Tag Archives: Driving

*Featured/Spotlights, Championships, Competitions, Driving, Royal Windsor Horse Show, Show Jumping

Martin Fuchs Crowned Champion of the Rolex Grand Prix at Royal Windsor Horse Show

Martin Fuchs (SUI) riding Connor Jei @RoyalWindsorHorseShow/PeterNixon

Royal Windsor Horse Show drew to a close after an incredible five days of top class equestrian action. The pinnacle Jumping competition of the Show, the CSI5* Rolex Grand Prix, was won by Switzerland’s Martin Fuchs. Elsewhere, Belgium’s Gregory Wathelet was victorious in the morning’s CSI5* Manama Rose Show Stakes. It was also a day for the country’s best up-and-coming talent, with Antonia Platt bringing home The Defender Under 25 Jumping title, England taking first place in the DAKS Pony Club Mounted Games Final, and Zara Nicholls, daughter of champion National Hunt trainer Paul Nicholls, victorious in The Defender Shetland Pony Grand National Final.

The Jumping highlight of the Show came from the Rolex Grand Prix. Bathed in the glorious afternoon sunshine, Windsor Castle proved a fitting backdrop for this prestigious class. With the world’s best riders gathered, and a truly international field representing 12 different countries, the competition was set to be fierce.

It was none other than show jumping legend John Whitaker who was first to tackle the technical and up-to-height track set by Portuguese course designer Bernardo Costa Cabral, but he unfortunately could not quite pull off the result that both he and the crowd had hoped for. Second into the ring, Bertram Allen set the standard for the rest of the field and, just a few horses later, France’s Kevin Staut with Dialou Blue PS ensured that there would be a jump-off. Clear rounds came throughout the class, with a total of four clears before the mid-way break.

Britain’s Scott Brash and Joseph Stockdale were some of the unlucky riders who finished on four faults. However, Greece’s only representative — and Royal Windsor Horse Show first-timer — Ioli Mytilineou joined the exclusive group proceeding into the jump-off, as did winners of the 2021 Rolex Grand Prix at the Show, Ben Maher and Explosion W, and former World No. 1 Martin Fuchs, who was third behind Maher that day.

In total, nine combinations made it through to the jump-off, providing top-class entertainment for the packed-out crowds. Ireland’s Bertram Allen, with his top horse Pacino Amiro, was first into the Castle Arena. The partnership, who have had huge successes in Wellington, Florida earlier this year, produced a faultless round in the time of 34.50 seconds. Five combinations in total jumped clear, but it was the battle between Ben Maher and Martin Fuchs that truly set the crowds alight. Having just come back from injury, Maher, with his Olympic gold-medal winning gelding, looked to be unbeatable, but Fuchs’ spectacular turn to the penultimate fence helped him clinch the victory by 0.40 seconds.

A delighted Fuchs said: “Connor Jei was fantastic today. He’s back after quite a long break since Geneva as he did a lot of shows last year, so we gave him the indoor season off. To be honest he wasn’t so easy at the last show I took him to, so I wanted some advice on what I should be doing differently and how I could help the horse to be at his best again, so I called my uncle – Markus Fuchs – and he has been riding him three times a week, so I’m very lucky to have him to help.”

Fuchs continued: “The Rolex Grand Prix always has the best horse and rider combinations, so it’s an honour to be competing, and then to be winning and to be standing on top of the podium at such a prestigious Rolex Grand Prix makes me very proud.”

On his round, he said: “I knew who I needed to watch, and Bertram and Ben were the two rounds I watched. Bertram had a hard draw – to go first in the jump-off is never easy, but he did everything very well. Then I watched Ben and saw where he left out the strides compared to Bertram, and just tried to do the same round as that, just hoping to be a bit quicker. I think I made up a little bit of time to the second last – I knew that I wanted to do seven strides to the turn, which is what Ben did. I actually didn’t turn as hard as him, so I really had to push hard for those seven strides and I think that’s what made it quicker in the end.”

Maher, at only his second show since breaking his shoulder, said: “I’m very happy. Explosion jumped incredible; he’s been out for eight or nine months; he just did two small classes last week so to come here this week and show his experience and perform in a Rolex Grand Prix like that — I’m very proud of my team bringing him back. I did what I had to do in the jump-off. I took a lot of risks and nine times out of ten that might have been enough, but it’s never over when you’ve got Martin after you. I don’t think I could have done any more; on the day he was the better rider and I had to settle for second.”

Allen added: “I was first to go in the jump-off and with the line-up we have here, it was always going to be very difficult. I gave it a good go and I’m very happy with my horse.”

Earlier in the day, The CSI5* Manama Rose Show Stakes, a single round against the clock, took centre stage in the Castle Arena. Gregory Wathelet opened the class, riding the fourteen-year-old Clarity. Despite being first in, the combination took a stride out down to the last water tray fence, securing a clear round in a time which proved unbeatable throughout the competition. In doing so, he added another win to his impressive resumé, which includes a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics and 36 Grand Prix wins.

The course produced only eight clears – with many of the best, including the likes of former World No. 1, Daniel Deusser, picking up four faults. The only two Brits to finish with a clean sheet were William Funnell and Jack Whitaker. Whitaker was incredibly close to sealing the win with a dazzling round, but just missed the mark by just 0.04 seconds to finish second.

Of his win, Wathelet said: “I was first to go and knew I didn’t have the fastest horse out there, so I had to take a big risk and take some strides out, and it worked! I won the Rolex Grand Prix here last year, so for me the Royal Windsor Horse Show has always been a great show, in a fantastic place with an amazing crowd.”

Royal Windsor Horse Show Ambassador, Whitaker, said: “There’s always a great atmosphere here at Royal Windsor, with the crowd giving you such a big cheer when you canter into that arena! Gregory took us all by surprise, but I stuck to my plan, cut corners, and maybe if I had chased that bit harder to the last, I would have won!”

Britain’s most promising up-and-coming Show Jumpers took to the Castle Arena early this morning for The Defender Under 25 Jumping Competition, which took place over two rounds, with all clears from the first round proceeding into the jump-off.

A total of 33 combinations tackled the first round, which caused faults throughout. However, stylish clear rounds did come from a few riders, including last year’s victor Sienna Charles, riding Stardust, a horse her older brother Harry has ridden to success on multiple occasions, including in the FEI Jumping World Cup™ Qualifier at the London International Horse Show in 2021. Her sister, Scarlett, ensured that both of the Charleses made it through to the jump-off with a classy clear round aboard the 10-year-old gelding I. am Jordan. Only four other riders could match the rounds produced by the Charles sisters, including the 2021 FEI Junior European individual gold and team bronze medallists, Ava Vernon and Jolie Fleur Van De Noordheuvel.

