Aussies Fiona McIntyre and Precedence were winners at Windsor!

Image: Virtual Windsor Horse Show entry

After the cancellation of Royal Windsor Horse Show which was to run in the private grounds of Windsor Castle, ‘The Queen’s Back Garden’ from 13-17 May, organisers moved the Show online to create Virtual Windsor 2020. More than 4,200 entries were received for the online Showing competitions, including several from HM The Queen.

A ‘usual’ Royal Windsor Horse Show would receive around 2,800 entries, illustrating how the equestrian community has come together to make Virtual Windsor 2020 a larger success than ever envisioned.

A huge number of viewers watched the Show online with more than 250,000 tuning in to enjoy the event over its five days, while the social media reach soared past the million mark.

The numbers surpassed all expectations and organisers were particularly delighted by the number of viewers from overseas with more than 90 countries getting involved.

24 Showing classes were run over the five-day virtual Show, mixed with streaming of 5* Jumping and Dressage classes from previous live events, along with displays and competitions that you can only see at Royal Windsor Horse Show.

HM The Queen had six entries in the Showing Classes and was the outright winner in two — Class 2 for Cleveland Bays which she won with Wyevale Harry ridden by Matthew Powers and Class 19 the Side Saddle which she won with Stardust ridden by Katie Jerram-Hunnable.

HM The Queen's winning Celeverland Bay, Wyevale Harry ridden by Matthew Powers.

Image: Virtual Windsor Horse Show entry

Over the course of the five days, many stars of the equestrian world joined the virtual Show in interviews and commentary. Their Royal Highnesses, The Earl and Countess of Wessex also participated in a video interview showing their support for the event.

As a first-time event for Royal Windsor Horse Show organisers expressed it was more than they could have ever wished for. Simon Brooks-Ward, Show Director ended the Show by thanking all involved and hoping to see everyone again – in the flesh – next year.

Brooks-Ward, said: “We’ve been delighted by the response we’ve had to Virtual Windsor 2020. It’s been fantastic to see the Show’s community getting together to keep the Show going – whether they are competitors, shop holders, sponsors, stewards, judges and officials or visitors – everyone has been engaged. I think it demonstrates how important the Show is for all and how close it is to their hearts.”

Source: Event press release

Fiona McIntyre wins with off the track star

Australian show rider Fiona McIntyre also had success at Virtual Windsor, winning the Retraining of Racehorses In-Hand class with four-time Melbourne Cup runner Precedence. The judges were very impressed with the NZ-bred ex-galloper, who finished racing at 10 and is now 15 years of age, favouring him over hundreds of entries.

Fiona also has success with Caravan Rolls On in the Retraining of Racehorses Ridden classes, with the pair finishing fourth. Caravan Rolls On was a British-bred galloper who went on to race in Australia, before retiring here with Fiona.

Fellow Aussies Ava Halloran and Muse were also finalists in the Show Hack and Riding Horse class, finishing in the top ten out of more than 200 entries.

Australian ponies also filled four places in the top ten in the Show Pony Class. Kiabe Royal Romance was second, Newington Tinkerbell third, Drumeden Chanel seventh and Argyl Star Quality eighth. All four ponies are registered with the Riding Pony Stud Book Society of Australia - well done to all!

Fiona McIntyre and Caravan Rolls On.

Image: Virtual Windsor Horse Show entry

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