There’s no need for football to come home, as showjumping has done it, again, was the verdict as Great Britain triumphed in the 2026 Agria Nations Cup at the Royal International Horse Show.

The team had been victorious in 2023 and 2024 but having just been pipped by Germany last year, came back to win with a fence in hand.

Jessica Mendoza (Summerhouse), Adrian Whiteway (Chacco Volo), Tim Gredley (Medoc De Toxandria) and Ben Maher (Catelly) finished on a total of eight faults, two fences ahead of Ireland, with Canada third on 24. Tim and his superstar campaigner Medoc jumped one of only two double clears to help seal Britain’s third win on home soil in four years.

Chef d’equipe Di Lampard said it was good to be back at the top.

“You talk about teamwork, this is what it’s all about, isn’t it?” she said, paying tribute to the teams behind the team, and her right-hand man Stanny Van Paesschen.

“I was quietly confident this morning, and yes, I had a bit of a nervous jitter towards the end of the second round – but I had every confidence in them.”

2026 Agria Nations Cup: Britain flying from the off

Britain was on flying form from the start; the first combination in, Jessica and her own 11-year-old gelding – a half-brother to her championship ride In The Air – jumped a textbook clear, sure and rhythmical, to give the team the best possible start, especially as it was the only clear in the first rotation of riders.

By the time Adrian came in, Britain’s was still the only clear. Chacco Volo did not touch a pole, but inexplicably stopped at the water, and the resulting time-faults meant they finished on a total of 20. Third in was Tim and the Gredleys’ and Unex Competition Yard’s 14-year-old, who were never in danger of touching a fence.

The luck had not been with Ireland in the first round; David Simpson and his Hickstead Derby hero Pjotr Van De Kruishoeve and Shane Breen and the versatile Scarteen had clocked up an uncharacteristic eight faults apiece, and team debutante Michaeli Byrne and MSH Claregalway four. But Conor Swail’s clear with Clonterm Obolensky put the team total at 12 and the pressure on by the time Ben came in with new ride Catelly.

Again, Ben and the 14-year-old owned by Charlotte Rossetter and Pamela Wright did not touch a pole – but again it was the water that was an issue, as Catelly went into it with a back foot.

This meant the team had a first-round total of four, a fence ahead of Brazil and two ahead of Ireland and the UAE. European champions Belgium and France were in seventh and eighth place, with 21 and 24 faults respectively, so missed out on the second round.

This rotation of riders led to a shake-up of the team order; Canada had finished round one in fifth place on 16 faults but Chris Pratt and Ideaal ES jumped clear and Kyle King (Kayenne Z) and Nicole Walker (Panter JVH) for four, so Amy Millar and Gaiete D’Elle’s five – an unlucky clip of the last fence and a time-fault – could be dropped for a total of 24. This was the same total as the UAE, who clocked up 12 in each round, but Canada’s faster time secured the podium. Brazil added four fences down in total to finish fourth.

In the second round, Jessica and Summerhouse clipped the troublesome early double, and Chacco Volo had an uncharacteristic two rails, which meant the pressure was on Tim and Medoc, who went round like the pros they are to leave everything up.

So in the end, it all came down – as it often has here before – to Ireland and the Brits. David and Pjotr had jumped for four, Michaeli eight and Shane and Scarteen a beautiful clear. So had Conor and Oliver Glancy’s 10-year-old clipped a single rail, or gone a second over the time, it would have been a home win without Ben needing to jump again. But their round was fast and faultless, the only other double clear secured, and leaving all the pressure on Ben’s shoulders. He could have one fence, two would have meant a jump-off with the Irish.

But Catelly wasn’t going to touch the water this time, and he flew everything else, clearing the last oxer to rapturous applause.

Ben paid tribute to the team at Hickstead, for the perfect going, sponsors Agria and the crowd.

“I’ve only had Catelly four months, so he was thrown in the deep end a bit, and we’re still making the odd mistake,” he said. “It was a bit of a unique fault I had in the first round; I don’t think I’ve ever seen a horse with a back foot in a water jump! So I had to make a bit of a plan B and got away with it.

“Then to come back, it was great to be able to finish it for this amazing team. I thought they were lying to me when I went in, that I had two jumps in hand and they’d told me one so I didn’t get too sloppy So I need to pay a bit more attention but Catelly jumped amazing, and showed what he can do. I’m very lucky to have the team of horses I have.”

Coming back to win

Jesssica and Adrian both jumped on this team last year and both were delighted to return and secure the win.

“I’ve had Chacco a long time, we’ve done it all together, and I’ve had an amazing season,” Adrian said. “This is actually probably the worst day we’ve had, unfortunately. But he’s an amazing, amazing horse. Unlucky today but that’s showjumping, and we’ll come back next time.”

Tim and Medoc were on the winning team here in 2023 and 2024, and Tim was delighted by the hat-trick, adding that Hickstead is the “holy grail” of showjumping.

“It’s where the showjumping all began for me, and I really want to give back to them every single year,” he said. “So to come here, jump a double clear and win on the team is brilliant, what it’s all about.

“Medoc got my career exactly back where I wanted to be, he’s been brilliant. Today was always the plan, we’ve been building towards this, and it’s come off. It’s very rare that plans come off, but it’s a nice feeling when they do.”

“This is for Bob”

Di added that the win was dedicated to the late legendary course-builder Bob Ellis

“We really wanted to win this year for Bob,” she said. “We all learned round his courses, they’re renowned all round the world. So talking to his daughter, we said we want to win at Hickstead. His memorial is in August and she said ‘I won’t be able to come [to Aachen], but bring a medal back’. Bob’s looking down on us.”

Hickstead director Edward Bunn thanked Agria, as without such support these shows cannot happen, and his team for their tireless weeks of work since the Derby meeting to ensure the ground was as good as it could be.

“Congratulations to Team GBR, to Di and her team,” he said. “Football doesn’t need to come home – showjumping does it for them.”

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A stellar quartet of British showjumpers is bidding for glory in this afternoon’s Hickstead Nations Cup (Friday 24 July).

A team win on home soil is one of the pinnacles of the sport for any rider, so expect some fierce competition when the flags go up for all eight nations competing in the CSIO5* Agria Nations Cup of Great Britain at 2.15pm today in Hickstead’s International Arena.

Hickstead Nations Cup: who is on the British team?

So who has chef d’equipe Di Lampard selected for her Hickstead Nations Cup team this afternoon?

Two members of the Great Britain squad heading to the showjumping world championships next month will be flying the flag, Ben Maher, who was on the gold medal-winning team at the Paris 2024 Olympics, and Adrian Whiteway, who will be making his senior championship debut.

Ben brings forward his relatively new ride Catelly, who was bought by Charlotte Rossetter and Pamela Wright for the triple Olympic gold medallist just three months ago, and they were part of Great Britain’s winning Longines League of Nations (LLN) squad in Rotterdam last month.

There will be a great reception for the hugely popular duo of Adrian Whiteway and Chacco Volo, who will be making their final team appearance before heading to Aachen as part of Great Britain’s World Championship squad. It’s been a fairytale couple of years for 35-year-old Adrian, who made his five-star Nations Cup debut here last year with Deborah Cox’s 13-year-old stallion and a win at Hickstead would be the perfect send-off.

US-based Jessica Mendoza is back in Europe for the summer and has made it on to the non-travelling reserve list for the showjumping World Championships in Aachen. She is riding her own 11-year-old bay gelding Summerhouse, with whom she has been competing since early 2024, and was also part of the winning team in Rotterdam this summer. They too were on the team that was just pipped to second by Germany in this Nations Cup in 2025.

Tim Gredley was part of the celebrated team that brought showjumping home in the Hickstead Nations Cup of 2023 with the country’s first Nations Cup victory on home soil for 13 years. His trusty partner, 13-year-old Medoc De Toxandria, is a veteran of two championships – one with Tim and one with Matt Sampson – and countless Nations Cups.

Good luck to the British team and we look forward to another cracking Nations Cup at Hickstead.

British Nations Cup team for Hickstead 2026

• Harry Charles with nine-year-old Fighting Phil, owned by Harry / 16-year-old Casquo Blue, owned by Harry’s father Peter Charles and Stall Zet.
• Ben Maher and 14-year-old Catelly, jointly owned by Charlotte Rossetter and Pamela Wright.
• Jessica Mendoza riding 13-year-old In The Air, owned by Permilla Amman, Georgia Kipp, Jessica Mendoza, Kristi Mitchem and Melissa Skowlund / 11-year-old Summerhouse, owned by Permilla Amman, Georgia Kipp, Jessica Mendoza, Kristi Mitchem and Melissa Skowlund, AKA “The Moms’ Club”
• Tim Gredley with 13-year-old Medoc De Toxandria, owned by Tim’s wife Rachel Gredley, his father William Gredley and Unex Competition Yard.
• Adrian Whiteway with 13-year-old stallion Chacco Volo, who is owned by Deborah Cox.
• Chef d’equipe: Di Lampard

The Agria Nations Cup of Great Britain takes place at 2.15pm this afternoon, Friday 24 July, at Hickstead.

How to watch the Hickstead action

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Medal-winning veterans and some new up-and-coming stars feature on the British showjumping shortlist for the Aachen World Championships (11 to 23 August).

One combination from the team that won silver at last year’s European Championships – Scott Brash and Hello Folie – is included in the list of 11 riders and 15 horses from which the final squad will be confirmed. The final squad of five combinations must be submitted to the FEI by 23 July, following a final meeting on or around 16 July.

The selection panel comprises chef d’equipe Di Lampard and non-voting chair of selectors Sarah Rowell and the aim is to select those most likely to achieve the objectives; of qualifying for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, and winning as many medals as possible.

The selection will of course take into account combination results, including in five-star Nations Cup and grands prix, this year and last.

Scott and Ben Maher, currently third and fourth in the Longines world rankings, look certain to feature in the world championships squad and both have three rides on the British showjumping shortlist. As well as Folie, with whom he also won individual silver last year, Scott has his Paris 2024 team gold medal-winning Hello Jefferson and the rising star Hello Mango, all three owned by Lady Pauline Harris and Lady Pauline Kirkham. Scott has been on flying form this year, winning five-star grands prix on all three horses.

Ben is named with his stalwarts Enjeu de Grisien and Point Break; he came fourth with the former in the Rolex Aachen grand prix this month and won the five-star grand prix in Rotterdam last week with the latter. He is also down with Catelly – owned as are the other two by Charlotte Rossetter and Pamela Wright – whom he has only been riding since May but with whom he was on the team that won the Longines League of Nations (LLN) in Rotterdam this month.

Harry Charles has with Scott and Ben been the backbone of recent British championship teams but has been rebuilding his string. He is named with another new ride; his own and wife Eve Jobs’ LT Holst Freda, whom he only started riding a month ago but with whom he jumped double clear in the Rotterdam LLN to help secure that British win, sealing the deal in a jump-off thriller.

Rising stars Adrian Whiteway and Chacco Volo have been impressing on Nations Cup teams and top-level shows since their CSI5* debut a year ago; they are also on the British showjumping shortlist for Aachen.

Joe Stockdale, who helped Britain to team bronze at the last World Championships is on the list, this time with Ebanking who has been competitive at five-star level this year. Jessica Mendoza, who shone as an individual at last year’s Europeans, is selected with Summerhouse, who was also on that winning team in Rotterdam. Matt Sampson is named with Un Secreto Z, the horse with whom he came fourth in his first five-star grand prix at Windsor last month, and won at the Hickstead Derby meeting – and whom Matt describes as the best in his string at the moment. Sienna Charles and home-bred Chawton were also on the winning team in Rotterdam, jumping clear to set up the jump-off.

Jack Whitaker, Jodie Hall McAteer and Tim Gredley are the riders who complete the British showjumping shortlist for Aachen – we will have to wait and see who makes the final cut.

Selection also takes into account results in other five-star and four-star competitions, as well as the standing of the competition, the quality of the field and reasons for any incomplete competition. Proof of ability to produce top performances on a given day and while under pressure are also important.

The British showjumping shortlist Aachen 2026:

Scott Brash with 11-year-old mare Hello Folie

Owners: Lady Pauline Harris and Lady Pauline Kirkham

Breeder: Claire Gouin

Breeding: By Luidam, out of a mare by Diamant De Semilly

Scott Brash with 17-year-old gelding Hello Jefferson

Owners: Lady Pauline Harris and Lady Pauline Kirkham

Breeder: Bernard Mols

Breeding: By Cooper van de Heffinck, out of a mare by Irco Mena

Scott Brash with 11-year-old mare Hello Mango

Owners: Lady Pauline Harris and Lady Pauline Kirkham

Breeder: HPH Vaessen

Breeding: By Untouchable 27, out of a mare by Numero Uno

Harry Charles with 12-year-old mare Holst Freda

Owners: Eve Jobs and rider

Breeder: E Mackintosh

Breeding: By Colman, out of a mare by Casall Ask

Sienna Charles with 12-year-old stallion Chawton

Owner: Peter Charles

Breeder: Peter Charles

Breeding: By Typhoon S, out of a mare by Caletto

Tim Gredley with 14-year-old gelding Medoc de Toxandria

Owners: Rachel Gredley, William Gredley and Unex Competition Yard Ltd

Breeder: Werner Dierckx

Breeding: By Der Senaat III, out of a mare by Kelvin De Sainte Hermelle

Jodie Hall McAteer with 10-year-old mare La Gupardie

Owner: Mandy Hall

Breeder: F van de Linden

Breeding: By Van Gogh, out of a mare by Carrera VDL

Ben Maher with 14-year-old gelding Catelly

Owners: Charlotte Rossetter and Pamela Wright

Breeder: H. Wulf-Hinrich

Breeding: By Catalido, out of a mare by Ephebe For Ever La Silla

Ben Maher with 12-year-old gelding Enjeu De Grisien

Owners: Charlotte Rossetter and Pamela Wright

Breeder: H. Elevage de Grisien SCEA

Breeding: By Toulon, out of a mare by Andiamo

Ben Maher with 12-year-old stallion Point Break

Owners: Charlotte Rossetter and Pamela Wright

Breeder: Nya Äppelvikens Ridskola AB

Breeding: By Action-Breaker, out of a mare by Baloubet De Rouet

Jessica Mendoza with 11-year-old gelding Summerhouse

Owners: Pernilla Amman, Georgia Kipp, Kristi Mitchem and Melissa Skowlund and rider

Breeder: C Den Boer

Breeding: By Induparts Guidam Sohn, out of a mare by VDL Indoctro

Matt Sampson with 11-year-old stallion Un Secreto Z

Owner: Maplepark Farm

Breeder: Finca Horses BV

Breeding: By Ultra Boy, out of a mare by Arko III

Joe Stockdale with 12-year-old stallion Ebanking

Owners: Barbara Hester and Laura Stockdale

Breeder: E Vriend

Breeding: By Etoulon, out of a mare by Aranebel

Jack Whitaker with 12-year-old stallion Jack JL

Owner: Candice Reilly

Breeder: JE Lammerts-Weide

Breeding: By Bessemeind’s Quasimodo Z, out of a mare by Astrello

Adrian Whiteway with 13-year-old stallion Chacco Volo

Owner: Deborah Cox

Breeder: Gestut Lewitz

Breeding: By Chacco-Blue, out of a mare by Cathago

The grooms’ names are yet to be confirmed and selection decisions depend on horses and riders’ maintaining fitness and performance.

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British showjumper Tim Gredley has has been involved in the sport since his teenage years, representing his country at world and European championships, Nations Cups and enjoying great individual success, too.

Speaking on episode 176 of The Horse & Hound Podcast, the 40-year-old rider sparks some innovative ideas for the future of the sport.

“I read a very interesting article recently from [2014 world jumping champion] Jeroen Dubbeldam, who said it’s very hard to know what’s important in the sport anymore,” Tim Gredley says. “There are so many leagues, Rolex series, Longines shows and so on. Yet when I first started out, it was very simple – there were World Cups and Nations Cups and that was it. They were the targets.

“Nowadays every rider has to find what they think is important. For me, the Nations Cups are important and that’s what I like to target.

“But nationally is what worries me the most,” Tim continues. “Everybody can sit back and blame Brexit, but it’s worrying how many good riders are going abroad because there’s not enough incentive for them in this country any more. The leadership in British Showjumping needs to look at what initiatives they can come up with to keep our riders in the UK.

“We’ve got some of the best riders in the world, but we can’t rely on Ben Maher, Scott Brash and Harry Charles forever!”

Tim Gredley: could paid apprenticeships solve the problem?

Tim says he doesn’t claim to have all the answers to keeping riders in the UK and helping young riders progress, but puts forward one possible solution.

“Perhaps a paid apprenticeship with professional riders could work,” suggests Tim. “When I started in the sport, all the big stables had young jockeys from their own country coming through. That’s how young riders learned and got access to shows and horses. With the rising costs of everything nowadays, a lot of riders don’t have the resources to have a second or third jockey, so if BS could step in and help in some way there…

“It’s a very grassroots solution but there’s absolutely no substitute for getting into those professional yards. You can watch and learn,” says Tim, who was based with Robert Smith and Nick Skelton. “It’s so expensive to get going in the sport now, so if there was some kind of initiative – funded apprenticeships for example – it would be great for the younger generation.”

Why British is best when buying horses

Tim also talks about his current string of horses, led at the moment by the brilliant Medoc De Toxandria, with the exciting 10-year-old mare Vuitton Of Picobello Z and nine-year-old Romelus De Muze also coming through the ranks.