Six riders made it through to the jump-off over a shortened course of six fences, coming in the same order that they jumped in in the first round. It was therefore Stardust and Sienna Charles who were first to canter into the arena. The combination rode an efficient and tight round to come home clear in a time of 32.48 seconds and set the pace for the following riders. The lead changed hands a few times in this hotly contested jump-off, but it was Antonia Platt who took the lead with one left to jump. Ben Clarke, with Barika Van De Helle, a horse who he has only ridden for two weeks, were the only ones that could stop Platt taking home the coveted prize, but an unfortunate four faults from Clarke meant she retained her lead.

Speaking of her victory, Platt stated: “It is such an unbelievable feeling. I love jumping here at Royal Windsor – it is a dream come true to win. I have been at university, so I haven’t ridden him for the past two weeks, but he is super reliable and really tries for me. I have had him for three years, so we have a great partnership.”

To conclude Royal Windsor’s Showing classes, the final day hosted multiple exceptionally high standard Championships. Isabella Walker, known as Izzy, proved a chip off the old block when landing her first Royal Windsor Open title in The Hästens Show Pony Championship, riding the loaned pony Stoneleigh Showtime. Despite this occasion being Izzy’s first time in the magnificent Castle Arena, she showed no signs of nerves, upholding her family name and becoming a popular winner.

In The Martin Collins Enterprises Frogmore Arena, it was Olivia Minihane riding Veuve Cliquot who were crowned winners of the Working Hunter Pony Championship sponsored by The Williams Family. Meanwhile, Georgina Storey riding Emma Andrews’ Greylands Maid At Sundown won the Show Hunter Pony Championship sponsored by Across The Pond Exports in the Copper Horse Arena.

The climax of the International Driving Grand Prix took place with Competition C, the Obstacle Cones. The CAIO4* World Cup Qualifier saw Boyd Exell’s four-in-hand team deliver a thrilling performance to secure the Australian his twelfth win at Royal Windsor Horse Show. During the drive through the twenty sets of cones, Exell’s hopes were questioned for the first time in the competition, after accumulating three penalties at the last obstacle. This meant the defending champion’s team finished behind both Ijsbrand Chardon and Mareike Harm’s teams in the third round. However, Exell’s team had done enough by winning the Driven Dressage and The Marathon to defend the title, finishing 8.43 points ahead of the Dutch runners-up Chardon and 24 points ahead of Harm’s team, who finished third.

In the CAI3* Horse Pairs, the course was evidently tricky with no double clears to note on the score sheet. Whilst Erik Evers of the Netherlands won the Obstacle Cones element for the Pairs, it was not enough to beat fellow patriot Rens Egberink overall. In the CAI3* Horse Single class, double clears from Mario Gandolfo, Marie Schiltz, and Great Britain’s Tara Wilkinson kept them in the rankings of first, second, and third, respectively.

Video of the Day: https://youtu.be/nK0juUVi0E0

To find out more about Royal Windsor Horse Show, or to book tickets, visit www.rwhs.co.uk.

For more information, please contact:
Niki McEwen / rEvolution / nmcewen@revolutionworld.com

*Featured/Spotlights, Championships, Competitions, Driving, Royal Windsor Horse Show, Show Jumping

The Weather Is Not the Only Thing Heating Up at Royal Windsor Horse Show

Boyd Exell @ RoyalWindsorHorseShow/PeterNixon

Day four of Royal Windsor Horse Show offered brighter skies and yet more thrilling action. The Services proved they could not only look spectacular — when taking part in the Household Cavalry Best Turned Out Trooper — but could also perform under pressure in The Kingdom of Bahrain Services Team Jumping. International Show Jumping took to new heights with The CSI5* Defender Challenge Stakes and The CSI5* Kingdom of Bahrain Stakes for The King’s Cup. Royal Windsor’s Home Park hosted the second phase of the CAIO4* International Driving competition, the Marathon, and Showing’s elite took to the Castle Arena for the BSPS Mountain and Moorland Ridden Championship, sponsored by New Horizon Plastics.

The second day of international Show Jumping got underway with 28 starters tackling Bernardo Costa Cabral’s technical 1.50m course in The CSI5* Defender Challenge Stakes. The competition consisted of two rounds, with eight going through to the jump-off in reverse order.

After a lightning fast first round from Olivier Perreau, the Frenchman was in pole position for the jump-off. Ben Maher and the incredibly careful stallion Enjeu de Grisien were first to go in the second round, and set the precedent for the combinations to come. Fellow Brits included William Funnell and the home-bred Billy Marmite, Lily Attwood and Karibou Horta, and Jodie Hall McAteer, who finished in third with Mandy Hall’s Kimosa van het Kritrahof.

There was heartbreak for Daniel Deusser, as he and Kiana van het Herdershof were bumped out of the top spot by a painstaking margin by World No. 4,Martin Fuchs and Viper Z. Fuch’s round was picturesque, with his sixpence-like turn from the Rolex oxer to the water tray finishing 0.05 seconds quicker than Deusser, and sealing another 5* win.

Speaking about Viper Z, the former World No. 1 said: “He’s really great and is naturally very quick; it’s his first 5* show, so I’m delighted with this result. When walking the course, I believed it would suit us, so it’s always very nice when it works out. Royal Windsor Horse Show is just such a nice atmosphere, with amazing people who know the sport all around.”

Twenty-one of the world’s best horse and rider combinations went head-to-head in the pinnacle Show Jumping class – The CSI5* Kingdom of Bahrain Stakes for The King’s Cup. First into the arena was Britain’s William Funnell riding the 13-year-old chestnut gelding, Equine America Billy Diamo. Funnell showcased all of his experience to jump clear and set the standard for the rest to follow. Clears continued to come in the Castle Arena, including the CSI5* Pearl Stakes winner, Lily Attwood, Belgium’s Abdel Saïd, and two members of Britain’s FEI World Championship bronze medal-winning team, Ben Maher and Harry Charles.

However, the skillfully curated course did also cause problems throughout, with nearly half of the field accruing four faults. Beneath the historic Windsor Castle, crowds came alight when 68-year-old veteran of the sport, John Whitaker, entered the arena. Whitaker executed a superb clear jumping round, but disappointment came when he picked up two time faults.

Eight combinations progressed through to the jump-off, held over seven combinations. First to go was Belgium’s Abdel Saïd riding Arpege du Ru, who won this class back in 2017 and set the standard with an exceptionally fast round of 32.32 seconds. Following Saïd’s round, the pressure was on the remaining combinations. It was a tightly fought contest as France’s Kevin Staut looked to challenge the lead but could not quite match the pace set, coming home in a time of 33.76 seconds. All British hopes rested on Under-25 World No. 1 Harry Charles, after both Ben Maher and Lily Atwood had a pole down. Charles, who partnered the talented Aralyn Blue, rode a beautiful round, and as he rode down to the last oxer the crowd held their breath in hopes of a British winner. The young rider, however, could only do enough for second, with a time of 32.97 — just over 0.60 seconds slower than the winner, Abdel Saïd.

