAH HAMLETT went home with a stash of prizes after the Saffron Walden Riding Club (RC) member triumphed in the senior 80 showjumping aboard Grafique Banta and was crowned overall individual champion in the senior prelim dressage with Linda Allan's 13-year-old exevent mare, Facari MG.

It was an emotional victory in the showjumping as it was Grafique Banta's final show before retirement, and it was at this event two years ago that Sarah suffered concussion following a fall from the 22-year-old part-bred Arab.

"I'm gobsmacked by this result," said Sarah, a freelance groom. "I've been dreading coming, as the fall was in the back of my mind but once we got over the first jump, I knew we could do it. I'm so happy to end her career on a high." Saffron Walden RC were also in the money in the senior prelim team event after they secured a one-point victory from Ebor Vale RC.

Another mount to make their final competition a successful one was 26-year-old Miss Moon, who won the junior 70 showjumping with Ella McGrath. The duo were members of the second-placed Three Valleys RC team, while Ella was also part of the winning quartet with her other pony, Vicky.

"It's been an amazing day, said Ella, 11. "Miss Moon's normally quite lazy, but she loves jumping and was flying round the course. She's retiring now and going back to her owner. I'm really happy to finish our partnership like this."

FABULOUS FOUR