Toytown was the horse of a lifetime, says Zara

Zara and Toytown won individual and team gold at the 2005 European Championships and went on to be crowned world champions in Germany the following year.

Now 18, Toytown has suffered several injuries, which meant he did not get the chance to compete at the Olympics, and has officially retired from competing.

The newly-married Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall have delayed their honeymoon because of their professional commitments.

Toytown’s retirement was a family affair with England rugby union star Tindall, the Princess Royal and Capt Mark Phillips and Peter Phillips and his wife, Autumn, all making an appearance in the arena to support Zara, who was in tears as she took Toytown on a lap of honour before unsaddling him and leading him from the ring.

Zara said: “I think it will be quite difficult. It’s the end of an era. He was the horse of a lifetime for me. We grew up together, we went through the levels together and it all just seemed to go our way.

“His movement, his character, it all combined to make the complete horse. And cross-country, he was just a machine. I don’t think I am ever going to find a horse quite like him but hopefully others that will be good enough to go to the same level as he did.”

Australian rider Sam Griffiths was the winner of the final Express Eventing qualifier at Gatcombe.

Yorkshire’s Oliver Townend came a close second, riding Neo du Breuil, with just 0.8 penalty points separating the two.

Townend had a busy weekend, competing on nine horses.

Sienna Myson-Davies, in fifth, was the highest placed young rider and goes through to the final at the Horse of the Year Show.

Northallerton’s Rachael Lupton finished seventh with The Chenko Artist.

The Derwent Hunt is running a show-cross event at Woodlands Farm, Snainton on August 27.

Two new classes have been added this year. There will be an arena competition for the under 12s with fences a maximum of 2ft. “We are keen for it to be a friendly introduction to little ones, so the show jumps can be lowered for lead reins and the biggest solid fence will be straw bales,” said Vicki Newbould, one of the organisers.

Also new is an inter-hunt challenge, where hunts are invited to enter teams of four.

In the evening, there will be a barbecue and disco when proceeds will be divided between the Derwent Hunt and Louby’s Lifeline, a charity which supports patients with brain tumours in Yorkshire and also funds research. For more information about both events, call 07770510770 or email [email protected].

RESULTS Aldborough & Boroughbridge

Heavy horses – best condition & turned out: 1, CA Wilkins - Oaklodge Maisie; 2, J Taylor - Fordelhill Lady Frances; 3, Messrs Dodgson & Young - Ribston Ivy.

Barren mare-gelding, any age: 1, J Taylor - Fordelhill Lady Frances; 2, H Dunning - Grange Farm William; 3, Messrs Dodgson & Young - Ribston Holly.

Yearling-colt-filly-gelding or 2-year-old: 1, AJ Gribbin - Rook Hills Magic Lady; 2, CA Wilkins - Oaklodge Maisie; 3, Messrs Dodgson - Ribston Ivy.

3-year-old colt-filly-gelding: 1, H Dunning - Grange Farm Amber.

Junior champion: Rook Hills Magic Lady; Reserve - Oaklodge Maisie. Senior: Rookhills Magic Lady; Reserve - Oaklodge Maisie.

Weeton Show Shires

Brood mare with foal at foot: 1, G Clough - Dothan Ruby.

Foal-colt-filly: Laurel Bank Royal Butterfly.

Yearling-colt-filly-gelding: 1, Mr & Mrs F Pickles - Cumeragh House Mary Beth; 2, Messrs Dodgson & Young - Ribston Ivy.

2-year-old-colt-filly-gelding: 1, K Downs - Milnerfield Emma; 2, C Wilkins - Oaklodge Maisie.

Gelding-barren mare - 3 years & over: 1, Messrs Dodgson & Young - Ribston Holly; 2, Mr & Mrs F Pickles - Providence Misty Morn.

Ridden heavy horse: 1, Miss G Marsh - Fellview Brazilia; 2, Miss E Maun - Broomhedge Sir Ronnie.

Veteran heavy horse: 1, Mr & Mrs F Pickles - Providence Misty Morn.

Decorated harness: 1, R Whiteoak - Hunters Pride Bess.

Champion: Milnerfield Farm; Reserve - Dothan Ruby.