Francoise Babington and Scarlet Ribbons (J-Lo) completed a remarkable treble at the 2026 Agria Royal International Horse Show (RIHS), winning the supreme amateur hunter championship after earlier victories in both the lightweight amateur hunter and the home-produced hunter finals.
The 12-year-old mare, by Wish Upon A Star out of Javelin, successfully defended the amateur hunter supreme title she claimed in 2025, continuing an outstanding season that also included the amateur hunter championship at Royal Windsor.
Owned and ridden by Francoise, J-Lo once again demonstrated her quality in the amateur ranks, producing three polished performances to secure all three titles.
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“I’ve been in the show ring since I was little,” said Francoise. “I took some time out and did a bit of racing, rode as an amateur for a while, then stepped away completely to focus on family and the business. I came back about seven years ago and actually won this class in 2023 on my other horse, Seabourne Silent Valley.”
She added: “I’ve always been very fortunate to have some incredible wins in the amateur classes with Seabourne Silent Valley and then last year with J-Lo. She was an absolute superstar and I couldn’t believe we’d won both championships. She galloped so well in that ring.
“She’s 12 now and to complete the Windsor and Royal International double is really special. We absolutely adore her and, when we retire her from the show ring, she’ll go off to have babies.”
There was little time for celebration after the presentation, however, as Francoise hurried across the showground to watch her 12-year-old niece, Alexandra Babington, make her Royal International debut aboard Crumpwell Haddi.
The pair rounded off a memorable family day by finishing eighth in the NPS Baileys Horse Feeds 122cm mountain and moorland working hunter pony final.
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