A Horse owned by a Wigginton woman, and which was at one time given only two weeks to live, has become a champion at one of the country's major equestrian events.

Persian Prince, a 21-year-old pure-bred Arab owned by Tracy Outram, won the class for veteran horses aged 16 and over at the Festival of Champions show - known in the equestrian world as the Wembley of the North - at Birchinley Manor near Rochdale.

Some years ago, before Tracy bought Persian Prince, he was in such poor health and condition that a vet said the horse had only two weeks to live and would have to be put down.

"He is an ex-Arab racehorse and used to compete in 100 mile endurance races and he ended up in rescue care," explained Tracy.

"His teeth were too long, his hooves in a bad way and he had septicaemia, a disease caused by toxic micro-organisms in the blood."

She bought Persian Prince, who stands 15 hands high and whose pet name is Alex, two years ago and last January she joined the Yorkshire Rose Riding Club, which is based at York Riding School in Wigginton.

Although more interested in show jumping, Tracy began entering Persian Prince in show events at the club.

Showing involves judges examining the quality of the horse. While riding is part of the discipline there is no jumping.

She and Persian Prince accumulated enough points at three Yorkshire Rose Riding Club show events to qualify for the Festival of Champions and went on to take the top prize.

Persian Prince also came third in the class for pure-bred Arab horses aged over 18.

"I couldn't believe it when Persian Prince won," said Tracy, who runs a telemarketing agency.

"There were 38 in the veteran class. The judge even asked me if I was sure that Persian Prince was 21 because the horse looks so fit and sprightly.

"I assured him he was and the judge was obviously impressed.

"In the class for pure-bred Arabs, which was decided before the veterans' section, I was amazed and so excited to finish third.

"The original entry was cut to a final six and when I heard I had got into that I was delighted to know I'd be at least sixth. Third place was brilliant.

"It was past midnight when the veteran class results were announced and when I heard I had made the final ten I was again thrilled to know I'd be at least tenth.

"When it got to third place and my name had still not been called I was telling myself how well I had done to finish third.

"When the second place was announced and it wasn't me and I realised I had won I was stunned. My legs went weak as I went up to get the prize. We got a trophy, a rosette and a banner. I am so proud of him.

"I really don't know that much about showing horses. I have picked it up as I have gone along. I prefer show jumping and I have done some with Persian Prince at the club."

Tracy's success maintained the Yorkshire Rose Riding Club's high standard at the Festival. Last year, club member Katie Sherwood and her horse Jazdon won the condition class.

And at this year's Festival, Stephen Greenwood and his pony Ala Purwen were fifth out of fifty in the condition pony class while his daughter Susannah and her horse Bertie Bassett were fourth in the cob class.

The Yorkshire Rose Riding Club junior team were recently third in the inter-club show jumping competition at the Great Yorkshire Showground, competing against more senior rivals from all over the north of England.

Nicola Smith rode One Smart Fellow, Helen Webb was on Woodlands Revenge, Carla Thackwray rode Tia For Two, and Toni Ford was on Polly.

hugh.macdougall@ycp.co.uk