NI: Rider crushed to death by horse

One of the North’s best known equestrian riders has been killed in a cross-country event.

Sherelle Duke, 28, from Portadown in Co Armagh, was fatally injured when her horse fell on top of her at Brockenhurst Park near Southampton.

The former World Young Rider champion has been credited with improving Northern Ireland’s standing in the field and was known as a super-fit and talented athlete.

She won the bronze medal in the World Young Rider event in 1999.

Her family set up the Dukes Transport Company which is known for its business success.

For some time Duke rode in the company’s colours of red and white.

She was a member of the Irish team in the 2003 European Championships.