A six-year-old Kingsteignton girl's trip to the races netted her an unexpected and valuable legacy, writes Nigel Canham. Robyn Pierson was enjoying a day out with gran Jenny Pierson at Newbury Races where she had entered a children's hat competition sponsored by the Sheikh of Dubai, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. her home-made Winners' Enclosure creation was awarded first prize, for which she received a game and jewellery. The prizes were presented by television actress Diane Keen, and Robyn found herself appearing on Dubai television and Channel Four with presenter and race commentator Derek Thompson. mum Nina Pierson had the jewellery valued – and got quite a shock. 'It's been valued at £1,700,' she gasped. 'I was amazed that it's worth that much and I can't believe that anyone would give this as a prize in a children's competition.' Mrs Pierson has stored the jewellery in a safety deposit box. It will be opened again on Robyn's 18th birthday, when a scrapbook of the day's events will also be presented to her. 'What she does with the jewellery will be entirely up to her, perhaps it will help buy her first car, who knows, perhaps she will keep it and just enjoy wearing it,' said Mrs Pierson