Saïd said, “I’m really happy with Arpege. She’s naturally a really fast mare. I know her really well as I’ve been riding her since she was eight, so I stuck to my plan and I’m really pleased with how she went. I love competing at Royal Windsor Horse Show; the British crowds are so supportive and they really understand the sport, so it’s an amazing experience.”

Speaking of his tactics for the jump-off: “I don’t usually walk the jump-off course when riding Arpege, as she has such an unusually quick stride, so I spoke to a few colleagues who told me the lines. I tend to just take what I see as it comes, and today it really paid off.”

His Majesty King Charles III’s horses were in the money again when Katie Jerram-Hunnable piloted the lovely small riding horse, Fools Gold – a seven-year-old home-bred son of Her Late Majesty The Queen Elizabeth II’s past Windsor winner, Stardust – to third place in a strong field in the Small Riding Horse sponsored by Mr and Mrs Phil Swallow.

Jerram-Hunnable also partnered the former racehorse, First Receiver, to fourth place in the Novice Riding Horse — also sponsored by Mr and Mrs Phil Swallow — for His Majesty. The handsome six-year-old also shone on day one in the Tattersalls RoR Open In Hand Show Series Qualifier supported by Royal Windsor Racecourse.

Elsewhere, Cheshire-based producer Vicky Smith – champion here last year with her coloured horse Bart – landed her first-ever Riding Horse Championship sponsored by Mr and Mrs Phil Swallow to rapturous cheers in the Castle Arena. She was successful on Paul Mortimer’s Royal Illusion (Gracie), who glided round as if on oiled wheels. This eight-year-old mare has been a long time in preparation, and Vicky was quick to credit former producer Jordan Cook for his patience in bringing her on.

“She’s not the easiest, but Jordan has done a wonderful job with her,” said Vicky, who was sent the mare to produce in June last year. “He’s always maintained that Gracie had a big win to come, but he said the key is to give her a varied life at home so that’s what I’ve done. Last week, she was going on farm rides!”

The ever-popular Mountain and Moorland Working Hunter classes showcased not only breed type but skill and scope, with amateur rider Amy Smith taking her fourth Royal Windsor title on her evergreen Connemara, Laburnum Richard — now a sprightly 17-year-old, but looking and jumping like a pony half his age. His immaculate clear round and enthusiastic show contributed to his top score of 93/100.

The BSPS Mountain & Moorland Ridden Championship, sponsored by New Horizon Plastics, held for the first time in the Castle Arena, fell to Amanda Sharman’s lovely Connemara stallion, Castle Kestrel, yet another by the prolific sire, Glencarrig Knight. It was the first outing for Castle Kestrel since his victory in the Mountain & Moorland Supreme Championship at the London International Horse Show in 2022.

The second phase of the CAIO4* and CAI3* International Driving Grand Prix, the Marathon, took place and it did not disappoint. The five-and-a-half-kilometre course contained seven obstacles, expanded over the luscious grounds of Windsor Castle. Ten single horse and driver combinations and ten pairs completed the CAI3* course, with fourteen teams completing the CAIO4*. In the single CAI3*, Mario Gandolfo drove beautifully to build on his lead from the Driven Dressage, as did Rens Egberink in the pairs. Disappointment came in the four-in-hand CAIO4* for Chester Weber’s team, as they were eliminated for missing a gate. True to form, the Australian World No. 1, Boyd Exell, expanded on his team’s Driven Dressage lead to set them up with a 12.9 point lead.

Later in the day, the Castle Arena hosted the final of The Kingdom of Bahrain Services Team Jumping, which saw the best of twenty-nine service teams, each made up of three riders, tackling a course of show jumps. The competition was split over two phases: in the first phase, held in the morning, all members of the team jumped, whilst in the second phase in the afternoon, sixteen riders were nominated for the jump-off.

The Kingdom of Bahrain Services Team Jumping Competition saw a huge field of competitors. The Queen’s Cup for working military horses was won by The Defence Animal Training Regiment’s team of CoH Mancey, WO2 McGrath, and SSgt. Kershaw. The Queen’s Plate for non-horsed units was won by Hurstpierpoint College, while the International Challenge Trophy was won by the Abu Dhabi Police Cavalry.

Meanwhile, in the Frogmore Arena, attention turned to the Inter School Show Jumping Competition, sponsored by Equine Rescue Services, where Seaford College triumphed in the team competition, and Darcie Nobles from Leweston School won the individual title.

Video of the Day: https://youtu.be/EqbL4iKu624

To find out more about Royal Windsor Horse Show, or to book tickets, visit www.rwhs.co.uk.

For more information, please contact:
Niki McEwen / rEvolution / nmcewen@revolutionworld.com

*Featured/Spotlights, Championships, Competitions, Driving, Endurance Riding, Royal Windsor Horse Show, Show Jumping

Equestrian Royalty at Royal Windsor Horse Show

Victor Bettendorf (LUX) riding Big Star des Forets @RoyalWindsorHorseShow/Peter Nixon

Day Three of Royal Windsor Horse Show continued with an action-packed schedule. Showing classes continued with multiple Championships taking place, the International Show Jumping commenced with two CSI5* classes, and the Coaching Marathon concluded in the Castle Arena following their drive around Windsor Castle’s Home Park. Meanwhile, in the stunning grounds of Windsor Great Park, Royal Windsor Endurance supported by The Kingdom of Bahrain featured CEI1*, CEI2*, and CEI3* competitions.

International Show Jumping got underway with The CSI5* Defender Stakes, where 32 of the world’s best horse and rider combinations tackled Bernardo Costa Cabral’s masterfully designed course. Held as a two-phase competition at 1.45m, riders had to ensure a clear round over the first eight fences to continue on to the latter half of the course against the clock.

Third to go was Ben Maher riding Explosion W, the combination who won individual gold at the Tokyo Olympics. Maher, who missed the early part of the season due to injury, showed no sign of lack of competition practice to produce a brilliant round with the stunning chestnut gelding to set an early standard of 37.81 seconds. His lead, however, was quickly usurped by the next combination into the arena, France’s Olivier Perreau and GI Event Venizia d’Aiguilly.

With 18 double clears in total, the leaderboard was in constant flux, with some of the most exciting up-and-coming young riders, including Joseph Stockdale, Harry Charles, and Jodie Hall McAteer, making it through to the second round. British Show Jumping legend, John Whitaker, once again proved that he is still one to beat when he took the lead aboard his chestnut stallion, Green Grass. However, it was Royal Windsor Horse Show first-timers, Luxemburg’s Victor Bettendorf and Big Star des Forets, who claimed the top spot with an electric round in the time of 26.65 seconds. Bettendorf was closely followed in second by Britain’s Matthew Sampson, with Portugal’s Duarte Seabra in third.