Tim is a great advocate for buying British, sourcing most of his horses from riders and producers on home soil, including from Jessica Burke, James Wilson, David Simpson and Alex Barr.

“All four of my horses on my string just now were sourced from England,” he says. “There’s a bit of a stigma that people have to travel abroad to buy these horses, but actually I’ve been very lucky with buying from the UK.”

An unusual method

Explaining his unusual tactic of rarely trying horses before he buys them, Tim says he “specifically buys horses from people I know”.

“There has to be a lot of trust in the deal. I’m not saying it works for everybody, but I have a system in my mind as to how I buy horses – I’m very strict in the way I do it,” he says. “The game is so professional now and sometimes when you go to try horses, they’re completely different when you get them home anyway.

“There’s so much information out there now, with videos available and so on, so sometimes not trying them and just getting them in your yard is the best way of doing it. You sometimes just find so many reasons not to buy them that you never end up buying them. Once they’re in your yard you have to work with them and make a success of it.”

To hear more about Tim Gredley’s insights on buying and producing horses, his visions for the future, quitting the sport and what makes top horse Medoc De Toxandria so special, listen here to episode 176 of The Horse & Hound Podcast – or search for “The Horse & Hound Podcast” in your favourite podcast app.

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On the 176th episode of The Horse & Hound Podcast, our showjumping editor Jennifer Donald chats to international rider and British team regular Tim Gredley. They talk about the horsepower needed to make it in the sport, how Tim juggles showjumping at the highest level with a “real job”, and his ambitions for the future

Episode 176 of our popular audio service The Horse & Hound Podcast is now live and features Tim Gredley, an international showjumper who has successfully returned the sport at the highest level after a few years away, was short-listed for the Paris Olympics and is a British Nations Cup team regular.

Each episode is available for H&H fans to listen to via your favourite podcast app, as well as here on the website. Search for “The Horse & Hound Podcast” in your preferred podcast app and click subscribe to be notified about each new episode.

• View all episodes of The Horse & Hound Podcast

During this episode you may be surprised to hear that Tim typically doesn’t ride his new showjumping partners before buying them, although he doesn’t necessarily recommend others follows his lead…

Tim also talks to H&H’s showjumping editor Jennifer Donald about his sensitive 2023 European Championships ride Medoc De Toxandria’s unusual way of going and how he gets the best out of him.

Other discussions include Tim’s return to elite sport while running the family business full-time, his interests in racing and his short-lived point-to-pointing career, why it was nice to return to showjumping with a “clean slate”, and the difficulties of breaking into the top echelons of showjumping.

Tim also shares his thoughts on what he feels needs to change in Britain to keep our best riders competing here and ways to help the next generation of riders break through, as well as his personal ambitions for the future.

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Horse & Hound Podcast: episode 176

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Imperial HBF, the former British team horse who joined McLain Ward last year, has died aged 13.

McLain said “Paddy” was put down on Tuesday (10 February) following complications from colic.

“Paddy suffered a bout of colic and, despite two surgeries and every possible effort to save him, the incredibly difficult decision was made – by his owner Michael Smith, myself, and a devoted team of caretakers and veterinarians – that the kindest and most humane choice was to let him go,” said McLain.

“Paddy fought tirelessly, just as he did throughout his career as a competitor, and our entire family and team are devastated by his loss. During this challenging time, his owner, Mike Smith, exemplified true horsemanship, spending countless hands-on hours by Paddy’s side, doing everything possible to support his recovery and never wavering in his trust in the team caring for him.”

McLain added that the vets and support staff at Rood & Riddle Wellington along with Dr Tim Ober, “were nothing short of extraordinary”.

“As always, I am deeply grateful to my own team for their unwavering dedication and compassion throughout this process. Godspeed, Imperial,” he said.

Imperial HBF was bred by Laura Tinto of HBF Stud, in Glasgow. He was produced as a young horse by Alex Barr, picking up top placings at home and abroad. Tim bought the son of Glasgow VH Merelsnest in 2022 and he was put in the ownership of Unex Equestrian alongside Tim’s father Bill Gredley and Tim’s wife Rachel.

In a previous H&H interview Tim said: “We started quite small and worked our way up. It was a bit testing at times – I remember walking out of the grand prix at Wellington on my feet because he jumped so high – but when you know horses have that kind of quality and you have that belief in them, you’re always willing to put the time and effort into them. In the end he came good.”

Tim and Imperial HBF jumped at the top level at prestigious shows around the world and Tim credited him for getting “my career back where I wanted it to be”. They represented Great Britain at Nations Cups, including in St Gallen, Barcelona and Hickstead, and Longines League of Nations events in Florida, Rotterdam and Abu Dhabi.

Imperial HBF was sold to McLain in March 2025. Tim said he was sad but described it as exciting for Paddy’s future – adding that his going to McLain “was a big part of the equation” and he believed the pair would be contenders for the Rolex grands prix and other big classes.

During their time together McLain and Imperial HBF proved an exciting combination with grand prix placings in La Baule, Dublin, and Aachen. Their last international appearance was at Traverse City, Michigan, USA.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2026, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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The Longines League of Nations (LLN) 2026 begins on Friday (13 February) with the first leg taking place in Abu Dhabi in the UAE.

Ten qualified teams, plus host nation UAE, line up for the first of four qualifying events for the LLN Final in Barcelona in October, so which horses and riders are we going to see in action this week? The answer is an exciting mix of Olympic veterans and rising stars and we can’t wait for the LLN team action to resume.

Here are the shortlisted runners and riders for the first leg of the Longines League of Nations.

Longines League of Nations: rising stars to Olympic veterans among key contenders

With a prize fund of €700,000 on offer at each LLN qualifying event and a further €1,600,000 up for grabs in the Final in Barcelona, it’s no surprise to see an A-list field in action in Abu Dhabi this week. Here are the teams announced for Friday’s two-round Longines League of Nations. All four riders from each country will contest round one, with only the top eight teams progressing to round two, where just three of the four athletes will be picked to jump again, without the luxury of a drop score.

Great Britain

A “youthful quartet” is how Great Britain’s team is described, with Joe Stockdale (Ebanking), Jack Whitaker (Jack JL) and LLN debutant Sandy McLean (Calixte Heartbreaker Z) lining up alongside team stalwart Tim Gredley (Medoc de Toxandria). The nation arrives in Abu Dhabi as reigning champions, having won the Final in Barcelona last year.

“We’d certainly love to retain that Longines trophy this year, and will be giving it our all to top the podium in Barcelona come October,” says chef d’equipe Di Lampard. “I’d like to think we’ll start the year a bit stronger than in past years and have strong hopes for a podium finish in Abu Dhabi or Ocala to get some good points in the first half of the season.

“Arriving at Rotterdam with extra pressure to get points last year wasn’t ideal but we were fortunate and secured our spot for Barcelona before the St Tropez leg,” she continues. “I learned by watching my fellow chefs who had to wait until Saint Tropez to see if they qualified for the Final. As chef d’equipe, competing for your country means everything – it’s why I do it. To be able to select a team to represent King and country gives me huge pride and I’m honoured to do it.”

Ireland

Winners in Abu Dhabi last year , Ireland now has new jumping manager Jessica Kürten in the driving seat. The green jackets will be sported by Mikey Pender (HHS Los Angeles), 21-year-old debutante Niamh McEvoy (Olympic ‘GL’ ‘FVD’) and brothers Shane (BP Arctic Blue) and Trevor Breen (Highland President).

“The Longines League of Nations is a prestigious series as only the best 10 teams in the world can participate,” says Jessica. “I particularly like the fact that it goes on the rankings of the athletes, including one under-25 athlete. The format of the competition makes it very dynamic and exciting for fans who are watching – and quite nerve-racking for those involved! But I’m very much looking forward to Team Ireland’s campaign this year.

“Ireland is a country known for its affinity with horses. Many of our Irish athletes have spent time riding horses since they were very young, have a very natural way with the horse and how they ride them. This partnership and bond is always an advantage to them, especially when in competition environments where we must make big ‘asks’ of our partners.”

Belgium

The reigning European champions are represented by Rik Hemeryck, Jos Verlooy, Wilm Vermeir and Annelies Vorsselmans, with team manager Peter Weinberg at the helm.

“Ambition and consistency are built on the same foundation: trust and team spirit,” says Peter. “We encourage athletes to be ambitious, but always within a collective framework where the team result comes first.

“Clear expectations, mutual support and confidence in one another allow athletes to perform at their best while maintaining the reliability that is essential in team competitions. For Belgium’s Red Musketeers, success has always come from riding with the team, not just for individual results.”

Structure and reliability: core principles in LLN

USA

It’s all about girl power for Team USA in Abu Dhabi, with Natalie Dean, Callie Schott, Sarah Segal and Skylar Wireman having been picked by chef d’equipe Robert Ridland.

“The opportunity to view and access top international sport is hugely motivating to inspire the next generation of athletes, and we have seen that firsthand with the Longines League of Nations leg in Ocala,” he says. “For our younger athletes, my advice would be to take advantage of every opportunity to watch and learn from these types of events. Watch the warm-up, the horsemanship, the course walks, how athletes work with their teams – it all builds towards the bigger picture of being capable of putting the pieces together on these stages in the most important moments.”

Germany

The inaugural winners in 2024 are back in force with Marco Kutscher, Daniel Deusser, Sophie Hinners and Jörne Sprehe.

“Structure and reliability remain core principles of our approach,” says chef d’equipe Otto Becker. “At the same time, the sport continues to evolve. We respond by regularly reviewing and refining our processes, including season planning, performance analysis and communication within the team. The aim is to preserve proven strengths while integrating new ideas where they add value.”

France

More top names line up for France with Simon Delestre, Antoine Ermann, Olivier Perreau and Jeanne Sadran picked for the season opener in Abu Dhabi.

Chef d’equipe Édouard Coupérie says: “With the Olympic Games approaching, where teams are made up of three pairs, it is essential to be able to adapt to this format.

“LLN is a highly competitive circuit, where results throughout the year and in the Final are a goal for every country – France will need to perform better in the 2026 final!”

Netherlands

Chef d’equipe Wout-Jan van der Schans has selected Kim Emmen, Frank Schuttert, Leopold van Asten and Jur Vrieling to don the orange jackets in the first leg of the LLN.

“Fortunately we have many, many good athletes, and also quite a few relatively young horses coming up to complement the seasoned professionals,” says the country’s newly appointed high performance director Laurens van Lieren. “This, of course, is the long-term plan for ongoing national development and performance excellence. So we expect to have a good group of combinations to select from, which makes us very hopeful for this season.

“We are incredibly grateful to have our athletes consistently at this global podium, showcasing their skills and talents to an ever-growing global audience. We look forward to the development of our athletes and horses throughout this season, and we invite everybody to come and cheer for the (future) stars of our lovely sport!”

Switzerland

After a disappointing 2025, we see some new names lining up for round one with LLN debutant Jason Smith, Romain Duguet, Gaëtan Joliat and Barbara Schnieper.

“Looking ahead to 2026, the focus will be on further strengthening our leading athletes so we can be competitive both in the Longines League of Nations and at the Longines FEI Jumping World Championship in Aachen,” says Swiss chef Peter van der Waaij. “The biggest progress has been made in developing the next generation, and I am convinced we will benefit from this approach in the coming years.”

Italy

Returning for its second Longines League of Nations season, Italy is set to be represented in Abu Dhabi by team veteran Piergiorgio Bucci, Giacomo Casadei, Paulo Paini and Clara Pezzoli.

“Our goal is to maintain a strong level of competitiveness in order to continue participating in the Longines League of Nations, because this circuit provides an excellent opportunity to compete in five-star events, which are not always accessible for our athletes,” says Italian team selector, Stefano Cesaretto.

Brazil

The experienced duo of Luciana Diniz and Pedro Junqueira Muylaert are joined by first-timers João Victor Castro Aguiar Gomes de Lima and Luiz Felipe Neto de Azevedo.

“Balancing experienced athletes with emerging talent is a central pillar of Brazil’s long-term strategy,” explains chef d’equipe Pedro Paulo. “While senior riders provide stability and leadership, younger athletes are progressively integrated into the high-performance environment.

“The Brazilian team is known for valuing a relaxed yet focused atmosphere. One informal tradition is the selection of a song for each event, chosen by the riders to represent that particular competition. That song often becomes part of the team’s routine, played while preparing in the stables. It helps create unity, reinforce team spirit, and maintain a positive mindset throughout the event, offering a small glimpse into the team’s culture behind the scenes.”

UAE

Chef d’equipe William Funnell leads the host nation’s three riders in Abu Dhabi, hoping to build on their tremendous second place finish of last year. Representing the UAE are Abdullah Mohd Al Marri, Omar Abdul Aziz Al Marzooqi and Humaid Abdulla Khalifa Al Muhairi.

After Abu Dhabi, the LLN series moves to Ocala in USA, then Rotterdam in the Netherlands and finally St Tropez-Gassin in France before concluding in Barcelona, Spain.

You can follow all the Longines League of Nations action with Horse & Hound, with H&H showjumping editor Jennifer Donald bringing you all the news from Abu Dhabi this week.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2026, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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Up-and-coming British racehorse trainer James Owen and legendary jockey Frankie Dettori teamed up on Saturday (30 August) to win the $3,500,000 (£2,620,000) Nashville Derby at Kentucky Downs, USA.

Running in the colours of the Gredley family, three-year-old colt Wimbledon Hawkeye scored by a head to win this hugely valuable invitation race.

Newmarket-based dual jumps and Flat trainer James Owen had never had a runner in USA before and hailed his debut success there as “unbelievable”.

“He’s run an absolute cracker – he’s done us very proud,” he said. “It was a big call from Tim Gredley coming out here, but we’ll be coming back – we’ve had a great time.”

James Owen on Wimbledon Hawkeye: “He flew the flag for me last year and he’s flying it even higher this year”

Frankie Dettori travelled wide throughout the early stages of the 1m 2½f race, then unleashed the Gredleys’ home-bred son of Kameko coming into the home straight. Wimbledon Hawkeye responded with an extraordinary turn of foot, but the US-trained Burnham Square was closing quickly and the two horses battled it out to the line, where the James Owen runner was adjudged the narrow winner.

“Wimbledon Hawkeye has matured all season and Frankie has given him a superb ride – he’s really toughed it out well and battled when the other horse came to him,” said Owen, who was joined at Kentucky Downs by assistant trainer Ryan King. Jockey Laura Pearson had also travelled over to look after Wimbledon Hawkeye.

“He’s a real, proper stayer – he wants further in time – and he’s just a lovely horse for me to train. This is only our third year training, but he flew the flag for me last year and he’s flying it even higher this year.”

Frankie Dettori: “It’s been a very difficult time for me”

Frankie Dettori, who moved to the US last year after an aborted attempt at retiring, revealed he’d been “thinking of quitting” two weeks ago after the sudden death of a close friend in Dubai, but instead drew strength from “my good mucker Duncan” to win the race for the second year in a row.

“I wasn’t sure I’d got the race – we both had our heads down and when it’s that close you never really know,” said the former champion jockey. “It’s been a very difficult time for me, but this is an amazing win. I’m doing it for [Duncan], he would want me to carry on.

“Wimbledon Hawkeye has danced every dance this year and he always puts his heart into it. Full credit to the James Owen team – it’s a long trip, but he dug deep for me.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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British team showjumper Tim Gredley has expressed both “sadness” and “excitement for the future” as one of his top horses, Imperial HBF, has been sold to leading US rider McLain Ward.

Tim and the 12-year-old Imperial HBF have been on an “amazing journey” over the past couple of years, competing at some of the top competitions in the world including in top-level Nations Cups, World Cups and other five-star grands prix.

“I’ve had an amazing time with Imperial, he’s got my career back where I wanted it to be – it’s been an absolute privilege to own him,” Tim told H&H. “It was far from an easy decision but I’m delighted he’s going to McLain Ward because that was a big part of the equation.

“He’ll hopefully be able to go on now and achieve things that maybe I couldn’t. I really feel he can be a contender for those Rolex grands prix and other big classes with a rider like McLain – especially in jump-offs where McLain will take risks that I never could. So it’ll be great to see what he goes on to do, that’s where he belongs.

“Obviously I’m very sad to lose him but to sell your best horse to one of the best riders in the world is exciting. There have been a lot of offers, but I wanted to get last year out of the way first with the Olympics. When it feels like the right time to sell and there’s a good fit, it makes sense to do it.”

Tim Gredley on Imperial HBF: “We always had belief in him”

Imperial HBF was bred by Laura Tinto of HBF Equestrian and was produced in his early years by Scottish showjumper Alex Barr. Tim bought the son of Glasgow VH Merelsnest in 2022 and he was put in the ownership of Unex Equestrian alongside Tim’s father Bill Gredley and Tim’s wife Rachel.

“We started quite small and worked our way up,” said Tim. “It was a bit testing at times – I remember walking out of the grand prix at Wellington on my feet because he jumped so high – but when you know horses have that kind of quality and you have that belief in them, you’re always willing to put the time and effort into them. In the end he came good.

“He was very lucky and it was beneficial to have Medoc De Toxandria in my string at the same time because Imperial wasn’t quite ready to be a first horse for a good year, so he could fit in those middle classes for a while.

“In the autumn of last year I just began to feel that mentally he was growing up over the bigger tracks and they weren’t impressing him as much. Then we went on a bit of a wild run in the past six months, he was just unbelievable.

