SPARKLES (Hannah) Watson won the groom’s prize at Boekelo in The Netherlands last Sunday for her turn-out of husband Sam’s two rides in the CCI3*, Ardagh Highlight (finished 13th) and Imperial Sky, a member of the fourth-placed Irish team.

“I think it’s because they are both so beautiful!” said a modest Sparkles earlier this week. “I’m so lucky because the grey horse (Imperial Sky) is a very clean boy while the other is just gorgeous! It was hard work though because of all the mud everywhere.”

Sparkles, who has won many turn-out prizes and was winning the award at the Dutch event for the second time, was delighted with her cash prize. “I couldn’t believe it when I opened the envelope and saw all the Euros inside – it’s lovely to be appreciated.”

The money has been earmarked for swimming lessons for sons Archie (four) and Toby (three).

“The boys go to Montessori now in the mornings so they stayed at home with granny Julia (Watson), who is always so good to us, while I also have an amazing nanny down the road.

“I was really delighted for Sam that both horses went so well last weekend. Imperial Sky is so dependable while Ardagh Highlight is a machine. These are exciting times,” concluded Sparkles.

Ardagh Highlight features on this week’s Irish Horse World cover, brilliantly photographed by Equus Pix photography.

Delighted to see Sparkles win the award, Horse Sport Ireland’s eventing high performance manager Sally Corscadden also praised the River Lodge Equestrian grooms who proved very helpful over the four days.