Arko in top class success

Shropshire-owned Arko joined forces with leading rider Nick Skelton to capture one of showjumping's biggest prizes.

Arko, owned by the family of Cosford businessman John Hales, and Skelton won the lucrative CN International Grand Prix Championship at Spruce Meadows in Calgary.

Skelton lifted the title for a fourth time after finishing with just one fault over two rounds, and clocking a time of 81.443secs.

"This is the greatest CN International because Arko has always been a special horse for me," said Skelton.

Arko missed the Olympics after talks between Team Hales, Skelton and the British team management.

Hales refused to comment on reasons for the decision at the time, but British Showjumping's performance manager Derek Ricketts said veterinary advice and Arko's stud duties suggested "it wouldn't be fair" to target him for the Olympics.

The 14-year-old stallion was voted showjumper of the year in July.