“But that is the industry we’re in and selling horses now and again keeps my business sustainable. I can go out and invest in some young ones and hopefully start the whole process again. I’ve still got Medoc on my string and some really nice young horses coming along.

“I’m obviously going to have to take a slight step back for a bit, but it’s fine because I have a lot going on in my life. Another reason for selling is I can’t commit myself full-time to showjumping and that’s what Imperial needs to be going at that level.

“So I’ll press the reset button and spend another six months building the next team up, which is generally what I enjoy.”

Back in the saddle

Medoc De Toxandria and Tim’s other horses have has been jumping in Spain with Matt Sampson in recent weeks while Tim has been suffering from a knee injury incurred shortly before he represented Great Britain in the Longines League of Nations in Abu Dhabi.

It was in Abu Dhabi that the pair produced two fantastic rounds, following on from good placings at a string of five-star shows and they earned a place at this year’s World Cup Final. The pair would have been one of the favourites for a slot on the British team at this year’s European Showjumping Championships.

“Hopefully I’ll be back to do British teams again with Medoc this year,” said Tim Gredley. “But Imperial has been such a great horse for me and I’m so excited to see what he goes on to do in the future.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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In this week’s international showjumping news round-up, we are in awe of one horse’s sensational leap during the World Cup jump-off in Ocala, Florida, and a British team rider makes a remarkable recovery to represent his country at the opening leg of the CSIO5* Longines League of Nations.

There are also plenty of high jump thrills at the inaugural Hong Kong International. Read on for a round-up of all this week’s international showjumping news and results.

Showjumping news: Incredible takes flight

What a leap! Gravity-defying gelding Incredible is perfectly captured in full flight at the final oxer (main image above) by photographer Shannon Brinkman/FEI. The Ariel Grange-owned Incredible and regular rider Daniel Coyle finished a narrow third in an amazing all-Irish top four after a thrilling finish to the $300,000 Longines FEI World Cup Ocala. The victor was Cian O’Connor riding Bentley De Sury.

“When there’s so many Irish in the jump-off – and I knew they’d go hard – it motivated me to have a proper go,” Cian said. “The Irish are good all over the world. We punch above our weight I suppose for a small nation, but [Irish riders] are horsemen and they want to win. We work together, we discuss the courses together, people are behind the other person doing well and that kind of culture creates a movement where everyone wants to go well.”

Cian edged out team-mate Shane Sweetnam with James Kann Cruz by just 0.19sec, with Daniel Coyle a mere 0.03sec behind with Incredible, while Cian’s student Tom Wachman, 20, slotted into fourth on Tabasco De Toxandria Z.

Despite his valiant attempt, Daniel Coyle accepted defeat by saying: “If anyone’s going to beat you, it might as well be two Irishmen.

“The plan was to try to do eight strides to the last oxer, but I had emptied the horse and myself and I thought, ‘I will do something I never do’ and I took an extra stride. I said ‘If I’m fast enough, I’m fast enough’ but tonight I wasn’t.”

• CSI5*-W Ocala results

Brits share puissance spoils

At the inaugural Longines Hong Kong International Horse Show, the Great Wall Puissance resulted in a four-way tie between British contenders Will Fletcher (Quintine Van D’Abdijhoeve), Jack Whitaker (Equine America Q Paravatti N) and Paul Gaff (Jaranco VZ) with Norwegian rider Simon Rahbek Yde riding ZB Max-Milan. This pair and Gemma Stevens (Envoy Merelsnest Z) topped the Kowloon Six Bar and Friday’s high jump contest was won outright by Sebastian Hughes with the ever-consistent Colorado Volo.

Denmark took top honours in the Longines grand prix but again it was tight at the top where Zascha Nygaard Lill (Com’On Stanley) beat Scott Brash on Hello Chadora Lady by just 0.03sec.

• CSI5* Longines Hong Kong International results

‘A week ago I couldn’t walk’

Next up in this week’s international showjumping news round-up, we head to Abu Dhabi in the UAE for the opening leg of the Longines League of Nations. Ireland won outright with a flawless jumping display but Great Britain’s chef d’equipe Di Lampard was “very positive” about the squad’s sixth-place finish for the season ahead.

Tim Gredley and Imperial HBF were part of Great Britain’s squad, jumping for four faults in each round, but he credited the “brilliant” team physio Jennie Owst when a knee injury meant he could barely walk, let alone ride, in the run-up to the five-star competition.

The British rider had been suffering excruciating pain and inflammation in his knee and had been unable to ride for 10 days prior to the show. But Jennie identified the cause in the bursa region of the kneecap and immediately set to work.

“If it hadn’t been to her, I wouldn’t have been able to ride – she was brilliant,” said Tim. “She fixed me within two days. I only got on Imperial for the first time on Thursday and the knee still isn’t perfect, but it’s been manageable since.

“If it had been anywhere other than Abu Dhabi, I probably would have rung Di and asked her to swap me out, but the way the new League of Nations is run, there aren’t any reserves and Imperial was already out there. So I had to get on the plane and swing the bat, but luckily it all worked out.”

Read the full report from the Abu Dhabi League of Nations in this week’s magazine, in shops Thursday 20 February.

• CSIO5* LLN Abu Dhabi results

Showjumping news: a platinum performance from Sameh El Dahan

Great Britain’s Sameh El Dahan landed the $32,000 Platinum Performance CSI3* 1.45m Classic at the Desert International Horse Park, Thermal, California, with WKD Aimez Moi.

“It was maybe even better for me to go first because then you try everything,” said Sameh of the five-way jump-off. “We’re a very old partnership. We know each other so well, so it was easy for me to just ride my round. Aimez Moi felt amazing.

“She’s always been very consistent and very brave. She tries everything. She’s won so many good things for us. I couldn’t ask for a better partnership.”

At the same show, Irish rider Conor Swail made his ring debut with One Edition, landing the grand prix with what he described as a “fact-finding mission”.

“[The win] was a bit of a surprise really,” he said, having only taken the reins on Vanessa Mannix’s 10-year-old mare while regular rider James Chawke is out injured. “The first day she was a little green. She jumped great yesterday, and I thought, ‘Why not try her today?’”

• CSI3* Desert Circuit results
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With the 2025 Cheltenham Festival – the Olympics of jump racing – now just weeks away, a host of this year’s runners have been enjoying a final racecourse spin.

One Cheltenham Festival entry to catch the eye during Festival Trials Day at Cheltenham racecourse last Saturday (25 January) was the Gredley family’s hugely exciting home-bred East India Dock.

The slick-jumping four-year-old son of Derby winner Golden Horn, trained in Newmarket by James Owen, has been invincible in all three starts since switching from the Flat in October.

His latest 10-length success came in the JCB Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle with Sam Twiston-Davies in the saddle, the pair having made virtually all the running. Leading showjumper Tim Gredley – who was competing at the World Cup show in Amsterdam over the weekend – and his family have a very exciting prospect to look forward to at this year’s four-day Cheltenham Festival.

“He has a great attitude, so we’re looking forward to March now,” said jockey Sam Twiston-Davies of this gritty little gelding’s next appointment at Cheltenham. He admitted that the youngster doesn’t show much at home and even tried to buck him off coming home from the gallops last week.

“I met the last hurdle on no stride, but he was very clever and away from it very quick, so hopefully he has all the attributes for Cheltenham.”

Next stop Cheltenham Festival: “I wouldn’t swap him for any other horse”

Trainer James Owen, who is enjoying a stellar season, describes the gutsy East India Dock as: “A lovely horse with a huge future.”

“Roll on March! East India Dock had a busy campaign on the Flat and we have learnt from having Burdett Road last year,” said the trainer of the gelding’s half-brother, a Royal Ascot winner who has gone on to great success over hurdles. “We set our stall out when he won at Cheltenham last time [in November].

“He jumps so economically and quickly. He doesn’t really need to lead but Sam wanted to control the race today. He has handled that tacky ground fine. God, he is exciting. He is uncomplicated and I wouldn’t swap him for any other horse.”

East India Dock is entered at the Cheltenham Festival for Friday’s JCB Triumph Hurdle, where he will be pitted against the Nicky Henderson favourite Lulamba, who triumphed at Ascot last week. East India Dock is currently second favourite in the ante-post betting.

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The new year is barely a fortnight old, but 2025 is already all systems go for international showjumpers as the sport hits top gear around the globe. Just some of those headlining this week’s showjumping news round-up are winning riders Darragh Kenny and Julien Epaillard, but there were also big grand prix results for the likes of Tim Gredley and Ellen Whitaker. Meanwhile in a touching moment, Nina Barbour received her third-placed rosette in a class she sponsored from her four-year-old son, who stepped up to present the prizes in Abu Dhabi.

Read on for our weekly round up of international showjumping news and results.

Showjumping news: three wins from three shows for Darragh Kenny’s new ride

Week one of the 12-week 2025 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) kicked off with another big win for Ireland’s Darragh Kenny at only his third show with Andrzej Oplatek’s 13-year-old Chaccossini (Chacco-Blue x Cassini II).

“Straight away we clicked,” said Darragh, who had already racked up a five-star win with Chaccossini at the London International and in a CSI2* in Belgium on debut.

The pair’s first win at WEF came in the CSI3* $32,000 Hermès 1.50m classic.

“At our first show we won a ranking class, then his second show I took him to London where he was clear in a 1.55m and won a big 1.50m class [the Christmas Tree Stakes] – and this is my third show with him,” said Darragh, “He’s a cool horse. He’s unbelievably fun and competitive. He also has this huge stride, which makes him fast against the clock.”

Ten jumped clear in round one for an exciting jump-off where Chaccossini’s “fast stride” came into play, beating second-placed Lillie Keenan (USA) on Opium JW van de Moerhoeve TN, with Charlotte Jacobs third riding Thomascourt Ballypatrick.

Saturday night’s $140,000 Southern Arches CSI3* grand prix was won by Egypt’s Nayel Nassar with ESI Ali, a 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse by Stakkato Gold, bred at the Hughes’ ​​Ennisnag Stud and produced by Seamus Hughes Kennedy until Evergate Stables bought him in 2023.

“He’s 10, so this is the first year I start to ask them a little bit more,” said Nayel. “I try not to do too much with them as nine-year-olds and hope that it lengthens their career. We’re listening to him telling us what he’s ready for and we’ll keep placing him where we think he can be successful.”

• WEF week one results

“McGregor jumped his heart out”

The CSI3* Al Shira’aa grand prix presented by Longines during week one of the Al Shira’aa show in Abu Dhabi, UAE, went to home rider Abdullah Mohammed Al Marri riding crowd favourite BBS McGregor. The pair triumphed with the sole double clear, finishing ahead of Great Britain’s Joe Stockdale with Barbara Hester’s Ebanking, who scorched home with the quickest jump-off round but with a pole down at the final fence.

“I went into the jump-off knowing that a steady clear would guarantee the win,” said Abdullah Mohammed Al Marri. “Of course, it was a risk, but the gamble paid off.

“McGregor jumped his heart out and I’m thrilled. Thank you to the Al Shira’aa team and especially to HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Hazza Al Nahyan for her continued support, not only of the team but for running this incredible show.”

British success also came for Katie Speller and smart youngster Z7 Pink Panther, who landed the seven-year-old final. Meanwhile the biggest smiles of the day came when Bolesworth managing director Nina Barbour finished third in the Bolesworth International-sponsored 1.30m speed class riding Geshia Batilly, receiving her prize from her four-year-old son William, who stepped up to present the prizes for the class.

• Al Shira’aa Show week one results

Showjumping news: Epaillard continues his winning run

Next in this week’s round-up of international showjumping news, French showjumper Julien Epaillard celebrated success in the World Cup of Basel, Switzerland, with prolific winner Donatello D’Auge. The only other double clears came from second-placed Maikel van der Vleuten with Beauville Z NOP and Great Britain’s Tim Gredley riding Imperial HBF, who finished third.

“When I watched Julien go, I thought, if they gave me 100 goes at the jump-off, I wouldn’t be able to beat him!” said Tim. “I know my horse is going to jump clear rounds and the class played into my favour. All the big guys were trying to beat each other, as they should do, and I just stuck to my plan of jumping a clear round. It’s worked out nicely.”

Julien’s strategy had been to earn enough points to qualify for the World Cup Final.

“When I went in the ring, I saw the risk of turning inside fence three to the double was big, so I decided not to,” he said. “Donatello is a really special horse for me and my family. He’s in top shape and this is also why I really want to get to the final.”

Brazilian rider Yuri Mansur and the great Vitiki won the prestigious Golden Drum at the show, and Henrik von Eckermann of Sweden and Iliana triumphed in the grand prix, where Tim and Imperial HBF were again in the ribbons.

• CSI5*-W Basel results

Ellen Whitaker’s cracking prospect steps up

Great Britain’s Ellen Whitaker rode the very exciting 10-year-old mare Korlenski to finish on the podium in the CSI4* grand prix on week one of the Doha Tour in Qatar.

Victory went to Austrian rider Gerfried Puck (Equitron Naxcel V) with Abdel Said in the runner-up spot with Arpege Du Ru. But just 0.16sec separated the top three; Ellen slotted into third with Tilly Shaw’s Cornet Obolensky mare, who looks a cracking prospect for the year ahead.

Scott Brash continued the strong performances from the British contingent in fifth with Hello Valentino and Millie Allen secured seventh with her double clear on E-Maitresse TVH Z.

• Doha Tour results
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Donald Whitaker headed a British one, two, three in the Agria King George V Gold Cup, triumphing in a thriller of a jump-off on a mare who “absolutely loves” her job.

In a fitting close to a fantastic week of sport at the Agria Royal International Horse Show, Donald and Millfield Colette took their first five-star win in the grand prix, from Ben Maher with Enjeu De Grisien in second and Tim Gredley and Medoc De Toxandria third. Less than a fifth of a second separated the top three combinations.

“I’ve been coming to this show since I was eight years old, to watch my uncles and cousins, and the likes of Ben,” said an emotional Donald. “Looking at this trophy you can see the names on it; Michael, John [Whitaker], everyone who’s won it before – this means absolutely the world to me. It’s my first five-star win, at my favourite show in the world. It means everything.”

Only 10 of the 50 starters in this prestigious class had conquered Kelvin Bywater’s tough first-round track, setting up what was always going to be a high-class jump-off.

One of those was John Whitaker and Equine America Unick Du Francport, who tipped the double, to a groan from the crowd, to finish in 50.82 seconds. It was the fourth combination in, Brazil’s Luciana Lossio and Lady Louise Jmen, who set the standard to beat, jumping clear in 46.76. This was a lead that held until Ben and Enjeu, third-last to go, came in.

Ben and Charlotte Rossetter and Pamela Wright’s 10-year-old gelding set off at a cracking pace, almost taking the grass off the Irish bank as they turned past it, and coming round to the last on a beautiful smooth curve to finish in 46.22.

Next in, Donald and 11-year-old Colette seemed almost tighter past the bank, the strong, scopey mare full of gallop as her stride ate up the ground. Donald rode his heart out as he was roared over the last, crossing the line on 46.12.

Last to go, Tim and his ground-covering 12-year-old superstar were foot-perfect and for a fraction of a second the result hung in the balance, but with just a slight check before the last, they finished so close to, but a fraction behind Ben on 46.26.

Donald said the British-bred Cornet Obolensky mare’s natural speed – she looked as if she might be the one to beat even in the first round as she flew round on perfect form and with a smile on her face – is backed up by her heart.

“She’s such a trier,” he said. “More often than not, I make a mess of it, and she tries her heart out. I just thought ‘It’s the King George – I’ve got to go for it.”

Donald added that the mare is not only British-produced, she is “Yorkshire-produced, which is pretty cool”.

“Laura Robinson had produced her since she was three and I got her about three years ago,” he said. “She’s amazing; unbelievable, sharp and very special. All she wants to do is her best and she’s got the biggest heart.”

Ben, who had to ride this evening before his departure for the Paris Olympics tomorrow, joked that he had knocked the last fence down while leading his son in his last round of under-10s’ cross-pole jumping, and “I was probably thinking about that to the last jump, which is maybe why I was slower!”

“This was [Enjeu De Grisien’s] first grand prix this time last year but his inexperience showed a bit then,” he said. “I did everything I could today and beat the ones before me but it was always going to be down to these guys to take the risks; congratulations to them for doing an amazing job.”

Tim said that had he been offered third place in the King George this morning “I’d have taken that!”

“It was close,” he said. “I was thinking that instead of going straight at the jump, I should have come out a bit but the horse jumped amazing and hopefully we’ll have another chance next year.

“This whole week has been an amazing experience; winning the Nations Cup again, then being involved in these kind of classes is great. The footing was immaculate today, which is maybe why there were a few more clears than expected; these facilities are what make amazing sport.”

Donald did have one slightly unplanned moment after the finish; so overcome with the moment was he, as he hugged his star mare, and looked back again to check the scoreboard, he looked up too late to avoid jumping one of the first-round fences. This is a horse who loves her job.

“I couldn’t see where I was going!” he said. “I was a bit overwhelmed, and had a slight loss of direction. She absolutely loves it; she’s very special.”

Hickstead director Edward Bunn thanked all those who had made the week “probably the best Royal International Horse Show ever”.

“What an afternoon – what a week,” he said, thanking Agria and all the other sponsors who had supported the event.

