An elderly donkey has claimed the highest honour at a prestigious national competition, securing the top prize for the fifth consecutive year.
Islandfarm Viscount, a 13-year-old male castrated donkey, was named Supreme Champion at the premier event for donkey enthusiasts in Britain.
The achievement marks another remarkable milestone for the animal, which had already established itself as a dominant force in the show ring over recent seasons.
The champion animal resides at Island Farm Donkey Sanctuary, situated in the village of Brightwell-cum-Sotwell close to Wallingford.
The sanctuary provides a permanent home for donkeys in need of care and has produced numerous award-winning animals under its care.
Viscount represents the establishment’s continued success in breeding and presenting competitive donkeys at the highest levels.
The competition took place on August 22 at Pickering Grange Equestrian Centre in Coalville.
The 2026 Donkey Breed Society National Championship Show attracted entries from across the country, with the venue hosting the annual celebration of British donkey breeding and showing.
The event brought together the finest specimens of various categories, culminating in the selection of overall champions.
Viscount’s maternal lineage traces back to East Lodge Bryony, a donkey donated to the sanctuary following the deaths of Alex and Sue Horn.
Mr Horn held a distinguished reputation within the donkey showing community, accumulating multiple accolades throughout his lifetime.
His contribution to the sanctuary’s breeding programme has produced animals capable of achieving significant success in competitive showing.
Prior to the national event, Viscount had accumulated an impressive record across regional exhibitions.
Championship victories included wins at the Mid Somerset Show along with success at the New Forest and Hampshire Show.
These results demonstrated the animal’s consistency and quality across multiple competitions throughout the showing season.
Perehill Magical Moments represented another strong contender from the same sanctuary, competing in the Senior Mare division.
She achieved victory in her class before being designated as the reserve champion among female entries.
The pairing of both animals at the national finals highlighted the sanctuary’s dominance at the top level of competition.
Both animals secured their places at the national finals through performances at qualifying events.
At the championship show, Viscount triumphed in the Senior Gelding Class before being crowned British Champion Gelding for the fifth year running.
The gelding then faced the other category winners and ultimately claimed the Supreme Champion accolade and accompanying trophy.
Perehill Magical Moments qualified for the national competition following earlier wins at the Heckinton Show and the Ellingham and Ringwood Show, where she earned her place among the country’s elite donkeys.