Mathias calls time on riding career but still has bright future

One of point-to-pointing's brightest talents hung up his saddle this week, thanking the horse who had in part hastened his retirement.

Pembrokeshire's John Mathias, still only 26 but six-time champion of Wales and on four occasions runner-up for the national men's championship, paid tribute to 14-year-old Rosies Peacock, who he rode to victory on 27 occasions.

"He made winning the Welsh title a lot easier," says Mathias, who has quit on health grounds.