And he added: “Congratulations, Donald, and if you don’t put your bank details on the entry system, we can’t pay you!”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news throughout the Olympic Games, the Royal International Horse Show and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You might also be interested in:

‘A spring in our step for the Olympics’: John Whitaker clinches fabulous home Nations Cup win

Slightly ‘wild’ mare is a British team hero: ‘She’s coming through, bright lights shining’

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Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

In this week’s international showjumping news round-up, there was huge disappointment when prolonged torrential rain brought the St Gallen leg of the Longines League of Nations to a halt. In Saint Tropez, however, the sun was shining brightly for a special celebrity guest from the world of Formula One and a pioneering female-only showjumping team reigns victorious.

Read on for this week’s round-up of international showjumping news and results.

Max meets Max: F1 hero enjoys front row seats for a spot of showjumping

Austrian showjumper Max Kühner had a congratulatory handshake from Formula One hero Max Verstappen, who was watching the Longines Global Champions Tour grand prix of Ramatuelle, Saint Tropez.

Max Kühner and EIC Up Too Jacco Blue triumphed ahead of France’s Simon Delestre on Cayman Jolly Jumper, with championship leader Eduardo Alvarez Aznar third on 19-year-old Rokfeller De Pleville Bois Margot.

“What a day! It’s great to stand on top of a Longines Global Champions Tour grand prix podium again, particularly here in Ramatuelle, Saint Tropez, with Max Verstappen watching us,” said the winning rider.

• LGCT Saint Tropez grand prix results

Showjumping news: “challenging circumstances” cause havoc in St Gallen

St Gallen’s Longines League of Nations, due to take place on Friday 31 May, was cancelled owing to prolonged heavy rain. FEI jumping director Todd Hinde said: “Despite extensive planning, the weather conditions made the situation extremely difficult and we very much appreciate the efforts of riders, chefs, grooms, officials and the organiser in trying to find solutions in the challenging circumstances. While this is regrettable, we believe under the circumstances this was the right decision to make.”

The loss of this team competition comes at a crucial point for Paris 2024 Olympic selectors as entries deadlines loom. No points will be allocated for the 2024 series from the St Gallen leg and the league will continue instead in Rotterdam on 21 June, after which the standings for Barcelona will be calculated.

Tim Gredley, who had been picked to represent Great Britain in Friday’s League of Nations competition said, “The League of Nations shows are the pick of the circuit, so to get to that stage and not jump was disappointing, but a lot of people are in the same boat. Imperial HBF is in great form and I was so looking forward to that Nations Cup with him. I gave him a jump the day before and he never felt better.”

Martin Fuchs and Commissar Pezi won Sunday’s 1.60m Defender grand prix in St Gallen with the sole clear round, and Britain’s sole representative Robert Whitaker and Vermento finished ninth with five faults. Of the few supporting classes to go ahead at the five-star show, two went to Irish riders – Denis Lynch and Vistogrand topped the 1.50m MS Direct Group Prize and Mark McAuley (Fury Nocturne) won the Thommen Recycling Prize.

• St Gallen results

Showjumping news: speed Derby success for Debney

Great Britain’s Grace Debney won Devon Horse Show’s speed Derby in USA riding Zarina De Vidau while Darragh Kenny and Serendepety flew to victory in the welcome stakes.

• Devon Horse Show results

Girl power: the first women-only jumping team triumphs

Finally in this week’s showjumping news round-up, we return to Ramatuelle, Saint Tropez, where the first women-only jumping team Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames triumphed in the latest leg of the GCL. This pioneering project founded by Deborah Mayer of the Iron Dames secured their second win of the year. They were represented by Katrin Eckermann and Kim Emmen; the former describing winning as “an amazing feeling”.

“We won the first stage in Doha and have been very unlucky since,” said Katrin. “In Doha we had different women in our team so it shows how strong we are. We are just women in the sport following our dreams and right now I don’t want to ever stop it.”

Malin Baryard-Johnsson, part of the third-placed GCL team added, “To have four women out of six athletes on the podium shows the girl power within the sport.”

“We love that,” added her team-mate Jessica Springsteen.

• GCL results

And let’s hear it for the boys, too!

Great Britain’s Olli Fletcher and Hello William landed the CSI3* 1.50m class in Le Touquet, France, from a field of 77.

“He has so much personality, he’s king of the stable and always will be – he’s my baby and gets treated better than any human,” said Olli of Lady Pauline Harris and Lady Pauline Kirkham’s 12-year-old. “Even talking about him puts a smile on my face. He has such a big heart and I can’t thank the Harrises and the Kirkhams enough for giving me the opportunity to ride my ‘horse of a lifetime’.”

Not to be outdone, Scotsman Sandy McLean continued his 19-strong winning streak from Sentower Park with a run of eight successes in Lier.

A medal haul for Great Britain in Zuidwolde

In the Youth Nations Cup, there were medals galore for young British riders. The junior squad secured silver, represented by Maisy Williams (Dalton D’Hoyo), Noora von Bulow (Interstar B), Charlie Atkinson on Ballingowan Leia and Olivia Sponer on Equine America Bingo Du Chateau.

“The pressure was on, but they delivered,” said team manager Clare Whitaker.

The young rider quartet of Rachel Proudley (Petitfour VD Wareslage), Jake Myers (J Superstar), Lauren Caroline (Elmira Mail) and Ava Vernon on Volnay De Choc Z took bronze, while Lauren Caroline (Gait L), Olivia Sponer and pony rider Emily Gulliver (Fleur De Nuit 8) all finished on the individual podium during the concluding grands prix.

“Gait L is very naturally quick, has a very big heart and always tries to jump clear,” said Lauren. “I know him well now as we bought him from Shane Breen two and half years ago; he said he was the horse for Junior classes and he was right, it was a very good buy.”

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Olympic showjumping team hopeful Tim Gredley has a busy June ahead of him as he attempts to pull off a unique Derby double.

On Saturday (1 June) after fulfilling his previous day’s League Of Nations team duties in St Gallen, Switzerland, the Newmarket-based showjumper is travelling to Epsom Racecourse in Surrey where his family’s racehorse Ambiente Friendly lines up as one of the favourites for the historic Flat race, the Betfred Derby.

Three weeks later, at the world famous Hickstead Derby, Tim is hoping his showjumping stable jockey Joe Clayton can triumph with his Unex Competition Yard-owned Gentlemen VH Veldhof, with whom Tim finished 15th in last year’s contest.

“It certainly would be an odd double,” smiles Tim. “But that’s the aim!”

Tim Gredley: “We took his shoes off and let him enjoy some time in the field”

Ambiente Friendly was bought last year by Tim’s father Bill Gredley with former jockey Freddy Tylicki. The family’s patience and vision with the “tearaway” two-year-old have been richly rewarded with a three-year-old colt who now heads to the Epsom Classic as second favourite behind the Aidan O’Brien-trained City Of Troy.

“We sent him into training with James Fanshawe straight from the breeze-ups last year. I went to watch him one morning and he was lathered in sweat, just not ready to be doing what he was doing,” Tim tells H&H. “So we took the decision to take his shoes off and let him enjoy some time in the field for three months over the summer to grow and develop, and just let his mind get a bit better.”

Ambiente Friendly, who is by the Coolmore stallion Gleneagles out of Fastnet Rock mare Roxity, returned to Newmarket trainer James Fanshawe in July and won his first race at Leicester over seven furlongs “quite easily”.

“Everybody obviously hopes they have a potential Derby horse but he showed that day he had an engine, it just needed a bit of managing,” recalls Tim. “We wanted to see what we really had after that, so we ran him in a Group Three at Newmarket and we got the tactics all wrong – we should have begun to teach him to settle then, rather than letting him bowl along.

“We were all a bit annoyed with ourselves, but we learnt from that and we took the decision that he wasn’t going to be a Guineas horse – his mind wasn’t right for it – and instead the Fanshawes did a brilliant job spending the whole winter teaching him to settle in behind horses and canter slowly.”

“It’s just nice to be involved in the Derby conversation”

Ambiente Friendly finished fourth in his seasonal reappearance in a Listed race at Newmarket for new jockey Callum Shepherd, before stepping up in distance for Lingfield’s Derby Trial on 11 May, which he won with devastating ease, beating the Aidan O’Brien-trained Illinois. The Betfred Derby, part of the QIPCO British Champions series, is now the ultimate goal in this remarkable journey and experienced jockey Rab Havlin has been booked to ride Ambiente Friendly in the race.

“The plan came off and it’s very exciting now,” says Tim. “It’s lucky that we’ve managed him right, because he could very easily not be where he is now if we’d carried on with him as a two-year-old.

“It looks like it’s an open Derby this year – obviously you have to be realistic when you’re up against those big guys and we’re very aware they won’t be letting anyone have any sort of advantage or easy ride! We’d be delighted to be up among the top three or four. Really it’s just nice to be involved in the conversation.”

On to the Hickstead Derby…

After Derby day at Epsom, Tim Gredley will return to St Gallen to jump in Sunday’s five-star grand prix.

“With this new rule you can only jump two horses in the League Of Nations shows anyway, so there wouldn’t be anything for me to jump in on the Saturday – so I hope it’s doable to make it to Epsom on the Saturday for the Derby, then get back to St Gallen on the Sunday for the grand prix,” he says. “It’s not very often you get a runner in the Derby, let alone one with a real chance, so I’m not going to miss it!”

According to Tim, Hickstead’s Al Shira’aa Derby has also been the long-term plan for Joe Clayton and the 18-year-old Gentlemen VH Veldhof.

“I’m letting Joe and Gentlemen give it a go this year – I can’t do everything at the moment!” he says. “I think he’ll have a really good chance – the horse has never been fitter or looked healthier and has been round a couple of times with me.

“Joe’s been on flying form with him recently and really that’s been the plan since the beginning of the year, for Joe to go and win the Hickstead Derby.”

Can they pull it off? Watch this space!

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‘The best day’: an emotional John Whitaker helps Great Britain triumph in Hickstead Nations Cup

Tim Gredley makes Hickstead Derby comeback — 17 years after his first attempt in the iconic class

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

One senior championship debutant and five team regulars have been included on the list of British showjumping Olympic entries for the 2024 Paris Games.

British Equestrian and the British Showjumping selectors have today (24 May) confirmed the 12 combinations – six riders and 12 horses – whose names will be submitted to the FEI. The final squad will be confirmed next month.

This would be a first senior championship for Robert Whitaker, and a first Olympics for Joe Stockdale, who represented Britain with Equine America Cacharel at the 2021 Europeans and 2022 World Championships, and Tim Gredley, who jumped Medoc De Toxandria at last year’s Europeans, and Omelli at the 2006 World Equestrian Games. Olympic champion Ben Maher, Scott Brash and Harry Charles all represented Britain in Tokyo, and Scott and Ben were on the team that won gold at London 2012.

British showjumping Olympic entries:

Scott Brash with 15-year-old Hello Jefferson (pictured)

Owners: Lady Pauline Harris and Lady Pauline Kirkham

Breeder: Bernard Mols

Breeding: by Cooper Van De Heffinck, out of a mare by Irco Mena

Scott Brash with 10-year-old Hello Valentino

Owners: Lady Pauline Harris and Lady Pauline Kirkham

Breeder: Tina Petersson-Lind

Breeding: by Diamantino, out of a mare by Careful 28

Harry Charles with 12-year-old Aralyn Blue

Owners: Ann Thompson and Harry’s father Peter

Breeder: Franjo Udovc

Breeding: by Chacco-Blue, out of a mare by Ludwig AS

Harry Charles with 15-year-old Romeo 88

Owners: Ann Thompson and Harry’s father Peter

Breeder: Picobello Horses

Breeding: by Contact Van De Heffink, out of a mare by Orlando

Harry Charles with 11-year-old Sherlock

Owners: Stall Zet and Harry’s father Peter

Breeder: Gustaaf Quintelier

Breeding: by Bisquet Balou C, out of a mare by Malito De Reve

Tim Gredley with 11-year-old Imperial HBF

Owners: Tim’s father William and wife Rachel, and Unex Competition Yard

Breeder: HBF Stud

Breeding: by Glasgow-W VH Merelsnest, out of a mare by Original VDL

Tim Gredley with 12-year-old Medoc De Toxandria

Owners: Tim’s father William and wife Rachel, and Unex Competition Yard

Breeder: Werner Dierckx

Breeding: by Der Senaat III, out of a mare by Kelvin De Sainte Hermelle

Ben Maher with 11-year-old Dallas Vegas Batilly

Owners: Rider, Charlotte Rossetter and Pamela Wright

Breeder: Jean Claude Viollet

Breeding: by Cap Kennedy, out of a mare by L’Arc De Triomphe

Ben Maher with 10-year-old Enjeu De Grisien

Owners: Rider, Charlotte Rossetter and Pamela Wright

Breeder: SCEA Elevage de Grisien

Breeding: by Toulon, out of a mare by Andiamo

Ben Maher with 10-year-old Point Break

Owners: Rider, Charlotte Rossetter and Pamela Wright

Breeder: Nya Äppelvikens Ridskola AB

Breeding: by Action-Breaker, out of a mare by Baloubet Du Rouet

Joseph Stockdale with 13-year-old Equine America Cacharel

Owners: Joy Cocklin and Joe’s mother Laura

Breeder: Bohm Helmut

Breeding: by Cachas, out of a mare by Quinar

Robert Whitaker with 11-year-old Vermento

Owners: Stephen and Caroline Blatchford

Breeders: Robert’s parents John and Clare Whitaker

Breeding: by Argento, out of a mare by Skippy 12

The grooms’ names have not been confirmed but will be included in the final squad announcement.

Selection decisions are subject to riders’ and horses’ maintaining fitness and performance, and this list may be amended at any point up to 25 June. The selected squad of four combinations to travel to Paris, plus reserves, will be announced in late June.

Nominated entries for dressage combinations will be announced in the coming weeks; nominated entries for the para dressage squad for the Paralympic Games in Paris will be published in June.

You might also be interested in:

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Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The London International Horse Show fancy dress class was back in 2023 and certainly did not disappoint. Some of the world’s top showjumpers and eventers delighted the crowds at the ExCeL Arena on Sunday (17 December) with their fabulous costumes – which were pantomime-themed – and speedy rounds of jumping.

Following each pair’s round, a celebrity panel of Pippa Funnell, impressionist Rory Bremner and none other than Father Christmas gave marks out of 10 for the riders’ performances. The total marks were then deducted from the time, providing the final result.

Check out some of the truly iconic costumes worn by the competitors, and so gallantly carried by their respective mounts.

John Whitaker made a great Ugly Sister…

…His mount was elegantly turned out in silver tinsel too

Robert Whitaker teamed up with his dad to complete the duo of the Ugly Sisters (with some interestingly placed embroidered hands on his costume!). They finished fifth after Robert stole the “10” scoring panel from the judges.

There were cheers aplenty for a very game Joe Stockdale, who fully embraced his new persona as Cinderella

Joe teamed up with Jodie Hall McAteer, who was Prince Charming, and together they finished sixth

Representing the eventers, recent Maryland 5 Star winner, Austin O’Connor, quite literally flew around as Peter Pan (with some help from his wings, of course) 

Austin teamed up with Gemma Stevens, who fully embraced her role as Hook. Together they finished third 

Tim Gredley replaced his magic carpet with a horse when dressing up as Aladdin 

While Tim’s pairing was Lily Attwood, who was dressed as Azerbanana. Sadly they finished bottom of the London International Horse Show fancy dress leaderboard in seventh 

Laura Collett and Tom McEwen were brilliant (and quite convincing too) as Snow White and The Queen from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs 

Tom’s “frontage” was a sight to behold, and undoubtedly contributed to their second place 

The winners of the London International Horse Show fancy dress were Harry Charles and Matt Sampson, who, disguised as Dick Whittington and The Cat, blazed around and gained strong marks from the judges 

According to the commentators, although the concept of Mother Goose took some explaining to Portuguese rider Duarte Seabra, he embraced it and finished fourth with Shane Breen, who was the Goose

You might also be interested in:

Fake bosoms, a ‘Portugeese’ and a hobby-horse lap of honour: the madly brilliant London fancy dress returns

‘They could have put the jumps up even higher’: John Whitaker’s winning streak continues to London six-bar

‘When you come round the corner, it looks ridiculous!’ But top eventer can’t wait to do another puissance

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

British showjumper Tim Gredley has enjoyed a tremendous year in the saddle after making a welcome return to the top tier of the sport, including helping Great Britain win the Nations Cup at Hickstead for the first time in 13 years in July. But away from the showjumping ring, Tim and his family have long been making waves on the racecourse, too.

Their successful Stetchworth breeding operation resulted in 2017 Royal Ascot Gold Cup-winning Big Orange (by Duke Of Marmalade out of Fasliyev mare Miss Brown To You), while Allmankind (Sea The Moon out of Sadler’s Wells mare Wemyss Bay) was also a winner on the Flat for the same trainer, Michael Bell, before causing a sensation over hurdles in the hands of Dan Skelton and his brother Harry. He finished third in the Triumph Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival at the end of his first season before proving to be a winning chaser, too, claiming the Grade One Henry VIII novices’ chase at Sandown Park and the Monet’s Garden Old Roan chase at Aintree. Tim’s father Bill Gredley has also owned several other top class racehorses.

From the Gredley family’s latest crops of home-breds, it is now three-year-old Burdett Road who has got everyone talking. The son of Royal Ascot and Qipco British Champion Sprint Stakes winner Muhaarar is out of an unraced Galileo mare, Diamond Bangle, a half-sister to the great Rip Van Winkle from the mighty Aidan O’Brien stable.