Speaking on his win, Bettendorf stated: “It is my first time here. It’s an unbelievable show because you really feel the soul of the crowd; they know the horses, and for us riders it’s great to be in front of spectators that know about our sport. My horse is very competitive – she is extremely fast and careful. I am very excited about her future.”

Later in the day, attention turned to the CSI5* Pearl Stakes. Once again, some of the most elite Show Jumpers in the world entered the Castle Arena with the aim of taking home this coveted prize.

The first round proved difficult, with the only clear before the break coming from 21-year-old British rider Lily Attwood. Attwood, who has had an extremely successful youth career, showed skill and agility around the challenging course with the 13-year-old gelding Cor-Leon Vd Vlierbeek Z. France’s Olivier Perreau then also executed a foot-perfect round to secure the second place in the jump-off. Disappointment came for numerous combinations, who after jumping clear over the fences gained time penalties; this included two of Britain’s FEI World Championship bronze medal winning team Ben Maher and Joseph Stockdale. Fourth last to go, Portugal’s Duarte Seabra continued his form from earlier in the day to join the exclusive group of clears, as did Belgium’s Koen Vereecke and Jana Wegers with her trusted partner Limbridge.

Germany’s Jana Wergers took the decision not to contest the second round, therefore with only four combinations jumping, it was all to play for. Lily Attwood went in first, with a stylish and fast clear round to set the time to beat of 34.54 seconds, adding pressure to the following riders. Olivier Perreau and Koen Vereecke both followed suit with classy clears but could not match the time set by Attwood, with Duarte Seabra picking up four faults. Attwood consequently secured the pinnacle Show Jumping Class of the day and etched her name into the Royal Windsor Horse Show history books.

Attwood exclaimed: “I’m absolutely delighted: to be at your home show and have a win on the first day is such a great feeling. This is my first 5* win – it’s a great place to do it and definitely up there with one of the best wins of my career. My horse tries his best every single time – it is only his third show back in six months. I am delighted with him.”

Robert Walker continued his amazing – and now unequalled – run of form to land both The Novice Hunter Championship, supported by Company Meta Lounge Limited, and The LeMieux Open Hunter Championship, scoring in the former with Jill Day’s super-impressive four-year-old Full Cry, a jumping-bred Irish gelding. His LeMieux Open Champion was MHS Morning Master – now eight – who won the In-Hand Supreme at Horse of the Year Show as a youngster and faced stiff competition here.

Also from Cheshire, Danielle Heath repeated last year’s result to land The Count Robert Orssich Hack Championship with the Mears family’s large winner, Forgelands Hyde Park, who again floated along without turning a hair in the buzzing Castle Arena finale.

The Martin Collins Enterprises Cob Championship cemented a fairytale week for Essex-based birthday-girl Janay Atherden, who added this overall title to the Coloured Championship she won with her superb gelding, Red Rock III. Reserve in this 10-strong finale went to seasoned campaigner Jayne Ross with Lisette Roberts’ exciting Novice victor, Randalstown Aristocrat.

One of the most popular winners of the day though was 76-year-old regular Windsor contender Avril Bartolomy, from Sussex, who headed a strong class in The Martin Collins Enterprises Amateur Cob with her new prospect, Epithemeus, sourced as an unbroken raw youngster by Cob specialist Lynn Russell.

Over in the Driven Dressage Arena, the CAIO4* and CAI3* International Driving Grand Prix got underway with the Dressage phase. The feature class of the day was the FEI Driving World Cup™ Outdoor Four-In-Hand Dressage, the first of the three phases that make up the event. Competition was fierce as World No. 1, Boyd Exell, representing Australia – already an 11-time winner at Royal Windsor – took to the arena. Exell masterfully manoeuvred his team to secure the lead. Completing the top three was Chester Weber, the 20-time US National Champion, and Germany’s Anna Sandmann.

Royal Windsor Endurance supported by the Kingdom of Bahrain took place in Windsor Great Park. A total of 61 riders set out into the Park at the crack of dawn, and the routes took in iconic sites, including the Copper Horse, the Philip Jackson equestrian statue of Queen Elizabeth II, The Long Walk, and Smith’s Lawn.

In the CEI3* 160km, Fares Ahmad Al Mansoori (UAE) won the ride on Eddy De Montrozier in a total time of 07:52:25. The CEI2* 120km was won by Saeed Mohd Ibrahim Al Baloushi (UAE) riding Alshemaime in a total time of 05:15:03; the highest placed British rider in the class was Nikki Thorne (GB) who finished 8th riding L.I. Wallonia. The CEI1* 100km was won by Musaab Mohammad Ahmad Belqaizi Al Falasi (UAE) on Ebene Du Barthas AA in a total time of 05:31:00, and the highest placed British rider in the class was Alex Powell riding Pope who finished in 9th place.

Video of the Day: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3tbPpBHacI

To find out more about Royal Windsor Horse Show, or to book tickets, visit www.rwhs.co.uk.

For more information, please contact:
Niki McEwen / rEvolution / nmcewen@revolutionworld.com

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Driving

Daniel Schneiders the Best in Four-in-Hand Marathon at Baborówko Driving Show 2022

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Marek Baryłko. M&R Photo.

Baborówko, September 3, 2022 – Day 2 of Baborówko Driving Show 2022 is already behind us. The athletes had to conquer the Section A, at the length of about 6 kilometers, and the B Section of marathon obstacles, measuring almost 9 kilometres. The key was speed, precision, and accuracy.

In the four-in-hand, for the trophy of BADIX, the best one was Austria’s Daniel Schneiders driving DANCINGSTAR, ENRIQUE H, GHANDI, and FANNO. Second went to the world ranking leader Boyd Exell (AUS) with CELVIRO, CHECKMATE, HERO, and IVOR.

“We were considering our performance at the World Cup 2.5 weeks from now, so we tried to go smooth and fast without taking any risks. And the course here is great. An amazing audience and organization of the competition together with the patron of the event, who did everything to make us feel good here. We would very much like to come back next year,” said Boyd Exell.

Third place went to Markus Stottmeister (GER). The best Polish athlete was Piotr Mazure, who finished 5th with BANKIER, BLIZARD, ERAZMUS, and SANTORINI.

In the pairs competition, for the trophy of Kuhn, the fastest one was Poland’s Marek Baryłko with JUP LIBERATOR and JISKEFET. Second place went to his compatriot Szymon John with NICO and FAVORY FONIX, and third to Rens Egberink (NED) with KULANO and JEAMON VAN DE MARTHA HOEVE TEXEL.

