David Broome on Anneli

“ANNELI was as tough as nails and a very good horsewoman,” says David of his team-mate and rival. “She was one of the best in her era. It wasn’t just Merely-A-Monarch, she did very well with Xanthos too. She was always competitive – you’d never won until she’d ridden.

“She is also a lovely person, as kind as can be. I remember once being invited to ride in Cape Town and the horse they lent me was useless. She was so embarrassed she lent me one of her best horses to ride. She has the kindest of hearts.

“And she’s still phenomenally tough – when you think Pat Smythe retired at 33, and Anneli’s still competing at 83!”