“We actually bought the mare in a mare sale a few years ago and she’s always bred very nice stock, although up until Burdett Road she hadn’t really had a load of winners. But we stuck with her and we’re glad we did,” says Tim.

Burdett Road showed smart form on the Flat for trainers Roger Varian, followed by Michael Bell, with whom his greatest triumph came in the 1m2f Golden Gates Stakes at Royal Ascot at odds of 20/1.

Tim Gredley: ‘We thought he might be top of his class if we went hurdling’

Having successfully taken the route from Flat racing to jumps racing with Allmankind (pictured below), Tim says they were keen to do it again and Burdett Road seemed the perfect type to do so.

“It sounds strange, but I was watching the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham last year and the horse who won it, A Dream To Share, was almost exactly the same breeding as Burdett Road – by Muhaarar from a Galileo mother – so that put the idea in my head,” says Tim. “Obviously every time you take a horse off the Flat and send it jumping, it’s a bit of an experiment, but we had a bit more of an idea having had Allmankind take a similar route a few years ago.

“Burdett Road ran to a very high standard on the Flat, but he was never going to be a Group horse, and probably wasn’t rated high enough to go to any of those big money events in Saudi and so on. So we took the view that actually he might be top of his class if we went hurdling.”

Burdett Road was switched to Newmarket jumps trainer James Owen and the talented gelding made an eye-catching winning debut over hurdles at Huntingdon earlier this month under Harry Cobden. A fortnight later, they followed up with an emphatic win in the Grade Two JCB Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle at the Cheltenham November Meeting and that race at the Cheltenham Festival is now a very exciting target, with Burdett Road heading the ante-post market as 6/1 favourite.

“I need to speak to James, but following the Allmankind route, we’re going to look at the Grade One Coral Finale Juvenile Hurdle at Chepstow just after Christmas [won by Allmankind in 2019 en route to the Festival] and see how he comes out of that,” explains Tim. “We’d like to go to Cheltenham with a fresh horse.”

Burdett Road: ‘For a Flat horse, he has plenty of guts’

Trainer James Owen said after Burdett Road’s Cheltenham win, “He is a fair animal. On good ground he is going to be exciting come March.

“He was a bit more amenable today as he settled and jumped better. He has got some engine and he is tough. For a Flat horse, he has got plenty of guts about him. I knew he would keep coming. Harry Cobden is a lot cooler than me as I’ve been so nervous, but I love it.”

Newmarket-based showjumper Tim Gredley says they always had a feeling “he was going to be pretty good”.

“After Royal Ascot, he ran in a Group Three at Goodwood and it was really soft, but at that point we thought we’d run him just to see how he handled that ground,” explains Tim. “He ended up finishing fifth [to Desert Hero] and ran a really good race but more importantly the jockey [Neil Callan] said he enjoyed it and could really handle that kind of ground.

“I think he’ll be even better on better ground, but we were hopeful that he’d give us a big run anyway.”

Tim is going to be based in Wellington, Florida, competing there with his string of showjumping horses for the early part of Olympic year, hoping to get his horses in great shape outdoors ahead of selection, but there’s a week in March he certainly won’t miss.

“Everybody hates to say it, but jump racing is all about the Cheltenham Festival, so as long as we can get him there in the best shape, that’s what it’s all about really,” he says.

You may also like to read…

‘The best day’: an emotional John Whitaker helps Great Britain triumph in Hickstead Nations Cup

Be prepared for serious yard envy – take a look at British team hero Tim Gredley’s incredible stables

Cheltenham Festival contender: The Dan Skelton-trained Allmankind *H&H Plus*

Uniting two showjumping families is leading Triumph Hurdle contender Allmankind, a talented tearaway whose energies are being channelled towards the

‘The buzz is back’ — former Team GB rider makes international return

Tim Gredley makes Hickstead Derby comeback — 17 years after his first attempt in the iconic class

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

While Great Britain’s tremendous winning form from round one couldn’t transcend to Sunday’s Longines FEI Nations Cup Final in Barcelona, Spain (1 October), there was still plenty of reason to celebrate in a tough competition between the top eight teams.

It was instead Team Germany’s turn to triumph – but there were a few heart-stopping moments en route for the quartet in a sizzling afternoon in Barcelona.

An eight-fault opening round over Santiago Varela’s testing track from Jana Wargers (Dorette) certainly had the team sweating and anchorman Richard Vogel was almost jumped out of the saddle by an over-exuberant leap by United Touch S at fence one. But, with Christian Kukuk (Checker 47) and Hans-Dieter Dreher (Elysium) having already posted clears and Richard surviving unscathed, the quartet won the title for the first time since 2016 on a zero score.

Chef d’equipe Otto Becker said: “These guys deserve the win. I’m a lucky guy to be part of this team. We had two down, I got a bit worried, but what they did is unbelievable.”

Jana described it as the “perfect win” and Hansi agreed it had been a “good week” while Christian said the pressure had benefited him.

“I need that a bit,” he said. “I came here with a good feeling – I knew we had a really strong team because all five of us have had great seasons. I was disappointed to have one down on Thursday so I wanted to do better today.”

Nations Cup Final: ‘This course is giving me a headache – take an aspirin!’

Christian only took the ride back on Checker (Comme Il Faut x Come On), who is owned by Madeleine Winter-Schulze and looked after by Sofie Karlsson, when his boss Ludger Beerbaum retired earlier this year.

“He’s in great shape – I would have liked a double clear so i’m disappointed with that, but I’d be nothing without my team-mates,” said Christian. “We had a lot of fun this week and that’s really important for the team spirit.”

Richard was not required to jump on Thursday to secure the team’s third place and qualification as one of the top eight for Sunday’s final, which benefited the 11-year-old Untouched stallion, who is looked after by Felicia Wallin.

“He was very fresh,” he said. “I was hoping I could do something for the team because up to today I felt like a spectator, so I’m glad I delivered. When I saw the course it gave me a headache because the combinations are difficult for my horse – he has such a big stride. I can take out strides down lines with him but not in combinations! I told Otto that a course with two doubles and a treble was giving me a headache. Otto said take aspirin!

“He almost jumped me off at fence one – he likes to do a spectacular jump but maybe he was a bit rusty. He has pure energy, he’s so strong with so much scope.”

Olympic qualification for Brazil from Nations Cup Final

France, defending champions Belgium, and Brazil finished on eight faults in second, third and fourth respectively according to accumulated time.

The celebrations began for Brazil who secured the single qualifying spot on offer for the Paris 2024 Olympics after a tense battle with USA. Agonisingly for USA, there was only a time-fault separating the two nations.

Switzerland, who have yet to win the title, took sixth, with Great Britain and Ireland filling the bottom two placings on 12 and 13 faults respectively.

Great Britain’s hero of the day was 21-year-old Lily Attwood, who jumped the team’s sole clear on Cor-Leon VD Vlierbeek Z, owned by Emmy Freeman-Attwood and looked after by Niki Javorkova. The 13-year-old gelding has had a quieter year after suffering some mild colic relapses, so Lily was “thrilled” with his return and the gelding received huge pats of appreciation from his rider.

“We haven’t had the easiest year so to finish like that was brilliant,” she said.

Harry Charles and Aralyn Blue, who is owned by Ann Thompson and looked after by Georgia Ellwood, came home with four faults, just missing out on a share of the €100,000 double clear bonus, which was split three ways.

Robert Whitaker riding Caroline Blatchford’s King George hero Vermento, who is looked after by Louisa Taylor, and Tim Gredley with Unex Competition Yard’s Medoc De Toxandria, whose groom is Paul Drew, each had two fences down, Tim with a time-fault.

“We all had a good result on Thursday. But having got ourselves in that position, today was always going to be difficult – Lily rode fantastic today though,” reflected Robert. “My horse just showed a couple of little mistakes but this Nations Cup Final is a completely different level for him and he’s coped with it well. I think he’s got a great chance for next year.

“So on the whole, we’ll come away from here thinking there’s a lot to look forward to next year for the Nations Cups.”

‘I’ve really enjoyed this year and I’m so looking forward to next year’: Di Lampard

Great Britain’s chef d’equipe Di Lampard said she “couldn’t have been more proud of the team on the first day – to do it in the style they did”.

“Every one of them put in their clear rounds this week,” she said. “Sunday was a proper course – 18 jumping efforts, but exactly what you expect in Barcelona.

“Lily was a bit rusty at the level on day one, because she hasn’t been competing all summer. One little error on the first day caused a domino effect down the last line. It was absolutely heartbreaking. But to come back and notch up that clear round on Sunday was fantastic. But also no surprise, she’s very capable. It’s all coming together for her.

“With Robert and Vermento we are building another partnership to look forward to next year – Vermento is very inexperienced at this level, but really exciting for next year.

“Harry is a solid member of our team and has been with us all year – it’s amazing how many appearances he’s had this year, how many clear rounds on different horses,” said Di. “He’s backed us 100%.

“Tim is improving all the time, it’s a very different sport to what he was competing in before. He’s had a terrific year.

“So it’s very exciting for next year,” said Di, when the new format Nations Cup comes into play, along with the Paris Olympics to look forward to.

“This year we’ve been short of a couple of partnerships who were good for us last year, so when we get everyone back it’ll be fantastic. It’s such a lovely squad of riders that we’ve used and integrated this year. There’s been a real mix of youth, in both horses and riders, to of course the living legend John Whitaker, who is in and out of the squad when needed. I’ve really enjoyed this year and I’m so looking forward to next year.”

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Great Britain has won the opening round of the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup Final in Barcelona, Spain, and the team now goes through to Sunday’s (1 October) eight-way decider in pole position.

The squad have clearly bounced back from a disappointing European Showjumping Championships in Milan and they were the only nation from the 15 starters to complete on a zero score on Thursday afternoon (28 September). First-round clears came from pathfinder Tim Gredley with his championship partner Medoc De Toxandria, Robert Whitaker on his King George hero Vermento, and anchorman Harry Charles riding Ann Thompson’s 12-year-old Aralyn Blue, who is looked after by Georgia Ellwood. Lily Attwood’s 12-fault round with Cor-Leon VD Vlierbeek Z was the day’s drop score, but chef d’equipe Di Lampard said she was “absolutely delighted with all four of them”.

“It’s shown progression from Milan – the two riders [Tim and Harry] have come out much more confident and delivered,” she said on day one of the Nations Cup Final in Barcelona.

“We’re getting the girls in the mix too!” she added, including fifth team rider Sienna Charles, younger sister of Harry. “Harry is masterly in anchorman position – a bit didn’t go his way in Milan, but hasn’t he bounced back? That was a near-perfect round.”

‘It’s an honour to be picked for the Nations Cup Final in Barcelona’

Tim Gredley was full of praise for his 11-year-old Medoc De Toxandria, who is looked after by groom Paul Drew. The duo with were part of the victorious Nations Cup team at Hickstead, as well as the European Showjumping Championships team last month.

“When he’s jumping like that, it’s really, really enjoyable,” said Tim. “He’s so careful and he has so much scope – he makes my job much easier.“That was probably one of the best rounds of the year. It’s all about Nations Cups and representing my country – I really enjoy the format and all the pressure that comes with it. He’s obviously jumped a lot this year and he’s been picked for the final, which is a big honour, so I’m just glad I could pull a clear out of the bag.”

Thursday’s victory puts Great Britain in a coveted final draw of the eight teams who will jump again on Sunday. Joining them in the concluding round of the FEI Jumping Nations Cup Final in Barcelona will be Brazil, Germany and Switzerland, who all finished on a team score of four.

Title-holders Belgium and USA will also be in the mix after their eight-fault tallies in Thursday’s opening round, while 12-faulters Ireland, France and Mexico had to be split by time, meaning Ireland and France were celebrating, while Mexico will instead head to Saturday night’s Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup Final Challenge Cup for the seven lower ranked nations.

They will be joined by the Netherlands, who had an uncharacteristically high-scoring day, hosts Spain, Italy, Australia, Argentina and Uzbekistan.

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

We had a bumper weekend of international showjumping news and results from around the world this week. As Irish showjumper Shane Sweetnam said after helping his country win team silver at the European Showjumping Championships this month when reflecting on Ireland’s success at the recent European youth championships, “The future looks good for us. World domination isn’t too far away!”

This was underlined at this week’s Nations Cup Youth Final in Belgium where Ireland added yet another gold to their growing medal haul and Great Britain added to their collection, too.

Talking of world domination, world champions King Edward and the world number one Henrik von Eckermann were back doing what they do best, this time claiming victory in a sweltering Longines Global Champions Tour grand prix of Rome.

Read on for this week’s round-up of international showjumping news and results.

Showjumping news: Team gold for Ireland’s pony riders

At the FEI Jumping Nations Cup Youth Final at Sentower Park, Opglabbeek, Belgium, Ireland’s pony team won team gold, with Belgium taking silver and Great Britain bronze. Kian Dore (Sparkling Lackaghmore Joey), Emily Moloney with Lady Crown, Paddy Reape on Fernando and James Derwin (Rincoola Babog) won on a score of four, thanks to a hat-trick of final clears when the team was down to all three scores needing to count.

“There’s no secret, success breeds success,” said Irish chef d’equipe Gary Marshall, adding of the committed investment to training in ponies: “We have a team system at home.”

The British quartet of Izabella Rogers (Neil 55), Georgia Cooper-Hall on Saxton Freedam, Katie Bradburne riding Ardough Boy and Madison Seedhouse (Vaughann De Vuzit) claimed bronze with a team score of 12.

“We were a little unlucky in both rounds with silly four faults adding up but I was pleased with them, Katie was very good on her first trip away,” said chef d’equipe Clare Whitaker.

Ireland’s juniors also won silver (pictured above), where the Netherlands brought home gold after a tense jump-off. This time Eoin Brennan (Eskola M), Stephen Gibbons (Cassius Z), James Brennan (MHS I’m The One) and Coen Williams (Conthanja) flew the Irish flag. They were joined on the podium by bronze medal-winning USA.

The young rider gold went to Sweden, topping Denmark and Belgium on the podium, while the Netherlands brought home gold for the juniors; the Dutch claimed another victory in the children’s competition, with Belgium in silver and Italy in bronze.

Why a tack change backfired for the world number one

In Italy, Swedish world number one Henrik von Eckermann and the world-conquering King Edward triumphed in spectacular style in the €440,000 Longines Global Champions Tour grand prix of Rome for the second year running. Against the backdrop of the historic ruins of the Circus Maximus, this incredible duo took top spot ahead of David Will riding My Prins Van Dorperheide, with two riders sharing the third step on the podium – Peder Fredricson (Catch Me Not S) and Andreas Schou (I Know), who both stopped the jump-off clock in 42.27sec.

Many will remember King Edward’s uncharacteristically lacklustre performances at the LGCT of London and Henrik believes a tack change may have backfired.

“I had two shows that were not that great with King Edward,” explained Henrik. “I lost a bit of the feeling and there were a couple of things, like I changed to a hackamore, and I just had the feeling that something is not really like it should be. I was almost getting a bit crazy because you know how it should feel, but you don’t really ‘get it’.”

Henrik expressed his delight at getting ‘that’ feeling back in Rome.

“Of course, winning is amazing, but that feeling you get when you are back and the horse is with you 100%, that team is back… that is everything,” he said.

As both Henrik and runner-up David had already claimed their golden tickets to the LGCT Super Grand Prix at the GC Prague Playoffs, the slot was bestowed on both Peder and Andreas, which Peder, who has recently returned from a neck injury, said he “certainly didn’t see that one coming”.

“I was very happy about that!” he said.

Tabitha Kyle makes showjumping news with a double of grands prix

Also at the FEI Nations Cup Youth Final in Belgium, 16-year-old Tabitha Kyle won a total of six classes, including the pony grand prix riding Atomic Du Bary, where she also finished third on Gangnam Style II, separated by Ireland’s Senan Reape on Catness 8. She also claimed top spot in the junior grand prix on another owned by TJ Hall, the 15-year-old mare Desterly.

“I couldn’t ask for more, I’m very happy,” said Tabitha, who was joined on the winner’s sheet by team-mate Jennifer Billington and the six-year-old Sualire Z racing to victory in the 1.30m grand prix, Noora von Bulow, who won an under-25 double with Interstar B and Lucky Lisa, where Phoebe Farman and Diara Sue slotted into second place, and multi-winning Izabella Rogers in the pony classes where Ruby Payne also secured a two-phase on Calimero.

Showjumping news: ‘I had a good feeling all weekend’

German showjumper Christian Kukuk and Checker 47 (main image, top) triumphed in the 1.50m speed class at the LGCT Rome, just ahead of in-form Peder Fredricson riding Hansson WL.

“I had a good feeling all weekend but have been a little bit unlucky,” said Christian. “In this class I knew that the oxer of Lugano Diamonds had plenty of risk as the rail fell for a few riders, but I took the risk and it really paid off.”

European champion rolls on to grand prix glory

Just two weeks after claiming the European championship crown, gold medallist Steve Guerdat won the CSI3* grand prix at Samorin, Slovakia, riding Double Jeu D’Honvault as the fastest of four double clears.

Whitakers go close in Saint Tropez

Our showjumping news round-up wouldn’t be complete without a mention for the Whitaker family. The CSI3* 1.55m grand prix at Hubside Jumping, Saint Tropez, was won by Dutch rider Johnny Pals on Zarkava Hero Z with Great Britain’s Jack Whitaker chasing him home for the runner-up spot on the family’s great campaigner Equine America Valmy De La Lande. Jack’s cousin Donald Whitaker finished third in the two-star equivalent riding Ulania 3.