Livestream prepared by Świat Koni is available at www.equestrian.baborowko.pl.

More information can be found at: www.equestrian.baborowko.pl.

Championships, Competitions, Driving, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Jessica Mendoza and Play Top $50k Jet Run Devon Welcome Stake CSI4*

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Jessica Mendoza and Play.

Devon, Pa. – May 31, 2022 – International show jumping competition kicked off at the 2022 Devon Horse Show Tuesday, May 31, welcoming a field of talented athletes and their mounts to the iconic Dixon Oval for the $50,000 Jet Run Devon Welcome Stake CSI4*. Out of the 22 starters representing six different nations, just nine navigated clear efforts to advance to the jump off. At the conclusion of the class, it was Great Britain’s Jessica Mendoza and her very own mount Play who emerged victorious to take home the Devon blue.

Scott Stewart and Nick Haness Take Home Green Hunter Championships

Tuesday morning at the Devon Horse Show welcomed back top professional hunter athletes to the Dixon Oval to vie for championship honors in their respective green hunter divisions. In the Green 3’6” Hunter, sponsored by Dr. Betsee Parker and Huntland Farms, it was Scott Stewart and Bikoff Equestrian’s Ever After who took home the first tri-color of the day. The pair accumulated a total of 22 points over the two days to secure The James J. Piehler Memorial Challenge Trophy.

Gail Aumiller Claims Single Horse Driving Championship Victory

Monday marked the start of Senior Week at the 2022 Devon Horse Show and Country Fair where professional hunter athletes kicked off competition in the Dixon Oval with the Green Hunter divisions. Leading the way in the Green 3’9” Hunter at the conclusion of the first two over fences classes with a total of 16 entries was Scott Stewart and Nottingham who swept over fences taking home two blue ribbons.

For more information and results, visit www.DevonHorseShow.net.

Championships, Competitions, Driving, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Wendy Chapot Nunn and Cashe’ Crowned Adult Amateur Jumper Champions at Devon Horse Show

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Wendy Chapot Nunn and Cashe’.

Devon, Pa. – May 30, 2022 – The week’s Adult Amateur Jumper competition at the Devon Horse Show came to a head on Monday evening, featuring the $7,500 NAL Adult Jumper Classic, sponsored by Moraga Farms. 25 horse-and-rider combinations stepped foot in the Dixon Oval, hoping to take home the Devon blue ribbon up for grabs, as well as final points towards the Adult Amateur Jumper Championship and the Lawrence W Schwartz Memorial Perpetual Trophy. When the night wrapped up, it was Wendy Chapot Nunn on Cashe’ who emerged victorious with the division’s tricolor ribbon and their names added to the perpetual trophy.

Rebekah Robinson Wins Single Pair/Pony Championship

Memorial Day at the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair concluded with the naming of the Single/Pair Pony Driving championship winner and the recipient of The Joseph M Pierce Challenge Trophy, donated by Holly Ventures. After accumulating 21 points throughout the division, it was Rebekah Robinson with Saltwood Kite, owned by Mr & Mrs. Collin F. McNeil, who walked away with championship honors.

Scott Stewart Leads the Way in Green 3’9″ Hunter Division

Monday marked the start of Senior Week at the 2022 Devon Horse Show and Country Fair where professional hunter athletes kicked off competition in the Dixon Oval with the Green Hunter divisions. Leading the way in the Green 3’9” Hunter at the conclusion of the first two over fences classes with a total of 16 entries were Scott Stewart and Nottingham who swept over fences taking home two blue ribbons.

For more information and results, visit www.DevonHorseShow.net.

Championships, Competitions, Driving, Eventing/H.T., Show Jumping

Sara Kozumplik Reclaims Victory in $50,000 Devon Arena Eventing

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Sara Kozumplik and Rubens D’Ysieux.

Devon, Pa. – May 29, 2022 – One of the Devon Horse Show’s most popular events, the $50,000 Arena Eventing, sponsored by Malvern Bank, took center stage Sunday evening, welcoming some of the sport’s top three-day event competitors and their mounts to the iconic showgrounds. Since its inception in 2017, the special class has been highly anticipated and supported by some of eventing’s most esteemed riders. At the conclusion of two action-packed rounds of competition, it was the 2017 inaugural victor Sara Kozumplik and Rubens D’Ysieux who went home with the Devon blue and the lion’s share of the prize money.

Olivia Sweetnam Captures Devon Horse Show Children’s Jumper Championship

The Children’s Jumper division concluded at the 2022 Devon Horse Show Sunday following two days of exciting competition in the Dixon Oval. A total of 20 horse-and-rider pairs put their best foot forward in three total classes hoping to accumulate points towards the division’s overall standings. At the conclusion of the third and final leg of the championship, $2,500 NAL/WIHS Children’s Jumper Classic, sponsored by Westover Companies/Guntram Weissenberger, Jr., Olivia Sweetnam was presented with the tricolor ribbon for her stellar performances on Just Noble throughout the weekend. Sweetnam swept the division, winning all three classes and ultimately receiving the Leonard Tose Memorial Challenge Trophy with a total of 35 points.

John White Claims Carriage Pleasure Drive Championship

Carriage competitors returned to the Dixon Oval at the 2022 Devon Horse Show Sunday, eager to perform before the judges in hopes of taking home a Devon blue ribbon. At the conclusion of the final judging in the Champion Drive-Off, it was John White who took home the Carriage Pleasure Drive Championship.

For more information and results, visit www.DevonHorseShow.net.

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Driving, Royal Windsor Horse Show, Show Jumping

International Stars Shine Bright on Final Day of Royal Windsor Horse Show

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The Rolex Grand Prix provided a fitting finale to the four-day Show, with the finest horse and riders in action to compete for the prestigious prize, which went to Gregory Wathelet. The CAIO4* Land Rover International Driving Grand Prix came to a close following three days of intense competition, with Boyd Exell taking the spoils. Elsewhere, the Champagne Laurent Perrier Meet of the British Driving Society, featuring Sophie, Countess of Wessex and Lady Louise Windsor, provided a fantastic spectacle and the final of the DAKS Pony Club Mounted Games was won by Wales.

WATHELET RIDES TO GLORY IN THE ROLEX GRAND PRIX

The feature CSI5* class of the day, the Rolex Grand Prix, saw the world’s best horse and rider combinations battle it out for the prestigious title. Bernardo Costa Cabral’s up-to-height 1.60m course proved challenging, with only three riders making it through to the jump-off. The likes of World No. 2 Martin Fuchs, World No. 3 Henrik von Eckermann, and London International Horse Show Grand Prix winner, Harry Charles, all accumulated four faults in the first round.

