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Douglas Bunn
DOUGLAS Bunn was not just an equestrian pioneer. He was also the man at the centre of his genteel sport's greatest ever controversy – the Harvey Smith V-sign.
Still talked about almost four decades after the Yorkshireman's two-fingered salute became a worldwide talking point, it helped turn the irrepressible rider into a household name.
In August 1971, Mr Smith arrived at Hickstead to take part in the Derby – a stamina test that was the brainchild of Mr Bunn and featured unique obstacles as such as a 10ft 6in bank that would not normally feature on the showjumping circuit.
The Yorkshireman had won the race the previous year, but failed to arrive with the winner's trophy at the Sussex venue.
He said he had forgotten it. The judges, however, did not necessarily share this view. They thought Mr Smith had arrogantly assumed that he would, once again, win his sport's most prestigious prize.
It led to an undignified argument between the two main protagonists – Mr Bunn telling the rider that he stood "no chance" of winning.
Predictably, this fired up Mr Smith who then rode his horse, Mattie Brown, to victory, one of a record seven victories in the Hickstead feature.
As he crossed the line, he thrust two fingers upwards, palm-backwards, in the direction of the judge's balcony where a furious Mr Bunn was distinctly unimpressed.
So, too, was the Yorkshireman who returned to Bingley to discover a telegram from his nemesis.
It read: "Because of your disgusting behaviour at the end of your jump-off in the Derby the directors and I have disqualified you and all prize-money (2,000) is forfeited. You will also be reported to the stewards of the BSJA (British Show Jumping Association)."
Predictably, an aggrieved and dogmatic Harvey Smith appealed against the judgment, saying, "It was a straightforward V for Victory sign. Churchill used it throughout the war."
When he appeared before the stewards, he brought with him a hefty file of photographs showing Churchill making the V-sign – with palm facing both forwards and backwards.Victory was reinstated.
Many involved showjumping, or followed the drama on television, did not believe the "V for Victory" excuse. The V-sign, previously called the "up yours" or "two fingers" gesture, soon became known as "the Harvey Smith".
A pub in Kent was even renamed The Harvey Smith, with a painted sign showing the rider making his two-fingered salute. Local officials criticised the sign as "distasteful", but the landlord said that trade had doubled since the name change.
Though he has tried to distance himself with the gesture, Mr Smith was hired to advertise Victory-V throat lozenges, appearing on posters making the V-sign, with palm forwards.
The founder and owner of the All England Jumping Course at Hickstead, Mr Bunn, has died at the age of 81. He was regarded as a central figure in British showjumping after building and then opening the venue in May 1960. It remains the spiritual home of the sport in this country.
Michael Clayton, past editor of Horse and Hound and a personal friend, reflected on his importance in British showjumping today, saying: "Douglas Bunn was undoubtedly the greatest innovator in British showjumping in the post-war years.
"He relished controversy, and was never afraid to break new ground. His contribution was unique, and he will be much missed by his many friends to whom he was unfailingly generous.
"Above all he was a true horseman, and loved the challenge of cross-country riding in the hunting field as much as the disciplines of showjumping."
Though he has mellowed over the years, Mr Smith, who celebrated his 70th birthday last December, still holds forthright views on many subjects.
As assistant trainer to his wife Sue at their racing stables high on Bingley Moor, it is the handicappers from the British Horseracing Authority who are more likely to receive a verbal tongue-lashing, or two-fingered gesture, if they unfairly penalise one of the Smith-trained horses.
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Sunday 12 February 2012
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