Top showjumper targeted by thieves

Hickstead Derby-winning showjumper Paul Beecher was “devastated” yesterday after his tack room was hit by thieves as he was filming a TV documentary.

Thieves took saddles and bridles worth up to €20,000 in the raid on Monday.

“Everything is gone, including my two Jaguar saddles and two Prestige saddles, along with another 10 saddles,” said Mr Beecher. “One of my Jaguar saddles was made to measure. Six show bridles and six work bridles were also taken.

“It happened between 1.30pm and 2.30pm. Our house is just 100 metres from the yard. Any ordinary day, I would have been there, except a TV crew was here and I was out in the fields showing them the young stock.”

According to a Garda spokesperson, it was the second theft of tack within a matter of hours.

“There was a similar incident a few miles away in Killeagh a couple of hours earlier,” said the spokesperson. “There was about €7,000 worth of saddles and bridles taken in that case. We are looking for a blue VW Caddy and are appealing for the public’s assistance.”

In June, Mr Beecher, 29, claimed the Hickstead Derby with the home-bred Loughnatousa WB.

* Anyone with information should phone Dungarvan Garda Station: 058 48600.