First to go in the jump-off, Belgian Gregory Wathelet, laid down the gauntlet with the tightest of turns to the Rolex double at the far end of the arena and flying down to the final fence to set the time to beat of 34.79 seconds aboard Nevados S. Max Kühner was next to take up the challenge, and he set out meaning business with Elektric Blue P, but he was not able to match Wathelet’s time, leaving it to Daniel Bluman as the final remaining rider able to take over the lead. Bluman was able to get closer to Wathelet’s time, but in doing so accrued four faults at the very last fence, leaving him in third.

Wathelet said: “It is amazing to win a Grand Prix, especially a Rolex Grand Prix. I jumped in the Nations Cup at La Baule last week and the horse was jumping really well, so I was confident coming to Royal Windsor that he was on great form. It was a tough course which was very up to height, but I thought there would be more clears from the top combinations. Even though there weren’t many riders in the jump-off you still have to go fast and clear to win. The Show is incredible; the atmosphere and the crowds are amazing; all of the riders love coming here.”

THE CHARLES DYNASTY RULE AT ROYAL WINDSOR

The Show Jumping got off to an early start with the Protexin Equine Under-25 Jumping Competition featuring Great Britain’s top up-and-coming young riders. Of the seven combinations who went through to the second round, it was Sienna Charles riding Chinta Van Geluut Z who set the pace as second to go, jumping an immaculate round in a time of 34.93 seconds. Those who followed were unable to match Charles’ standard, with Joe Fernyhough coming closest with a clear in a time of 35.42 to finish second, ahead of Oliver Fletcher in third.

A delighted Charles said: “This class is one I’ve always wanted to win; I’ve come close a couple of times so I’m really pleased with how it’s gone today. I was off a lot of last year with injury or illness, so I took her [Chinta Van Geluut Z] to Spain to build up for the season and I’m really happy with her today.”

The Manama Rose Show Stakes was a speed class with riders jumping one round of 12 fences against the clock. Home favourite John Whitaker took an early lead, setting the standard with an impressive display of speed and agility. Compatriot Guy Williams, known for his skill against the clock, set off meaning business, but took an extra pull down to the last, which denied him pole position. It was Britain’s leading lady rider, Holly Smith, who was the first to put Whitaker’s lead in jeopardy, and with a forward stride to the last, shaved 0.61 seconds off his time to take the lead at the midway point.

Shane Breen stepped up the pace once again, galloping flat out to the last to set what looked to be an unbeatable target. However, ultimately it was Harry Charles who showed his class, taking over the lead with just four to go with a slick performance aboard Billabong du Roumois. The 22-year-old shaved off over two seconds from Breen’s time to take the victory, the perfect preparation for the afternoon’s Rolex Grand Prix.

Charles said: “He is a new horse to me, and this is our first win together. He is a fantastic horse, who is extremely fast and has a lot of potential, so I am really excited about our future together. I didn’t watch anyone in the jump-off; I just stuck to my plan which was to start off conservatively and build up the speed as the course went on. I can’t believe that we were two and a half seconds faster than everyone else – it truly is an ode to how fast the horse is. He is very similar to my top horse, Stardust. Both are naturally quick and careful – those horses are hard to beat!”

SHOWING CHAMPIONS CROWNED

Her Majesty The Queen only narrowly missed another win in the show ring. Her home-bred five-year-old Fool’s Paradise — rated “a star in the making” by rider/producer Katie Jerram-Hunnable — was second in the Novice Riding Horse sponsored by Mr and Mrs Phil Swallow. Coincidentally, this lovely gelding is the son of a mare called Stardust, whom Jerram-Hunnable rode to win the Ladies’ Show Horse class twice here in the past. The overall title went to Cheshire producer Vicky Smith with the Mears family’s Times Square.

Chief Showing steward Sebastian Garner was in celebration mode when his daughter Kinvara topped the Intermediate Show Hunters, riding the 10-year-old Irish-bred gelding Despicable Me for her employers, Steve Pitt and Vicky Smith.

Senior Castle Arena Showing Steward and long-time Royal Windsor supporter Philip Judge was also beside himself with joy when his oldest son, Harry, seven, won the Lead Rein Show Hunter Pony class with his charming grey pony, Thistledown Snowfall. Judge, who owns an international haulage company, has stewarded at the show for many years, and also competed here as a child.

At the other end of the equine size scale, Forgelands Hyde Park — Friday’s Hack Champion with producer Danielle Heath — returned to the Show to land the Intermediate Championship with his owner’s daughter, Issy Mears.

EXELL SECURES VICTORY

At the end of a thrilling three days of international action, Boyd Exell (AUS) stormed home the winner of the CAIO4* Land Rover Grand Prix nearly 16 penalties clear of his closest rival, Glenn Geerts (BEL). Having led from the start with an untouchable Dressage score, Boyd held on to his lead through the Marathon phase despite mounting pressure from Geerts and eventual third place Michael Brauchle (GER). However, Exell’s early advantage was too much for his competitors to match, and even a handful of penalties in the Cones kept him well clear of his rivals.

The Team title went to Belgium, whose line-up of Dries Degrieck, Glenn Geerts, and Tom Stokmans clinched the competition by just 0.51 of a point over Germany’s Michael Brauchle, Mareike Harm, and Rene Poensgen.

To find out more about Royal Windsor Horse Show, visit www.rwhs.co.uk.

For more information, please contact:
Gayle Jenkins / rEvolution / gjenkins@revolutionworld.com

Competitions, Driving, Royal Windsor Horse Show, Show Jumping

The Sun Shines on Smith at Royal Windsor Horse Show

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Photo: Holly Smith pushes to the finish to claim victory in the Kingdom of Bahrain Stakes for the King’s Cup.

The top class international competition continued on day three of Royal Windsor Horse Show, with the world’s best show jumpers and carriage drivers in action. Other action included the Inter Schools Show Jumping Competition supported by Mochara, which was won by Seaford College. There was also a presentation to the Best Turned Out Trooper, which was awarded to Prince Ainuson riding Northumberland.

NO CONFUSION FOR FTS KILLOSSERY KONFUSION

The opening CSI5* class of the day, the Falcon Stakes, took the top 10 riders from the first round into a jump-off against the clock. It was left to third to go, Jos Verlooy riding Fts Killossery Konfusion, to set the target with the first double clear in an impressive 39.64 seconds. The Belgian rider pulled off some impressive turns with the 11-year-old grey gelding to put the pressure on those to follow. David Will showed that the time could be beaten; however, his four faults meant he was only able to finish fifth. Wilm Vermeir gave it his best shot as last to go, but he was not able to catch his Belgian teammate, posting a time of 39.83 seconds with Linguine de La Pomme to finish in second and make it a Belgian one-two. Steve Guerdat and Dynamix de Belheme took third, with Lorenzo de Luca in fourth.

