Queen sees tearful farewell to Skelton
OLYMPIC champion Nick Skelton and his horse Big Star bade an emotional farewell to show jumping at a retirement ceremony yesterday – watched by the Queen.
Skelton, 59, led his gold medalwinning horse around the arena at the prestigious Royal Windsor Horse Show, in the presence of the smiling monarch who was clearly a fan.
Nick, who became Britain’s second-oldest Olympic gold medallist at Rio 2016, appeared for a final time when he paraded Big Star at the show.
The veteran equestrian said: “This sport has given me more than I could have ever hoped over the past 43 years. But I am not getting any younger and it is nice for the two of us to end on the highest note possible.”
British Show Jumping tweeted: “Emotions and tears are flowing as we watch Nick Skelton and Big Star retire. We salute you!”
An onlooker added: “There wasn’t a dry eye in the house.”
Skelton was crowned Olympic champion last year after striking gold in his record-breaking seventh Games. He won Britain’s first gold in the individual event in 44 years by completing three perfect clear rounds on Big Star. He overcame extraordinary odds to be competing after breaking his neck in a lifethreatening fall. Meanwhile, the Queen’s granddaughter Lady Louise Windsor followed in the footsteps of Prince Philip by driving a carriage at the horse show. The teenager sat atop a gleaming restored carriage which was first used by the Queen in 1943.