Gredley back in form

Also in showjumping news this week, Great Britain’s Tim Gredley jumped the really promising 10-year-old Imperial HBF to a third-place finish in the CSI2* grand prix at Bonheiden, Belgium, also finishing in the money in the young horse classes with Tres Bien Z.

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The best job, the best year, and the time of your life.

H&H spoke to three of the British team grooms at the European Showjumping Championships, about snacks and singing – “or squawking!” – in the lorry, mothering riders, and the highs and lows of what is a way of life, rather than just a job.

Lindsay Decottignies, Paul Drew and Georgia Ellwood are grooms to Samuel Hutton, Tim Gredley and Harry Charles respectively,

“It gets to you sometimes, when you’re not having a great run and stuff like that, it does get to you,” said Georgia. “I’m a bit ‘What are we doing?’ But then when it comes good, and it all works out – for a groom, it’s got to be tiring or sometimes you don’t get on with the rider – but looking at it from where we are, it is the best job.”

The grooms and the horses – Oak Grove’s Laith (Laith), Medoc De Toxandria (Medoc or Doc) and Casquo Blue (Casper), arrived in Milan last Sunday, after a three-day drive from England for Paul and Medoc, and shorter trips for the others who were already on the Continent.

All three praised the British Equestrian (BEF) team and system, which meant the stables were all ready for their occupants, complete with full bedding, drapes and Union Flags.

“British Equestrian have got us all double stables so the horses have got loads of room,” Paul said. “We’re probably the only team that’s got that, which is quite nice. I think the others are jealous!”

Apart from the British set-up, which includes the BEF vet, farrier and physio who work with the riders’ teams at home, the championship experience is different in many ways. Georgia is a veteran of such events, but it is a first for Paul.

“The main thing for me is how much time there is,” he said. “I’m not used to going to a show with one horse; the class starts at 1pm, and normally we’ve done four before then!”

But the routine is kept as normal as possible; the horses will be fed, walked out and hand-grazed in the mornings.

“You have to keep everything pretty much normal. You can’t be changing stuff just because it’s a championships,” said Georgia. “Obviously for us it’s a little bit different, but I quite like sitting in my chair!”

And the grooms are being well looked after in Milan.

“I find things are getting a bit better because they’re starting to appreciate the grooms more; there are more options,” Georgia said. “At some shows, you’re like an outsider. Here is quite nice because we’ve got everything we need; they provided the hotel for us, the shuttles, the food is really nice, there’s even like a snack bar in the stables – there are TVs in there if you want to watch the class.”

The grooms described their charges; Laith, who can scream like the stallion he is at home, but is “like a pony” at a show, and loves his grass, Doc, “the most laid-back horse I’ve ever known”, who lies down to sleep at 9pm and gets up at 7am, and Casper, who spends a lot of time asleep, but comes out “like a kangaroo”.

“When he’s out of the stable, I can’t keep up with him,” Georgia added. “I need to go to the gym more often!”

And of course it’s not just about the horses, it’s the riders too; the grooms said they have to get on with the riders they work for, as a less-good relationship could transmit to the horse, and make sure they’re as ready for the ring as their equine partners.

“I get a bit nervous, but I don’t let him see that,” Georgia said. “I know when he’s not nervous, I can just relax a bit. But when I find him a little bit nervous, I just stay quiet and let him do his thing. He knows what he’s supposed to do and he’s got everything that he needs.”

She added: “I get the ‘George’ and I know a question is coming; ‘George, where’s my tie? George, where’s my jacket? George, where are my boots?’!

“You’ve got to get on with them as if there’s no relationship there, there’s no chance of anything working. You have to appreciate each other and have respect for each other to be able to do this job.”

Paul agreed: “I have to find all Tim’s clothes, his jacket and tie, boots and hat; I bring all that or it would never get here!”

And after the medals have been decided and the jumps cleared, the grooms will be setting off on the long drive home – Georgia for 24 hours’ rest before she heads back to the Continent for another show.

But both she and Paul said they like the driving side.

“I love driving. I’ve got a really nice truck, with a nice bed and a shower and kitchen, and we pull over to give the horses hay and water, and it’s all booked in advance so we know where we are at the end of each day,” Paul said. And the snacks are the best bit of the drive.”

Georgia agreed, adding that singing along to the tunes is also a major part of the trucking experience.

“I feel like I’m Beyonce in that truck,” she said. “It’s not singing, it’s squawking, I’m quite glad the horses can’t hear!”

Georgia said she loves going to shows, at all levels; seeing the horses progress from early outings makes her appreciate the top-level success all the more.

Other highlights are of course the wins, and the good rounds, and although the hours are long, they love what they do.

“This is not a job, it’s a lifestyle for a groom,” Georgia said. “Because you dedicate so much to them; the rider, the team, the horses, that is your life. We don’t really go out, you have to organise your life around what you’re doing here. But I wouldn’t change it.”

“If you win a class – when we won the Nations Cup at Hickstead, that was one of the best days of my life,” Paul added.

“When you’re kids, you go to the riding school and help; I started on a Saturday afternoon for your one ride every month. But I think once you decide you’re going to do it, and you’re going to do it properly, I don’t think ‘I’ve worked 64 hours today’ or whatever.

“It’s a great way of life. I’ve really enjoyed it. I’ve done this job for nearly 40 years, on and off, and I’m having the time of my life. This is one of the best years I’ve had, and I’ve loved every minute of it.”

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound has a team of reporters covering all the European showjumping action. To keep reading on our website after five articles, readers will need to buy a subscription. Visit horseandhound.co.uk/join to buy a Horse & Hound website unlimited subscription or, for great value, visit magazinesdirect.com for a combined magazine and website subscription. If you are already a magazine subscriber, the cost to upgrade your subscription to include full website access is minimal – call 0330 333 1113 to find out more.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Great Britain has finished ninth behind gold medallists Sweden at the European Showjumping Championships at the San Siro racecourse in Milan, Italy (30 August-3 September).

The quartet of Ben Maher (Faltic HB), Tim Gredley (Medoc De Toxandria), championship debutant Sam Hutton (Oak Grove’s Laith) and Harry Charles on Casquo Blue managed to climb one place from their overnight position of 1oth, but there was inevitable disappointment within the British camp at finishing so far out of the medals.

“I’ll be happy to leave, this show hasn’t been great,” said Harry, who picked up eight faults in Friday’s third and final round of team jumping at the European Showjumping Championships. “The ground isn’t even good enough for a two-star show in places. It’s not been up to standard. So it’s been a bit of a disappointing championship.

“But we have a great chance in the individual medals [with Ben Maher in contention] so at least there’s a positive to take away. I have a fantastic horse and this week doesn’t reflect how good he is. He’s coming away fit and healthy.”

European Showjumping Championships: it started with a clear

British pathfinder Ben Maher jumped clear for the second day running with Pamela Wright and Charlotte Rossetter’s Faltic HB.

“We tried to come back as much as we could today and Faltic felt good coming out, not stressed at all,” said the reigning Olympic champion, who finished the day in fifth on the individual leaderboard ahead of Sunday’s final.

Great Britain’s second-line rider Tim Gredley produced a four-fault round with just one time-fault to add on his rising star Medoc De Toxandria.

“That was very annoying. That’s probably the best he’s jumped all week,” said Tim. “We just got a bit deep to the combination. He slipped around the corner to the vertical and I thought I was a bit off but I’m frustrated because the horse jumped brilliantly. He’s just been on the wrong side of a couple of fences this week. Otherwise we could have been right in there.

“I think he now knows it’s proper jumping and even working him this morning, he was more alert. I wish I had another two days to go but I don’t. Nothing will be much bigger than what he’s jumped this week, so at least we know that height is not a problem for him – we know he’s a championship horse.

“We’ll give him a good break now and try aiming him at championships every year, if we protect him. I think the experience we gained here was more for the rider than the horse to be honest! I’ve learned a lot as well. So it’s just disappointing because I knew we could have done a bit better.”

Sam Hutton: “Maybe he doesn’t like Italy!”

Belgium-based Sam Hutton came home with 16 faults on the final day of his first championship on Oak Grove’s Laith.

“I don’t know if it’s the heat or he doesn’t like Italy!” reflected Sam. “He’s been jumping so well, he’s been really consistent at every show up until here and he just doesn’t seem happy. I don’t know what it is.

“But it’s great to come here and compete against the best riders in the world. Unfortunately we haven’t performed as well as I would have liked or we were hoping this week. The whole experience has been great – apart from the result.”

Great Britain’s chef d’equipe Di Lampard summed up the championships: “It hasn’t been our week, but the aim was always to come here and give valuable championship experience to some new riders and horses ahead of Paris 2024 and I feel we’ve achieved this. There will be plenty to analyse as we move forward and make a plan for the next 12 months.

“All eyes are now on Ben Maher and Faltic HB ahead of the individual final. They’ve been on brilliant form so far and hopefully they can carry this through to Sunday.”

Horse & Hound has a team of reporters covering all the European showjumping action. To keep reading on our website after five articles, readers will need to buy a subscription. Visit horseandhound.co.uk/join to buy a Horse & Hound website unlimited subscription or, for great value, visit magazinesdirect.com for a combined magazine and website subscription. If you are already a magazine subscriber, the cost to upgrade your subscription to include full website access is minimal – call 0330 333 1113 to find out more.

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‘He was perfect today’: early clear round lifts British hopes at showjumping Europeans

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Great Britain’s showjumpers have made it through to Friday’s team medal decider of the European Showjumping Championships at the San Siro racecourse in Milan, Italy (30 August-3 September).

Thursday’s second qualifying competition for individuals and final teams was a real nail-biter. But Great Britain finally secured 10th position and, with just the top 10 teams from the 15 in action progressing to Friday’s final round to decide the team medals, there’s still plenty to play for.

In the second day’s competition, Ben Maher and Faltic HB opened proceedings with a smashing clear, followed by an eye-catching four-fault round from Tim Gredley riding Medoc De Toxandria.

European Showjumping Championships: “It’s just not our show”

Sam Hutton revealed he was “gutted” to come home with 12 faults on his European Showjumping Championships debut with Oak Grove’s Laith, while anchorman Harry Charles and Stall Zet’s Casquo Blue hit two fences, which the rider described as “really annoying”.

“He’s done so many great things this year, so that was an uncharacteristic mistake – it’s just not our show,” reflected Harry.

Great Britain’s chef d’equipe Di Lampard reflected: “We always knew that the first day was going to be tough.

“A table C class requires you to know your horse and be very disciplined in your riding. Today’s team qualifier was a very different challenge. It was big, with a tight time allowed – you needed to ride accurately with a forward rhythm and the course left no margin for error.

“As a team, we are looking forward to the final tomorrow,” she added. “We’ll analyse what’s happened over the past two days, make a plan, and hopefully turn our fortunes around. It’s another day and there’s still plenty of jumping to do before the medals are awarded. With Paris qualification secured last year in Herning, our aim was to come here with some fresh faces on the squad and to give them some championship exposure, with the experienced Ben Maher to act as today’s pathfinder and give them confidence.

“I’m excited about what’s to come over the rest of the week and for the next 12 months.”

Germany has moved up to the top of the leader board ahead of overnight leaders Sweden. Switzerland sits in the bronze medal position with Ireland finishing the day in fourth. However the top four teams are separated by less than one penalty meaning Friday’s medal decider looks set to be a thriller.

Great Britain heads into the team final more than three fences off the pace, but anything can happen in these European Showjumping Championships.

Horse & Hound has a team of reporters covering all the European showjumping action. To keep reading on our website after five articles, readers will need to buy a subscription. Visit horseandhound.co.uk/join to buy a Horse & Hound website unlimited subscription or, for great value, visit magazinesdirect.com for a combined magazine and website subscription. If you are already a magazine subscriber, the cost to upgrade your subscription to include full website access is minimal – call 0330 333 1113 to find out more.

You may also be interested to read…

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

When Great Britain’s second team rider Tim Gredley on board Medoc De Toxandria just succumbed to the final fence for a four-fault round on day two of the European Showjumping Championships, the team’s chances of making it through to Friday’s medal-decider in Milan, Italy, were strengthened further following Ben Maher’s brilliant clear on Faltic HB.

The partnership of Tim and the Unex Competition Yard’s 11-year-old gelding, who is cared for at home by groom Paul Drew, looked a different combination than when racking up 12 faults the previous day.

“He felt completely different today, I don’t know what it was yesterday – maybe he was a bit low off the ground,” pondered Tim, who was competing at his first championship in 17 years. “But already, just working him in this morning, he had a lot more about him and after the first fence I knew I was running a different animal than yesterday.

“But it was very frustrating to have the last fence down – I think he deserved a clear round. It’s a tough track, so hopefully that helps the team’s chances. Seeing so many people having problems at the final fence probably should have made me ride it better, because I knew it was tricky, but these things happen.”

European Showjumping Championships: “I wanted him to get used to the grass”

Tim explained that a routine change seems to have contributed to Medoc’s improvement on day two of the European Showjumping Championships.

“Yesterday even cantering in the ring, I just didn’t feel like he was in my hand and coming off my leg like I would normally like him to,” revealed Tim. “But I worked him differently this morning and it seems to have paid off.

“I actually worked him on the grass because I wanted him to get used to the grass, whereas yesterday I’d kept him on the sand. I felt yesterday that he was a bit unsure of his footing because he hadn’t been on grass for a while. So I spent an hour just riding him on the grass this morning. I’m not sure if that’s what worked, but you know, it didn’t hurt anyway.”

Tim Gredley currently sits just outside the top 40 on the individual leaderboard.

Horse & Hound has a team of reporters covering all the European showjumping action. To keep reading on our website after five articles, readers will need to buy a subscription. Visit horseandhound.co.uk/join to buy a Horse & Hound website unlimited subscription or, for great value, visit magazinesdirect.com for a combined magazine and website subscription. If you are already a magazine subscriber, the cost to upgrade your subscription to include full website access is minimal – call 0330 333 1113 to find out more.

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‘We’ve become too particular – horses love jumping on grass, it’s fine’: rider shuts down critics of footing at showjumping Europeans

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‘Unfortunately it wasn’t our day’: British pathfinder takes centre stage at the European Showjumping Championships

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Great Britain’s second team rider Tim Gredley said he was “very disappointed” with his 12-fault round on day one of the European Showjumping Championships at the San Siro racecourse in Milan, Italy (30 August-3 September).

Riding the Unex Competition Yard’s 11-year-old Medoc De Toxandria, Tim hit the second fence then quickly toppled another pole coming into the first of the three doubles on Uliano Vezzani’s track. The combination, who were part of the winning Nations Cup team at Hickstead recently, then picked up a further four faults at the Longines oxer before finishing very well in a decent enough time of 76.95sec.

The faults are converted into seconds to add in this first qualifying competition for teams and individual athletes at the European Showjumping Championships, leaving Tim with a total of 88.95sec. That left him floundering in the lower half of the leaderboard in 66th position at this early stage.

“I’m very disappointed,” said the Newmarket-based British team rider, competing at his first championships for 17 years, and following pathfinder Sam Hutton’s eight-fault round.

“Already at the first fence, Medoc just didn’t really make the jump like he normally makes. Then he made two mistakes that he never normally makes. In hindsight he felt a bit tired – he’s had a long year – but he’s been jumping so good up till now.

“Hopefully the other guys on the team can get a couple of scores in.”

Tim said that the way Medoc finished his opening round “is maybe the only positive”.

“Tomorrow’s another day, but yes, I’m very disappointed and I wasn’t really expecting it to be honest. If I didn’t know who I was riding, I would have thought they were just two very green mistakes at the beginning,” added Tim. “He really wasn’t even looking at where he was going. These table C speeds don’t really suit him. He’s not a fast horse.

“It didn’t go as planned and we have to pick ourselves up and do better tomorrow.”

Tim added that the gelding has taken him from “two-stars last year to a championship this year”, and said: “So you know, you have to look on the bright side. He’s been amazing for my career. I’m loving it and this is what I wanted to do. But when you come to these championships, you know where you need to be. And today I wasn’t.”

Great Britain finished the day in 10th position behind leaders Sweden ahead of Thursday’s team jumping competition.

Horse & Hound has a team of reporters covering all the European showjumping action. To keep reading on our website after five articles, readers will need to buy a subscription. Visit horseandhound.co.uk/join to buy a Horse & Hound website unlimited subscription or, for great value, visit magazinesdirect.com for a combined magazine and website subscription. If you are already a magazine subscriber, the cost to upgrade your subscription to include full website access is minimal – call 0330 333 1113 to find out more.

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

With the benefit of Paris 2024 Olympic qualification already in the bag, Great Britain’s showjumping chef d’equipe Di Lampard has had the luxury of being able to field a real mix of championship debutants and seasoned pros for this year’s European Showjumping Championships in Milan, Italy (30 August-3 September). But there’s also the hope that Great Britain’s showjumpers can continue to build on the superb medal hauls of recent years. So who has been chosen for the British team for the 2023 European Showjumping Championships?

British team for the European Showjumping Championships 2023

Harry Charles and Casquo Blue

The youngest member of the British team at the European Showjumping Championships 2023, 24-year-old Harry Charles, is actually one of the most experienced riders on the British squad, certainly when it comes to championship mileage, and the world’s leading under-25 rider has been to an Olympic Games as well as winning team bronze at the world showjumping championships last year, then riding the great Romeo 88.