Speaking after the class, Verlooy said: “It is fantastic to win here – it is such an amazing Show, probably one of the best in the world. Fts Killossery Konfusion was great today; he is a naturally fast horse and wants to leave the jumps up, so I feel very lucky to ride him. I am very excited for the Rolex Grand Prix tomorrow – I will ride Luciano van het Geinsteinde who was second in the CSI5* Pearl Stakes yesterday, so I am feeling very confident.”

Later in the day, attention turned to the Kingdom of Bahrain Stakes for the King’s Cup. The 1.55m course set by Bernardo Costa Cabral proved challenging, with just three combinations progressing through to the jump-off. First into the arena for the second round, Lorenzo de Luca, set the standard with a clear round in the time of 33.63 seconds. Holly Smith, a former winner of this class in 2019, made up time with tight turns throughout and galloping down to the last to take over the pole position aboard Fruselli. Abdel Saïd put in a strong performance to threaten Holly’s lead, but in the end could only manage enough for second place.

A delighted Smith said: “I am elated with Fruselli today – he was incredible, and I am so pleased for his owners Sue and Gordon Hall. I won this class in 2019, on the Hall’s Hearts Destiny, who sadly passed away two years ago, so to win here today on this horse feels extra special. The course rode really well, so I was surprised there were so few clears. In the jump-off, I took risks and really went for it, as the worst I could be was third, but those risks played off! I love it here and the crowd has been amazing – it is such an honour to win on home soil.”

LAND ROVER SERVICES JUMPING

In a stellar year of competition, a fantastic morning of action in Her Majesty The Queen’s Challenge Cup for Services Team Jumping Competition supported by Land Rover set the scene in the Castle Arena.

The Challenge Cup presented by Her Majesty The Queen, awarded to the first placed service team riding United Kingdom Service horses was awarded this year to the Defence Animal Training Regiment A team. The team, consisting of Captain Harry Grantham and Willow Clover Promise, CoH Andrew Mancey with Paardeburg, and WO2 Michael McGrath riding Middleham finished on a team score of 4 penalties after the latter posted a careful clear round in the second phase. The team won clear ahead of the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery A Team on 12 penalties.

Of the non-horsed units competing for The Queen’s Plate, the Army 3 team of Captain Amy Lambert and Pirate’s Puzzle, Trooper Dylan Hinton and Ultimate II, and Major Daniel Gregory with Neighbourhood Watch Archie finished on a score of 0 to take the title. Lambert – nominated to ride the second phase – completed the jump-off clear with a time of 57.53 in front of cheering crowds.

The new section introduced for 2022, The Jorrocks Challenge Trophy for international teams, was lifted on its inaugural occasion by the Bahrain Defence Force team of Ahmed Mansoor Ali Maki and Zamzam, Mohamed Saif Alnairi and Consuela Van Verst, and Basel Mohamed Aldoseri on Amalfi. With a time of 43.22, the latter was also presented the prize from The Worshipful Company of saddlers to the highest placed rider in phase two.

MAJESTIC DAY OF SHOWING

Although missing out on a win, Her Majesty The Queen still had plenty to celebrate when Sunbeam, her home-bred In-Hand Coloured Reserve Champion from Thursday, returned under saddle to stand third in a very strong CHAPS UK ridden class. The delightful five-year-old gelding was ridden by producer Katie Jerram-Hunnable, whose husband Chris led him to Thursday’s win.

Her Majesty collected another rosette when young rider Libby Grota partnered the prolific-winning Highland stallion Balmoral Mandarin to stand third in an extremely strong BSPS Ridden Large Breeds Native class supported by Smart Grooming.

Chris Hunnable partnered another of The Queen’s homebred stars, the ex-racehorse First Receiver to be third in the Tattersalls RoR In-Hand Show Series Qualifier, following his second place in the ridden equivalent on Thursday.

The prestigious Royal Windsor Show Pony Championship went to Harpenden-based Poppy Baxter-Davies who delivered a great performance on the 128cm winner, Roxair’s Aphrodite.

The Show’s Chief Showing Steward, Sebastian Garner, was able to witness his niece, India Till, repeat last year’s Novice Show Pony victory with the lovely 148cm winner, Rotherwood Fancy That, who is only five years old and relatively inexperienced, but performed like a seasoned campaigner.

EXCITEMENT BUILDS IN THE INTERNATIONAL DRIVING

The top 15 four-in-hand drivers in the world drove true to form over Jeroen Houterman’s open and flowing, yet questioning, marathon course. All the drivers chose to follow different routes and show their skills to the large and appreciative crowd which had gathered round the eight beautifully designed obstacles.

Germany’s marathon specialist Michael Brauchle put in a brilliant and consistent performance to lead the Marathon and go up one place overnight to sixth. Dressage leader, Boyd Exell, had a few costly knock-down balls and although he only finished fifth on the Marathon, retains his lead after the dressage. Chester Weber drove his up-and-coming team of horses smoothly to go from fourth to second place, having flown them in from the USA on Wednesday. The heat suited the team who are used to the Florida temperatures, and they performed to their best.

The two Belgian drivers Glen Geerts and Dries Degrieck are neck and neck after the two phases, and lying in third and fourth place, respectively, with less than a point separating them. Top lady driver Mareike Harm drove an elegant round and, although not quite as fast on the clock, sits in fifth. Speaking after her round, the German driver said: “We really enjoy being here at Windsor. It was fantastic yesterday in the dressage and I was so happy to be third. The marathon was brilliant and I’m very happy.”

The three British drivers accrued penalty points for corrected errors of course. British driver Karen Basset said: “I’ve had a great time and it was a great learning curve, but I felt I let them down today as I went sailing past Gate A in the last obstacle before I corrected my course! My horses gave me everything.”

Andrew Counsell, Director of Driving, said: “A lot of work was put into the eight obstacles and we felt that they really flowed. They didn’t cause the horses difficulty and there were both tight turns and flowing routes. There was some really good driving which is what Jeroen and I planned ahead of the event. We really appreciate having the world’s top drivers here in this wonderful setting.”

To find out more about Royal Windsor Horse Show, or to book tickets, visit www.rwhs.co.uk.

For more information, please contact:
Gayle Jenkins / rEvolution / gjenkins@revolutionworld.com

Competitions, Driving, Endurance Riding, Royal Windsor Horse Show, Show Jumping

Her Majesty The Queen in Jubilant Spirits at Royal Windsor Horse Show

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The CSI5* Show Jumping and CAIO4* Land Rover International Driving got underway on day two of Royal Windsor Horse Show, with the world’s best horse and rider combinations in action. Elsewhere, Her Majesty The Queen was in attendance to watch her beloved Fell Pony, Balmoral Leia, being crowned The Horse & Hound Mountain and Moorland Supreme In-Hand Champion and the Jack Wetzel Coaching Marathon provided a spectacle as they headed down the Long Walk.

