IT is the 100th anniversary of the birth of the legendary show jumper Seamus Hayes. Born on November 5th, 1924, he was one of the best and most well-known international horsemen in the late 1940s right up to his forced retirement in 1973, due to a fall at the RDS that broke his hip.

He was most well-known for his exploits with Snowstorm, Sheila and Goodbye. He rode internationally for Ireland for many years, winning at shows all over Europe. As well as the European circuit, he had invitations to ride in Washington and Johannesburg, where he also trained.

He won the first Hickstead Derby in 1961 with Goodbye III, the only clear round, and again in 1964. He was one of the first civilians to jump on the Aga Khan Trophy Nations Cup team, winning it in 1963 and 1967. Goodbye and himself won the Puissance in Amsterdam, jumping 7ft2, as well as others including the RDS in 1965 and again in 1967, dividing it with Harvey Smith, riding O’Malley.

He brought much pride and joy to his country. He passed away 35 years ago, on October 30th 1989.