For his first crack at a European Championships, Harry brings the Stall Zet-owned Casquo Blue, a 13-year-old son of Chacco-Blue x Carthago Z, who was bred by Paul Schockemohle. The gelding is looked after and beautifully turned out by Harry’s groom Georgia Ellwood. The pair jumped double clear to help Great Britain win the Nations Cup at Hickstead last month – his second consecutive faultless performance in that competition – and the combination have earned plenty of five-star placings, proving their big track abilities. However, Harry also has a direct reserve horse in the 12-year-old Aralyn Blue, who is by the same sire as Casquo Blue and owned by Ann Thompson. It surely can’t be long before this young superstar makes it onto the individual podium.

Tim Gredley and Medoc De Toxandria

The king of comebacks, it’s been 17 years since 37-year-old father of two Tim Gredley last rode at a championship, having retired from the sport for several years to work in his family business. But he’s back in the British team for the European Showjumping Championships 2023 and riding in the best form of his life, already proving a real team asset in this season’s five-star Nations Cups with the 11-year-old 16.2hh gelding Medoc De Toxandria (Der Senaat III x Kelvin De Sainte Hermelle, bred by Werner Dierckx), who he’s been riding for the past year (pictured below).

Among their team highlights were victory on home soil at Hickstead and the second-placed finish in Aachen. Medoc is looked after by groom Paul Drew and is owned by the Unex Competition Yard. He was sourced for Tim by Hickstead Derby winner David Simpson, but previous riders also include Trevor Breen and Guy Williams.

“Medoc wasn’t the most obvious horse to buy, but one of the things I enjoy and maybe I’m good at, is picking horses – and maybe not choosing the most obvious ones,” says Tim. “I’d say Medoc is unique! Now I’ve got to know him, I find him easy, but he has a special way of doing things – he’s just always on his forehand. So he might be a bit unorthodox, but what he lacks there, he gives you in confidence and that’s probably why we’re a good combination. He finds it so easy and he enjoys life.”

Tim’s return to the British team fold has been his ambition since returning to the sport and he says he’s “loving every minute”.

Sam Hutton and Oak Grove’s Laith

Belgium-based British showjumper Sam Hutton will be making his senior championship debut with 12-year-old stallion Oak Grove’s Laith, owned by the Caramello Company and looked after by groom Lindsay Decottignies. Sam, 34, is originally from Surrey and started riding at the age of seven, forging a great career in the sport. He moved overseas, training with Jan Tops in Valkenswaard, the Netherlands, but he has been based with Abdel Said in Belgium for the past few years.

Oak Grove’s Laith, a London x Quaprice stallion who was bred by SCEA Riverland, twice qualified for the world championships as a five-year-old and a seven-year-old before Sam started riding him year ago. The duo warmed up for Milan with two Nations Cup appearances, jumping clear rounds at both, just parting company unexpectedly in Dublin, but look just the type to excel in a championship environment.

Donald Whitaker and Di Caprio

No British showjumping team would be complete without a Whitaker on board and 30-year-old Donald will also be making his championship debut as part of the British team in Milan riding Di Caprio. This pair were part of the Nations Cup-winning squad in the UAE last year and have been in flying form since.

Like Ben Maher’s Faltic HB, the Holsteiner Diarado x Cassini I stallion, bred by Harms Carsten, was produced and previously owned by the Oakingham Stud in Great Britain, jumping to great success in young horse classes – including with Irish team member Eoin Gallagher. Germany-based Donald’s girlfriend Nicola Pohl first started riding Di Caprio in 2020 before Donald took over a year later.

“He has everything to be a very good horse,” says Donald of the stallion, who is groomed by Ally Gill.

Ben Maher and Faltic HB

The reigning Olympic champion Ben Maher has proved an integral team member, helping Great Britain to team gold at the Olympics in 2012, team bronze and individual fourth at the world championships in 2022 with Faltic HB and he already has five European medals to his name, including individual silver on Explosion W in 2019. He has returned from a serious shoulder injury and heads to Milan as one of the red hot favourites with the 13-year-old Baltic VDL x Concorde stallion, who was bred in the Netherlands by HA Brinkman and previously owned by the Oakingham Stud – again produced in the hands of Ireland’s Eoin Gallagher – and now belongs to the Hertfordshire rider’s supporters Charlotte Rossetter and Pamela Wright.

“A lot of people have been a part of this horse’s career and they’ve done a good job with him,” says Ben.

Groom Derren Lake looks after Faltic HB and Ben has also nominated two mares, Dallas Vegas Batilly and Ginger-Blue, as his direct reserves for the British team at the European Showjumping Championships 2023.

Horse & Hound has a team of reporters covering all the European showjumping action. To keep reading on our website after five articles, readers will need to buy a subscription. Visit horseandhound.co.uk/join to buy a Horse & Hound website unlimited subscription or, for great value, visit magazinesdirect.com for a combined magazine and website subscription. If you are already a magazine subscriber, the cost to upgrade your subscription to include full website access is minimal – call 0330 333 1113 to find out more.

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

British showjumper Tim Gredley was part of the heroic quartet that won the Nations Cup on home soil at Hickstead last month. The Newmarket-based rider has been selected to represent Great Britain at the European Showjumping Championships in Milan, Italy, this month riding his top horse, Medoc De Toxandria.

It has been a remarkable comeback for the 37-year-old, who stepped away from the sport for several years to work in the family business. But Tim Gredley has shown possibly the best form of his life as he has worked his way back up the rankings to fulfil his goal of returning to the Great Britain championship team. Tim will head to Italy alongside Ben Maher, Sam Hutton, Donald Whitaker and Harry Charles, some 17 years since his last championship appearance at the World Equestrian Games in 2006 riding the great Omelli.

H&H sat down with Tim Gredley to hear all about his return to the top of the sport and find out more about his fantastic string of horses, life on the road with a young family, and how he’s set out to attract some much-needed investment into British horsepower – you can read the full interview in this week’s Horse & Hound magazine, on sale Thursday 18 August.

Here, we take a look around his incredible Newmarket stables and home.

Tim’s top horses Imperial HBF and Medoc De Toxandria enjoy rooms with a view at the family’s immaculate Unex House stables near Newmarket in Suffolk.

Tim Gredley’s European Showjumping Championship partner and Nations Cup team hero, Medoc De Toxandria, an 11-year-old son of Der Senaat III, who Tim bought from David Simpson last year.

What a backdrop! The peaceful Suffolk countryside surrounds Tim’s stables, which includes this vast outdoor arena.

A selection of major show plaques on display at Tim Gredley’s stables.

Tim Gredley and his wife Rachel Gredley (nee Wyse) with their children Isabella and Charlotte.

There’s even space to take time out and enjoy the Gredley family’s other main love – horse racing.

Guestlist with Tim Gredley and his home team of Siobhan Kennedy, Kirsty Campbell and Kate Sigsworth.

The equestrian haven that is British showjumper Tim Gredley’s Newmarket stable yard.

Guestlist being washed-off at Tim Gredley’s stables.

When in Newmarket…

The 11-year-old Guestlist, who came from Tim Wilks, coming out of the attractive indoor school, at Tim’s stables.

What a stunner! The Dutch-bred Imperial HBF strikes a pose.

Tim Gredley’s indoor school – who wouldn’t want to ride in this stunning arena come rain or shine?

On the move: one of Tim’s rides in action on the treadmill

Racing is in the Gredley family’s blood and they’ve made their home near its headquarters in Newmarket. One of the family’s home-breds, Burdett Road, was a Royal Ascot winner this year.

Dinner is served – the menu for each horse on the yard is clearly laid out.

The 10-year-old Imperial HBF waits patiently in the grooming stall.

Tim’s wife Rachel Gredley’s 11-year-old mare Jalanna checks out her enviable surroundings.

An assortment of the Gredley team’s silverware.

Guestlist being tacked up under the heat lamps ready for Tim Gredley.

An assortment of Tim Gredley’s ribbons and sashes – can he add a medal to this collection at this year’s European Showjumping Championships?

Don’t miss the full interview with Tim Gredley in this week’s Horse & Hound, on sale Thursday 17 August

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits. 

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The reigning Olympic champion and Nations Cup heroes are among those named in the British team for the European Showjumping Championships.

Today (7 August) British Equestrian and the British Showjumping selectors have confirmed the five horse and rider combinations that will form the list of definite entries who will compete in Milan, Italy, from 29 August to 3 September.

The selected combinations for the British team for the European Showjumping Championships, in alphabetical order, are:

Harry Charles with 13-year-old gelding Casquo Blue

Owner: Stall Zet

Breeder: Gestuet Lewitz (GER)

Breeding: by Chacco-Blue, out of Whizz Kid, by Carthago Z

Groom: Georgia Ellwood

Tim Gredley with 11-year-old gelding Medoc de Toxandria

Owner: Unex Competition Yard Ltd

Breeder: unknown

Breeding: by Der Senaat 111, out of Koriganne De Toxandria, by Kelvin de Sainte Hermelle

Groom: Paul Drew

Samuel Hutton with 12-year-old stallion Oak Grove’s Laith

Owner: Caramello Company

Breeder: SCEA Riverland (FRA)

Breeding: by London, out of Sirene de Riverland, by Quaprice

Groom: Lindsay Decottignies

Ben Maher with 13-year-old stallion Faltic HB

Owner: Charlotte Rossetter, Pamela Wright and rider

Breeder: H A Brinkman (NED

Breeding: by Baltic VDL, out of Beloma B, by Concorde

Groom: Derren Lake

Donald Whitaker with 12-year-old stallion Di CaprioOwner: Reitsportanlage Dagobertshausen GmbH and COKGBreeder: Harms Carsten (GER)Breeding: by Diarado, out of Zanzahra, by Cassini IGroom: Ally Gilly

The reserves, in alphabetical order, are:

Harry Charles with 12-year-old mare Aralyn Blue (Harry’s direct reserve)Owner: Ann ThompsonBreeder: Franjo Udovc (SLO)Breeding: by Chacco-Blue, out of Apienne, by Ludwig AS

Ben Maher with 10-year-old mare Dallas Vegas Batilly (Ben’s first direct reserve)

Owner: Charlotte Rossetter, Pamela Wright and rider

Breeder: J Viollett (FRA)

Breeding: by Cap Kennedy 2, out of Violetta Batilly, by L’Arc de Triomph

Ben Maher with 12-year-old mare Ginger-Blue (Ben’s second direct reserve)Owner: Jane Forbes ClarkBreeder: P Verberne (NED)Breeding: by Plot Blue out of Royal Rose, by Royal Bravour

The non-travelling reserve is:

Jessica Mendoza with 11-year-old gelding Play

Owner: rider

Breeder: E von Essen (SWE)

Breeding: by Luidam, out of Naiade Des Abers, by Diamant de Semilly

Groom: Duncan Skinner

Selection decisions are subject to the athlete and horse maintaining fitness and performance, and this list may be amended at any point up to midnight today.

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The nominated British entries for the European Showjumping Championships have been announced – and the final list will not be far behind.

British Equestrian (BEF) and the British Showjumping selectors have announced the 10 combinations on the list for the event, which runs in Milan, Italy, from 29 August to 3 September.

The British nominated entries for the European Showjumping Championships are:

Harry Charles with 12-year-old mare Aralyn Blue

Owner: Ann Thompson

Breeder: Franjo Udovc (SLO)

Breeding: by Chacco-Blue, out of Apienne, by Ludwig AS

Harry Charles with 13-year-old gelding Casquo Blue

Owner: Stall Zet

Breeder: Gestuet Lewitz (GER)

Breeding: by Chacco-Blue, out of Whizz Kid, by Carthago Z

Tim Gredley with 11-year-old gelding Medoc de Toxandria

Owner: Unex Competition Yard Ltd

Breeder: unknown

Breeding: by Der Senaat 111, out of Koriganne De Toxandria, by Kelvin de Sainte Hermelle

Samuel Hutton with 12-year-old stallion Oak Grove’s Laith

Owner: Caramello Company

Breeder: SCEA Riverland (FRA)

Breeding: by London, out of Sirene de Riverland, by Quaprice

Ben Maher with 10-year-old mare Dallas Vegas Batilly

Owner: Charlotte Rossetter, Pamela Wright and rider

Breeder: J Viollett (FRA)

Breeding: by Cap Kennedy 2, out of Violetta Batilly, by L’Arc de Triomph

Ben Maher with 13-year-old stallion Faltic HB

Owner: Charlotte Rossetter, Pamela Wright and rider

Breeder: H A Brinkman (NED

Breeding: by Baltic VDL, out of Beloma B, by Concorde

Ben Maher with 12-year-old mare Ginger-Blue

Owner: Jane Forbes Clark

Breeder: P Verberne (NED)

Breeding: by Plot Blue out of Royal Rose, by Royal Bravour

Jessica Mendoza with 11-year-old gelding Play

Owner: rider

Breeder: E von Essen (SWE)

Breeding: by Luidam, out of Naiade Des Abers, by Diamant de Semilly

Donald Whitaker with 12-year-old stallion Di Caprio

Owner: Reitsportanlage Dagobertshausen GmbH and COKG

Breeder: Harms Carsten (GER)

Breeding: by Diarado, out of Zanzahra, by Cassini I

Joe Whitaker with 11-year-old stallion Hulahupe JR

Owner: Jessica Crane

Breeder: J Reitsma (NED

Breeding: by Bubalu, out of Verixt, by Indoctro

Selection decisions are subject to riders’ and horses’ fitness and performance. The selected squad of four combinations and one reserve to travel to Milan, and non-travelling reserves, will be announced by 7 August. The grooms’ names have not yet been confirmed but will be included in the final squad announcement.

“The funding that the British Equestrian World Class Programme receives from the National Lottery and UK Sport is pivotal in preparing our teams for senior championships and supporting them on the ground,” a BEF spokesman said.

“British Equestrian is also extremely grateful for the support we enjoy from our partners – Bates Saddles, Dodson & Horrell, Fairfax & Favor, Haygain, NAF, SEIB and Toggi – and team suppliers – Equi-Trek, Horseware, Lotus Romeo, Marksway Horsehage and Point Two. We’re indebted for the year-round support they provide to the World Class Programme and British teams, which helps us to best prepare for senior championships.”

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

‘The best day’: an emotional John Whitaker helps Great Britain triumph in Hickstead Nations Cup

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

For the first time since 2010, Great Britain has triumphed on home soil after a Hickstead Nations Cup thriller on Friday (28 July).

It was John Whitaker, competing in his 180th Nations Cup, who summed up victory in the Longines FEI Nations Cup at the Longines Royal International Horse Show by saying: “We had good vibes all week, we felt quietly confident,” said the 68-year-old, who was joined on the winning squad by Harry Charles, Tim Gredley and Ben Maher.

“I wasn’t quite here in 1929 [when the Nations Cup first ran],” he quipped.

“But I first came here in 1970 with a pony – that was daunting – but today, after all those years, this is probably the best day,” said John, welling up.

Hickstead Nations Cup: neck and neck after round one

Three of the eight countries in Friday’s two-round competition were neck and neck after round one, with Great Britain, Ireland and France tied for the lead on four faults.

However, faults started coming thick and fast in round two as a testing, stamina-zapping track set by Kelvin Bywater took its toll. Title-holders France’s chances slipped away, but just four faults from Olympic champion Ben Maher with 14-year-old Exit Remo (San Remo x Ferro), owned by Pamela Wright and Charlotte Rossetter, followed by a masterful clear from Tim Gredley on Medoc De Toxandria kept Great Britain firmly in the hunt.

As John Whitaker entered the ring for the second time with the 15-year-old Zandor gelding, Equine America Unick Du Francport, news filtered through that Irish rider Mark McAuley had been eliminated owing to the blood rule with GRS Lady Amaro. The 68-year-old legendary showjumper proceeded to post an exceptional clear, which couldn’t have come at a better time as it sealed a triumphant return for the British team at the home of British showjumping. The British celebrations continued all the way down the chute and well into the evening.

While Harry Charles, at 24 the youngest member of the team, was not required to jump again, there was the small matter of a double clear bonus at stake and he duly delivered with Casquo Blue, jumping double clear in the Hickstead Nations Cup for the second year running, sharing the bonus with Olivier Robert of France and Jack Ryan of Ireland.

An ‘unbelievable’ result in the Hickstead Nations Cup

“It was unbelievable, I was awake through the night, then at 5am,” said chef d’equipe Di Lampard, who was leading her team to a home victory for the first time. “I so wanted this, for these riders, and the squad behind them. I did shed a tear and I’m not normally like that – I wanted this so badly. This legend [John Whitaker] clinched it for us.”

Tim Gredley, who is enjoying something of a renaissance, returning from a sabbatical to climb back to the top tier of the sport, described winning as a “surreal experience”.

“I used to come here to do the working hunters and one of the reasons I went in to showjumping was from watching John Whitaker, so this is a bit surreal,” he said. “I was feeling a bit of pressure, but I have a very good horse and I’m absolutely loving this.”

Harry’s father Peter Charles was part of the last Nations Cup-winning British team on home soil in 2010 and Harry described winning his first Nations Cup as “a special day”.

With €200,000 victory sealed for Great Britain, the fourth team riders were left battling out for podium honours and taking second was Ireland with France in third.

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Hooray, it’s Hickstead Nations Cup day! At 2.15pm today (Friday, 28 July), the British leg of the Longines FEI Nations Cup series takes place at the Longines Royal International Horse Show at Hickstead and we can’t wait.

A total of eight different countries are lining up to battle it out for top honours and a €200,000 prize pot, as well as vital points in the overall series. France are the title-holders having won the Hickstead Nations Cup event in 2022 and this year they bring an in-form squad including their star rider Olivier Robert riding Iglesias DV.