WORLD’S BEST SHOW JUMPERS RETURN TO CASTLE ARENA

The opening CSI5* class of the Show, a two-phase competition, went to 2020 Olympic team gold medalist Henrik von Eckermann. Guy Williams took the early lead aboard Rouge de Ravel, making all the turns to set a time to beat of 25.66 and giving the crowd something to cheer about. For much of the class, it looked like Williams was going to bring home a British victory; however, Christian Ahlmann riding Calvino 16 rode a masterful second phase against the clock to take the lead. With just four to go, von Eckermann, partnering the nine-year-old mare Iliana, jumped a flawless round to shave 0.04 seconds of Ahlmann’s time to secure the victory.

The feature class of the day, The Pearl Stakes, was a 1.55m jump-off class featuring some of the best horses and riders in the world. Of the 13 combinations going through to the second round, 10 were former World No. 1s. Daniel Deusser set the pace as third to go, with the first double clear in a time of 36.32. Bernardo Costa Cabral’s course proved challenging, with many riders accruing faults when trying to catch Deusser. Jos Velooy came closest with Luciano van het Geinsteinde, posting a time of 37.46. John Whitaker showed his experience to go into third with just two left to go; however, no-one was able to match Deusser’s performance, leaving the German to take the spoils.

Speaking after the class, Deusser said: “Royal Windsor Horse Show is a fantastic event; it is a great feeling to be standing here as the winner in front of such a big crowd and with Windsor Castle in the background. Bingo Ste Hermelle is a small and nimble horse, so I can go very fast in the jump-off. I will give him tomorrow off in preparation for the Rolex Grand Prix on Sunday. I think if I make it to the jump-off on Sunday then we have a very good chance of winning!”

HER MAJESTY’S DELIGHT AS FELL PONY TAKES CHAMPIONSHIP

Showing success continued for Her Majesty The Queen, who was on hand to watch as her beautiful home-bred Highland mare, Balmoral Leia, claimed the prestigious Horse & Hound Mountain and Moorland Supreme In Hand Championship in the Castle Arena.

The five-year-old was beautifully shown by producer Lizzie Briant to win a strong adult class — also watched by Her Majesty — before the reins were handed over to Lizzie’s friend and fellow native pony enthusiast, Henry Hird, in the final reckoning.

“She’s a beautiful mare, and this success is entirely down to Lizzie, who has produced her beautifully — I was just handed the lucky reins for the Championship,” said Henry, who earlier showed The Queen’s yearling colt, Balmoral Duke, to be third in the Strong Youngstock class.

“Leia is such a pretty mare and a joy to have,” added Lizzie. “She is also broken-in to ride, and I have high hopes for her.”

Yorkshireman Robert Walker claimed an impressive fourth consecutive Hunter Championship sponsored by ClipMyHorse.TV title aboard Jill Day’s extraordinary reigning Horse of the Year Show champion View Point.

The prestigious Novice Hunter Championship supported by Alan Marnie Manwah title — always another major aim at Royal Windsor — fell this year to racing enthusiast Liz Prowting’s five-year-old lightweight victor Bloomfield President, ably partnered by young rider Alice Homer.

BOYD EXELL TAKES EARLY LEAD IN INTERNATIONAL DRIVING

Day one of the Royal Windsor CAIO4* Land Rover Grand Prix went to current indoor and outdoor FEI Driving World Champion Boyd Exell (AUS), who scored just shy of 80% to clinch a lead in the Dressage. With a margin of just over 5%, he sits ahead of multiple Dutch champion Isjbrand Chardon with a score of 74.3%. In third with 71.8% is Germany’s Mareike Harm, one of two ladies in the Horse Fours class. The USA’s Chester Weber is in fourth. The highest placed British competitor is Daniel Naprous who scored 60.6% to take him into 10th place.  Ahead of Saturday’s Marathon phase – which promises to be an exhilarating test for all 15 drivers – the obstacles look challenging but flow well around the scenic parkland of Windsor Castle. Boyd will be the firm favourite to retain the title he won last year, but Marathon specialists Koos de Ronde and Glenn Gerts will be pushing him all the way.

A WELCOME RETURN TO INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION AT ROYAL WINDSOR ENDURANCE

The Royal Windsor Endurance ride, kindly supported by the Kingdom of Bahrain, took place with fifty-four combinations riding tracks round the stunning Windsor Great Park to compete in CEI3* 160km, CEI2*/YJ 120km, and CEI1*/YJ 100km classes.

Riders representing countries including Uruguay, South Africa, Portugal, Spain, and India set out on Friday morning in near perfect weather conditions. The day remained sunny but cool, and although dusty, the tracks benefitted a little from the rain earlier in the week.

News of the death of President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates emerged during the ride, and as a result some of those representing UAE made the decision to retire.

The CEI3* 160km was won by Bahrain’s HH Sheikh Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa on Coeur De Ghazal in a total time of 07:41:27. The CEI2* 120km had a Bahrain one, two, three and was won by Mohamed Abdulhameed Alhashemi riding Darco la Majorie in a time of 04:58:17. In the CEI1* 100km, it was Kuwait’s Abdalaziz F M D Al Mutairi on Dune Du Claud in 04:36:10. The young riders did not complete.

Great Britain had eleven competitors in total and seven finished, with a particularly strong showing in the 100Km, where all British Riders finished. Nicola Thorne placed second on L.I.Wallonia in 05:00:08 and Annie Joppe third on HS Chiara in 05:22:47.

Royal Windsor Endurance Director, Nick Brooks-Ward, said: “We were so pleased to welcome international competitors back to Royal Windsor Endurance today. The course was excellent and there was a tremendous atmosphere of care and cooperation amongst competitors and crews. We are grateful to the officials, sponsors, and to the Crown Estate whose hard work ensures the fabulous environment in the Great Park. Our very grateful thanks also to the Kingdom of Bahrain for providing the funding for such a tremendous ride.”

President of the Ground Jury, Brian Dunn (IRL), said: “As usual for Royal Windsor, it was a well-run and well-organised event. The course was great, technical, and testing and we had an experienced, capable team of officials. Horses were ably cared for with welfare at the forefront of everyone’s minds.”

President of the Treating Veterinarians, Tom Eaton-Evans (GBR), said: “The sign of a good ride today was that we treated very few horses. Some were kept under observation, but the treating team was quiet all day.  One horse has been taken to Newmarket Equine Hospital for assessment for a hindlimb lameness. No others needed any medical intervention.”

To find out more about Royal Windsor Horse Show, or to book tickets, visit www.rwhs.co.uk.

For more information, please contact:
Gayle Jenkins / rEvolution / gjenkins@revolutionworld.com