Death of top horse

SHANE Sweetnam’s former top mount Amaretto D’Arco has died at the age of 16.

The Belgian Warmblood stallion, by Darco, died after complication during a colic surgery last week.

With Sweetnam, the talented horse competed at the 2011 and 2013 European Championships in Herning and Madrid for Ireland, as well as at the World Cup final in 2013.

America’s Katie Dinan, the same rider that bought the Irish Sport Horse Dougie Douglas for a record €1.4 million at the Goresbridge Supreme sale, took over the ride on the stallion in 2013 and the pair racked-up notable success.

Dinan paid heartfelt tribute to the horse’s bravery, intelligence and athleticism.

Nelson is Star

CONGRATULATIONS to young Kildare event rider Zara Nelson, winner of the Gain/Irish Field Star of the Month for August with 264 votes.

Nelson’s latest win at Ballindenisk is featured on A75.

Tapner retires

PAUL Tapner, winner of Badminton in 2015, announced he would retire at the end of this season and will work as digital and technical manager for the Event Rider Masters Series. Tapner will carry on eventing at amateur level.