Harvey Smith on Monarch

“HE was really top-class, exceptional,” says Harvey, who rode on many Nations Cup teams alongside Merely-A-Monarch. “He was one of the best horses in the world and would still be if he were competing today.

“He was a super jumper cross-country and when he switched to showjumping, it was second nature to him. He was a proper talent and Anneli rode him very well, too. He was one of those multi-purpose horses who could have been brilliant at any job. A top trainer thought he’d win the National and yet he had pony blood.

“He was lovely, always full of himself – a true superstar.”