Giving to our sport

THIS week we pay tribute to Prince Philip (p26) – and how fitting that he appears on our cover taking part in the sport he virtually invented, driving trials, at home at Windsor.

We were still reeling from his death when Rachael Blackmore gave us a huge lift on Saturday by winning the Grand National (p42). It’s National Velvet come to life, although of course Rachael is a professional jockey, repeating success again and again, so very different to Velvet Brown in that novel. But the essence of achieving a dream remains and racing needed a positive story after a rocky spring.

Rachael gives and Prince Philip gave so much to horse sport, and elsewhere this week we focus on a horse and a person who have also done great things for equestrianism’s image.

The horse is Valegro (p72), while the person is Clare Balding (p18).

Her presenting brilliance, combined with her passion for equestrianism, encouraged a nation to take note of the “dancing horses” during London 2012.

Clare discusses the sheer resilience needed by top athletes – that ability to dust yourself off and get back on after bad times is what sets the best apart.

We are thinking ahead to the Tokyo Olympics and it will be those with the greatest resilience who triumph there.

H&H always goes to town around championships and, as we’ve been somewhat starved of sport during the past 18 months, this will be truer than ever from Tokyo – we are committed to bringing you our greatest event coverage yet. Ninety-eight days to go…