Hyde Park lands the big one

A consistent gelding finally achieves supreme status after taking his third hack of the year title on the same spot

- TRICIA JOHNSON

DANIELLE HEATH fulfilled a lifetime ambition when landing her first Supreme Products overall supreme horse title, scoring with Guy Mears’ immaculate hack champion, Forgeland Hyde Park (Will).

There was no doubting the class and charisma of the stunning Kilvington Scoundrel 12-year-old as he glided around the TopSpec arena in the preliminary judging, going seamlessly through the gears before coming to a rocksteady halt. Shortly afterwards, he strode majestically into the main arena for the final reckoning.

Judges Philip and Rosemary Hilton, long-serving senior stewards and British Show Pony Society stalwarts, had 10 top animals to choose from, but were fulsome in their praise of the victor.

“It stood out as a type from the off,” said Philip. “It ticks all the boxes for looks, presence and movement, and was totally mannerly – as a hack should be.”

Danielle was beyond happy. “This result was something I’ve wanted for a long time,” she said. “I’ve been lucky enough to be in the supreme a few times over the years, but never quite got to the top spot – this was an absolute dream come true. The thrill was everything I expected and more.

“To do it on such a charismatic gentleman as Will was just the icing on the cake; as soon as he walks into any ring, he owns it, but I knew I had to give it my all too.”

Winning the Culford Lodge Commodities/Andrews Family hack title completed a hattrick for Will, who was section champion in 2019 and 2021.