Lifetime award for local equestrian expert Hugh

RDS President, Mr M A Mealy said; “Hugh’s reputation and outstanding contribution to the equine industry precede him far beyond the shores of his own country.”

Hugh, who has been showing horses for over 50 years at the RDS, has produced household names like the famous Skibereen - unbeaten in the UK - Bantry Bay, and Coolio, currently ridden by Mark Kyle.

Buying his first horse at the age of 10, Hugh’s life in the equine world became established, going on to become a professional point to point rider and legendary trainer.

Mr Mealy said that Hugh’s extraordinary eye for seeing the potential in a young horse was renowned across Europe.

“He has also always had that rare talent and ability to straighten out a difficult horse and regularly schooled discerning client’s valuable bloodstock,” he noted.

The winner of two Ladies Hunters Championships, and two Reserve Championships, Hugh also won the Working Hunter Championships on several occasions.

For most of his life Hugh hunted with the Mid & East Antrim and the last horse he rode was Taylor Made one of the most exceptional horses he ever owned who was sold to Italy

As his hunting career drew to an end Hugh spent much of his later years judging and showing young horses in hand and winning two Young Horse Championships at the RDS