Long wait is finally over for Harvey

In a career spanning 40 years, his uncompromising attitude led to numerous confrontations with the equestrian establishment.

But now Harvey has become a member of it himself and has been presented with a lifetime achievement award by British Showjumping.

The award, presented at British Showjumping's ball on the eve of this week's British Open Showjumping Championships in Birmingham, came as a complete surprise.

"I didn't have a clue about it and I'm highly delighted. Recognition at last," said Harvey, who is 71. When asked if that meant he was joining the establishment after all these years he laughed. "If you can't beat 'em, join 'em."

In fact, he is already a member of the sport's executive board, aiming to get the British team on top form for the London Olympics.

And in 2008 he also received an award from the FEI, the international governing body of equestrian sports, for outstanding services.

During his career, he rode in two Olympic Games and won several world and European championship medals and made over 70 British Nations' Cup team appearances.

But the outspoken Yorkshireman's most famous moment came on winning the Hickstead Derby in 1971. On leaving the ring, he held up two fingers towards the judges' box which they did not interpret as a V for victory sign.

The gesture may have upset the equestrian establishment but it made him a hero with the public.

After retiring from show-jumping he had brief careers as a singer and a wrestler. These days, he works with his wife Sue, a successful racehorse trainer, at their farm at High Eldwick near Bingley.

They do not have a horse running in the Grand National this year but will be at Aintree today to watch the big race.

THERE was more good news for British show-jumpers this week when the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) announced it had overturned the FEI's decision to demote the British team from show-jumping's super league. Team GB will now be able to compete in the 2010 Meydan Nations' Cup series which begins next month.

The British Equestrian Federation had appealed against the FEI's earlier decision.

Andrew Finding, chief executive of the BEF, said: "We are delighted that our team will now be able to compete in the FEI top level Nations' Cup series. I am sure our riders will compete with vigour and determination to prove their credentials throughout the 2010 season."

Townend lends support to Northallerton event

A new one-day event is being held at Northallerton Equestrian Centre on May 23 and Oliver Townend has agreed to be one of the sponsors.

Stephen Hazeldine, a joint master of the York and Ainsty Hunt, which is organising the event, said: "It will be a non-affiliated event with 75 and 90cm courses aimed at beginners and those bringing on new horses, as well as the less brave competitors."

Oliver Townend has ridden several horses belonging to Stephen over the past few years, including ODT Master Rose, which he has entered for Badminton.

The horse proved to be too strong out on the hunting field and has been doing well with Townend, who considered taking him to Kentucky.

However, he will now be taking Ashdale Cruise Master and Carousel Quest, aiming for the Rolex Grand Slam in Kentucky from April 21-24.

Stephen and his wife are keeping their fingers crossed meanwhile that Master Rose will do well at Badminton where they will be on hand to help with grooming duties.

For more information about the Northallerton event, call Stephen Hazeldine on 01423 339511 or email [email protected].

CW 10/4/10