Matty is man of the match

A Christmas wish for a family team, a fairy-tale ending for a young rider and a “king of the yard” finally gets his centre-line moment

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SUSSEX'S Burchell family once again struck gold with Mandy Burchell-Small's Rowfantina Man Of The Match (Matty), who was piloted by her granddaughter Isobel Burchell, seven, and led by Mandy's son Oliver to the British Show Pony Society (BSPS) Heritage lead-rein working sports pony division before standing overall champion.

“It's been an incredible day,” said Mandy. “Isobel met Santa, which I think was probably her highlight. And for me, it's so special to watch a pony you've bred do well, but it's even better when you're watching family, too – the icing on the cake.”

Six-year-old Monksfield Jupiter Welsh section B Matty was named by Isobel's football-mad older brother James, after he was man of the match and thought it would make a good name for a foal. He's certainly proved a star player for the family team this season, standing runner-up in the lead-rein hunter pony final at the Royal International before landing the title at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS).

FRANKIE'S FAIRY TALE