The equestrian community woke up to the loss of Parklane Hawk, who won two-four stars (now five stars). William Foxx-Pitt rode the thoroughbred horse who passed away aged 22. Catherine Witt owned the New Zealand thoroughbred and is one of the most successful horses in the show-jumping event. Moreover, his damsire, Brilliant Invader, won many accolades with different riders. Hence, a huge loss for everyone.

Having raced from the age of two in New Zealand, he had a slow start. But, Kiwi rider Matthew Grayling developed a bond with the horse as he became a regular winner in the eventing competitions.

The five-star horse passes away

Parker won the Blenheim Horse Trials CCI3* (now CCI4*-L) with William Foxx-Pitt in 2010 and later on achieved success at the Burghley Horse Trials. William’s sixth win is a great achievement as he matched Lucinda Green’s record of six victories at a British top-level event. William paid tributes to his sensational Parker and spoke about how great he was.

“Parklane Hawk is a phenomenal horse and I’m so lucky to ride him. That year, the time was impossible but he was bang on it when he lost his action and cannoned into a hedge. He was my first reserve horse for the London Olympics and when you consider his record, it might seem strange he never did teams, but I had a strong string at that time.”

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“He was an amazing galloper, but more of a five-star horse than a team horse. He was a beast, a machine of an athlete; across country he was hard core,” said Foxx-Pitt.

Some of his achievements are top-class. He finished third at Burghley in 2012 and 2013 while winning other tournaments.

William holds tribute

Foxx-Pitt and his wife Alice are guest-editing Horse and Hound’s next issue as they pick six special horses that mean to them a lot. Parklane Hawk is included in their illustrious list. Moreover, it is a just tribute from the rider to the great achievements he had with Hawk. What a way to go out.

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Tributes keep pouring in for the talented Hawk. Parklane Hawk will be remembered for his eventing performances and being a graceful horse in movement and physique.