Skelton and Big Star bow out in style at Royal Windsor Show

DOUBLE Olympic champion Nick Skelton bid an emotional farewell to showjumping in the presence of the Queen on Sunday.

Skelton and his Rio 2016 gold medal-winning ride Big Star both formally retired on the final day of the Royal Windsor Horse Show.

As the Queen watched from the Royal Box, Skelton, who lives near Alcester, entered a packed Castle Arena on Big Star - fans were also stood several deep outside it, craning for a view - riding through a guard of honour formed by officials and riders.

Wearing his Great Britain team jacket and adorned by the Rio gold medal he won so spectacularly last summer, a clearly moved Skelton said his public goodbye.

"From the day we bought Big Star when he was five-years-old, I had it in my mind that he could win an Olympic gold medal," said the 59-year-old.

"He has been an outstanding horse, and he has never let me down.

"I have an amazing team around me, and I have been very lucky all my life.

"I've had the most wonderful horses, great owners and great sponsors, and I am very proud of what I have done.

"I would do it all again if I could."

More on Skelton's farewell in this week's Herald.