AMY McGrath's dedication and commitment to her impressive dark bay gelding Tobermorary received its just reward when the six-year-old son of Lord of the Dance was called to the top of the line-up in the hotly contested local hunter class ridden by Angela Browne of Bridford, Exeter.

Behind this success story there lies a tale of teamwork, patience and total faith in Tobermorary.

"This win makes up for all our hard work and heartache," said Amy, who lives at Ide, Exeter.

"Toby was off work for more than 12-months and at one point my vet thought he'd never come back to work."

Amy's partner John Tucker acquired the 18.1hh gelding for her as a two-year-old, direct from his breeders Jan and Paul Atkins of North Devon.

"We took it very slowly and backed him at home as a three-year-old," said Amy.

"The following year Angela put him into regular work and that's when all our troubles started. He began going intermittently lame and our vet decided to check his feet.

"He found two abscesses and the X-rays also showed that his feet were out of balance. That year was a complete write-off and I was devastated when the vets told me they didn't think he'd come sound."

Amy was determined to give Tobermorary every chance and began a dedicated programme of treatment with vital help from her farrier, Graham Tully of Chudleigh Knighton.

"Graham's been a godsend," said Amy. "Toby required remedial shoeing and it's been Graham's expertise which has turned him around.

"I also looked into his nutritional needs and constructed a dedicated feeding programme."

After months of care and total commitment the gelding was put back into work and has never looked back.

"It's been a tremendous team effort with lots of tender loving care," said Amy. "Angela's been with me every step of the way and I couldn't have coped without the help of my assistant Samantha.

"Winning this class is as important to us as taking a championship at the Horse of the Year Show. It marks a major milestone in our journey with Toby."

Angela and Tobermorary produced a flawless performance for hunter judges Richard Sharp and Jane Holderness-Roddam.

"Our winner gave me a beautiful ride," added Mr Sharp. "He had a lovely mouth and forward."

Angela said: "He's easy to ride and a total gentleman. I'm over the moon for Amy who's stood with him through thick and thin and deserves every inch of this success."