Ireland have an excellent record at Hickstead and have been drawn first in the two-round competition. Flying the flag will be Hickstead-based Shane Breen (Cuick Star Kervec), Mark McAuley (GRS Lady Amaro), Jack Ryan (BBS McGregor) and US-based Daniel Coyle on the brilliant Legacy.

Among the other leading names representing their nations are Marcus Ehning for Germany on DPS Revere and Laura Kraut of USA riding Dorado 212.

Great Britain hasn’t won on home soil since 2010, but Di Lampard has selected a red hot quartet to fly the Union flag, so who are this year’s British showjumping Hickstead Nations Cup contenders?

Hickstead Nations Cup British team riders

BEN MAHER: The Hertfordshire rider is the reigning Olympic champion and a team gold medallist from London 2012 and will act as pathfinder for this contest on home soil. He rides 14-year-old Exit Remo (San Remo x Ferro), owned by Pamela Wright and Charlotte Rossetter. Ben, 40, has been a regular on Nations Cup teams this season, including as part of the second-placed squad in Aachen last month. Ben only started riding the gelding last year and this will be their first team appearance as a duo.

TIM GREDLEY: It has been 17 years since the Newmarket-based showjumper last contested a championship, but after a sabbatical from the sport, the 37-year-old has returned to the top tier this year and is arguably in the best form of his life. He rides his own Medoc De Toxandria, an 11-year-old by Der Senaat x Kelvin De Sainte Hermelle in the Hickstead Nations Cup.

“Medoc is unique! Now I’ve got to know him I find it easy, but he has a special way of doing things,” says Tim. “He’s got personality like I’ve never seen. After jumping one of the biggest grands prix in the world, he’ll come out like there’s no adrenaline in him whatsoever, he finds it so easy and he enjoys life.”

JOHN WHITAKER: The 68-year-old showjumping legend needs little introduction, having been a British team stalwart for the past four decades, representing his country in Olympics, World Cup Finals and world and European championships. The Yorkshireman rides his top horse Equine America Unick Du Francport, AKA Frank, a 15-year-old by Zandor with whom he competed in the Hickstead Nations Cup last year and the pair jumped a spectacular double clear in the Nations Cup of Rome recently.

“I was lucky enough to find Unick, who’s kept me going a bit longer,” John reflects. “He’s been so good for me and we just keep ticking along.”

HARRY CHARLES: At just 24, Hampshire-based Harry is the youngest member of the team representing Great Britain at Hickstead today, but he’s a veteran of an Olympic Games in Tokyo and won team bronze at last year’s world championships. His father Peter Charles won Olympic gold in London 2012 and was part of the last Nations Cup team to have won on home soil in 2010, while his two sisters Sienna and Scarlett also compete at the top of the sport. Harry has reigned as the highest ranked under-25 rider in the world for a considerable time. He has an enviable string of horses but has chosen to bring Stall Zet’s 13-year-old Casquo Blue (Chacco Blue x Carthago Z) and this classy duo will act as anchorman for the two-round Nations Cup on Friday afternoon. The pair jumped a phenomenal double clear in the recent Falsterbo Nations Cup, as well as last year’s competition here at Hickstead, where the team finished sixth.

“You can’t do better than a double clear in a Nations Cup, especially here at home,” expressed Harry – can he repeat the feat in 2023?

“Bring it on”

The team chef d’equipe Di Lampard is targeting her first Nations Cup win on home soil and says ahead of the event: “It’s really exciting and I’m really looking forward to it. We’ve got a strong team with experience, so bring it on.

“I couldn’t count how many Nations Cups John Whitaker has jumped at Hickstead, but he’s got the experience, he jumped very well for us a few weeks ago [in Rome] so we are hoping he can repeat that for us,” she adds. “Young Harry Charles was double clear a couple of weeks ago [in Falsterbo], the youngest member of the team being our anchor man this week and let’s hope it works out for us.

“I’m happy with being third in the draw, and I look at it as third time lucky – we were second in Aachen, and second again in Falsterbo two weeks ago, so let’s hope the third time we’re going to get a win. You feel so proud to be walking out in front of your own team in front of a home crowd at the Nations Cup at Hickstead, and the riders feel proud as well, they want to be successful,” she says.

Stay tuned, this year’s Hickstead Nations Cup looks set to be a thriller.

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

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Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

There was plenty for British showjumping supporters to cheer about this week, with a victorious performance from the Team GB quartet in Sharjah, UAE, while a pair of veteran geldings prove unbeatable in a high-octane grand prix in Florida (one of whom has spent the past month in a field in Ireland).

Here is your weekly round-up of this week’s international winners and showjumping news from around the world.

British Nations Cup glory

Great Britain’s showjumpers were triumphant in the CSIO4* Sharjah Nations Cup, UAE. The squad of William Funnell (Equine America Billy Picador), Tim Gredley (Imperial HBF) and brothers Donald Whitaker riding Millfield Colette and Joe Whitaker with Hulahupe JR claimed victory with an eight-point margin over Ireland, with the host nation UAE in third.

There were only two double clears in the competition, both of which came from British riders – Donald Whitaker and William Funnell.

Shortly before helping Ireland to the Nations Cup podium, Shane Breen and Z7 Ipswich won the 1.45m UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation Cup.

• CSIO4* Sharjah results

Teenage horses lead the way

Returning from a break, the 16-year-old gelding Count Me In and Irish rider Conor Swail immediately resumed their winning ways, claiming top spot in the MARS Equestrian CSI4* grand prix on the Derby field at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF), Florida.

“I’m lucky to have Crosby,” said Conor of the Count Grannus gelding owned by Sandy Lupton and Mannon Farm, who spent the past month in his field in Ireland after a good run at Geneva and the London International five-star shows. “He’s a very fast horse and I was trying to give it a good go and put the other riders under enough pressure and hope they would make mistakes.”

The pair scorched round from first draw in a five-way jump-off over a track designed by Anderson Lima of Brazil and posted a hefty winning margin of six seconds. The closest challenge came from US rider Laura Kraut with another 16-year-old, St Bride’s Farm’s Confu.

“He’s the horse of a lifetime for me,” said Conor, currently ranked number five in the world. “He’s changing my career, hopefully we’ll get another few years together. WEF is very tough – if you’re winning here, you can win anywhere in the world. It’s nice to come out and compete against the best riders – and come out on top sometimes. It’s very rewarding.”

Count Me In’s groom Stefan McNulty was also given the $500 grooms’ award, presented by Double H Farm.

• WEF results

‘He’s everything a rider wants’

Brazil’s Marlon Zanotelli won the penultimate Longines FEI Jumping World Cup qualifier in Bordeaux, France, riding the 14-year-old gelding VDL Edgar and came within a whisker of completing the grand prix double the following day, just finishing second to Frenchman Gregory Cottard riding Cocaine Du Val.

Marlon’s World Cup success came after a mammoth 17-combination jump-off, in which the Brazilian was joined on the podium by runner-up Edouard Schmitz (Quno) and Henrik von Eckermann (King Edward) with British stars Harry Charles (Balou Du Reventon) and Scott Brash (Hello Jefferson) claiming fourth and fifth respectively.

“It was definitely a big advantage to start last,” said Marlon. “I’m very lucky to have my wife Angelica there to watch and tell me exactly what to do – she knows Edgar so well and she knows me a bit too!”

“Luckily Edgar was amazing today and he’s been so consistent this year,” added Marlon, who finished 0.33sec ahead of his Swiss challenger, who was finishing second in a World Cup qualifier for the second week running. “He’s everything a rider wants – he’s careful, he has scope and for me the most important part is that he’s so clever. He’s so sensitive to the rider, so responsive and he’s getting quicker and quicker!”

Ireland’s Richard Howley won Friday’s opener, the 1.45m speed class, riding Mansini Ltd.

• CSI5* Jumping Bordeaux results

A winning treble for Maisy Williams

After James Smith’s astonishing winning streak during week one of the Villamoura Atlantic Tour, British riders produced plenty more success in week two, with James winning again in the CSI3* classes on Holly and Good Friends, and he was one of many reaping success in the young horse classes, with Michelob and NFS Angelina. Maisy Williams racked up a double with the seven-year-old Gold Rush, also triumphing on the six-year-old Billy Heinz ET, while Nicole Pavitt (Azalea 16) also went on to success in the CSI3* classes on Nobelle Casscania, where Guy Williams (Second Chance), Chloe Aston, Ben Hobday, Polly Shaw, Laura Mantel (Klein Stargette) and Lila Bremner with Billy Penny also flew the British flag.

The grand prix was won by Frenchman Jerome Hurel riding Byron Du Telman, with Olli Fletcher finishing second for the consecutive week riding Hello William, and Mikey Pender third for Ireland riding HHS Fast Forward.

• Villamoura Atlantic Tour results

Meet the grand prix-winning mare with a ‘very weird canter’

Winning the CSI2* grand prix at WEF, Florida, in week four was a mare who is not as straightforward as she seems. Mexican rider Tanimara Macari rode the 10-year-old mare IB Chica to top spot, despite competing in the relatively tight confines of the covered arena, which wouldn’t have suited this big-striding five-star winner.

“We didn’t really have high hopes today because she’s so long and being in the [Van Kampen] covered changed our plan, but it worked out in the end,” said Tanimara, who has only been riding the mare since the end of last year. “She was amazing today, even with all the turning, but she was so game.

“She’s definitely unconventional. She has a very weird canter and has a few quirks, but it works. She’s a super nice mare and easy to take care of. She has a fighting spirit so when she goes in the ring she really gives everything.”

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The Longines FEI Jumping World Cup qualifiers are coming thick and fast, with Irish showjumper Conor Swail and Frenchman Julien Epaillard claiming victories on either side of the Atlantic this week. The latter’s win in Lyon marked an astounding seventh consecutive five-star success for the world number three. Meanwhile Great Britain finished on the podium in the CSIO3* Nations Cup in Spain, where Tim Gredley returned to team duties for the first time in many years and Robert Murphy made a sterling debut.

Here is H&H’s weekly round-up of just some of the international action from the world of showjumping over the past week, plus showjumping results.

Coyle brothers share puissance spoils: ‘When the helmet goes on, you become competitors’

Irish brothers Daniel and Jordan Coyle, and US rider McLain Ward, all cleared 2.10m (6ft 10in) to share the $25,000 Defender puissance spoils at the Washington International Horse Show. This was the 10th time McLain has won or tied in the puissance at the show and he returned with his 15hh speed specialist Catoki, who tied for victory last year as well.

“I knew he was always brave, but he’s barely bigger than a pony,” he said. “He did the speed class [at this show] and was brilliant, almost won that. It’s incredible. I have barely any spur and the horse pulls you down there like a lion and I think he enjoys it. He’s an incredible winner.”

Daniel Coyle, who won the opening class at this year’s show with the great mare Legacy, was also a co-winner of last year’s puissance and entered the 14-year-old Oak Grove’s Carlyle, owned by Ariel Grange, “to give him a bit of heart” after a slow start to the week.

“He jumped great every round,” said Daniel. “That’s him; he’s one or the other, he’s either frantic or he just goes and does it very simply.”

Daniel’s older brother Jordan completed the trio of Washington’s puissance winners with Eristov (main image), a 13-year-old KWPN gelding with whom he finished fifth in the Hickstead Derby.

“He was my first big-time horse,” he said. “I’m thankful for everything he’s done for me. We gave him a break, planning to wind down and retire him, but he didn’t love that so much.

“By the end of tonight [puissance] it felt like I could have jumped anything.”

Daniel said of competing against his brother: “We’ve competed our whole lives together. We’re brothers, but when the helmet goes on, you become a competitor and that’s how it is. It’s great, we’ve learned a lot from each other over the years and it’s great now to be at the top of the sport together.”

WIHS puissance results

Epaillard’s spectacular seven-timer

French star Julien Epaillard (pictured above) continued his superb run of form when landing a staggering four five-star classes in Lyon, France, including the Longines FEI World Cup qualifier and the Longines Grand Prix with the 10-year-old mare Caracole De La Roque. His remaining wins came with Donatello D’Auge, in the Equita Masters on Saturday and the opening two-phase

“You can never expect a weekend as good as this one,” said the 45-year-old, who had landed a hat-trick at St Lo the previous week, meaning that he has won all seven of the last five-star classes he’s entered. This also marked his 69th international win this year.

“I am lucky enough to ride outstanding horses, but there is always an element of luck involved too. You have to enjoy it while it’s there.”

Longines Equita Lyon showjumping results

‘We’ve gone through the roof’

Conor Swail landed his second World Cup qualifier in a row, this time riding Count Me In, and now holds a commanding lead at the top of the North American League.

His victory at the Washington International Horse Show presented by Mars Equestrian in Upper Marlboro, USA, came after a nine-way jump-off on the 15-year-old Count Grannus gelding, owned by Mannon Farm and Sandy Lupton, and known at home as Crosby, on whom he finished eighth in last season’s World Cup Final. It followed Conor’s success in the opening leg in Sacramento with Vital Chance De La Roque.

“This is his first five-star grand prix win with me and I’m just so thrilled for him,” said the Irishman, who triumphed with a slick clear in 35.76sec, just ahead of runner-up Daniel Bluman riding Gemma W. Barely a second separated the top four riders and third went to US rider Brian Moggre on his long-time partner MTM Vivre Le Reve.

“Count Me In has really changed my career,” said Conor, who just needs to win one more leg of the World Cup to match his record hat-trick from last season as we head towards the 2023 final in Omaha. “He’s brought me to a lot of places I’d never been and has been successful doing it. This year, I know he’s capable and [returning to the World Cup Finals] is something that I’m looking forward to doing with him.

“Since I got these two horses, Count Me In and Vital Chance De La Roque, we really hit it off and we’ve gone through the roof.”

WIHS World Cup qualifier results

Showjumping results: bronze for British team in Spain

Great Britain claimed third in the CSIO3* Nations Cup of Vejer De La Frontera, Spain, where the hosts were victorious, with Colombia taking the runner-up spot. Ireland finished on equal faults with Great Britain but were three seconds slower, placing them fourth. The squad consisted of pathfinder Robert Murphy, making his senior debut with How Easy, Joe Fernyhough and Calcourt Particle, Tim Gredley riding Medoc De Toxandria and Skye Higgin with the nine-year-old Djordania Du Tillard.

“They all worked very well together and the experience they gained here will stand them in good stead going forward,” said chef d’equipe Di Lampard. “It was a great result from 15 teams. Robert was on his first senior Nations Cup and jumped solid rounds, Joe, on his second Nations Cup after being on the winning team in Gorla Minore, Italy, put in good rounds. We needed clear rounds and Tim, on his first Nations Cup for many years, and Skye, who also jumped for clear and four in Prague, both handled the pressure extremely well and delivered.”

Nations Cup showjumping results

Irish success on the Andalucia Champions Tour

Niamh McEvoy and Templepatrick Welcome Limmerick landed the 1.55m CSIO3* grand prix on the Andalucia October Tour at Vejer De La Frontera, Spain, while Billy Twomey and Lady Lou took the two-star equivalent.

Niamh has racked up numerous victories and placings on the tour and sealed it with a superb grand prix performance on Sunday, beating countryman Cian O’Connor and Kilkenny.

“My mare has jumped phenomenally,” she said. “She was very strong in the first round, there were some very difficult lines, especially at the beginning of the test, but she put her heart into it as always and she succeeded.”

Andalucia October Tour showjumping results

‘The cupcakes are why I wanted to win here!’

US rider Laura Kraut landed Friday’s feature class, the $75,000 speed final, at the 2022 Washington International Horse Show riding Eugenie Angot’s and Stars And Stripes’ Calgary Tame (pictured above).

“He’s a new horse for me this year,” said Laura of the 10-year-old Selle Francais gelding by Old Chap Tame x Kashmir Van’t Schuttershof. “He’s been a fantastic horse for me so far, but this is the first class I’ve won with him, so I’m excited. The funny thing about this horse is that I’ve had a bit of steering issues along the way. Tonight you definitely needed all of your power steering. I thought, ‘I have nothing to lose and I’m going to have to give it a go. He’s super brave and he was just right on it for me.”

But the best prize of all for Laura?

“I’m dying for these Georgetown cupcakes; it’s why I wanted to win here!” joke Laura, who won the show’s leading lady rider award and tied for the international jumper championship.

WIHS results

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Irish TV presenter Rachel Gredley, who is married to British showjumper Tim Gredley, won Saturday’s CSI2* 1.15m speed class at the London leg of the Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) with the family’s 10-year-old home-bred mare Jalanna.

The mother-of-two, who stepped back from her role as Sky Sports presenter last year, shaved fractions off a superb round set by Tony Pearson on Berlin to claim the 500 euro top prize in the Total Waste Management speed class.

“It’s my first time jumping here and it’s a real honour,” said Rachel.

Jalanna is out of Tim Gredley’s former ride Fabriana, by Jalil, and both Tim and his sister Polly and their stable jockey Joe Clayton have competed her. Rachel, who only made her international showjumping debut at the end of 2020, took the reins on the mare earlier this year.

“She’s a real warrior and will take off on any stride – I definitely had a few wild ones in there!” said Rachel. “When you go in after Tony Pearson, who set a time like that, it’s all or nothing really so I knew what I had to do – I just wasn’t sure if I could do it. She helped me out a few times, she’s definitely my little hero today.”

Tim and Rachel got married in 2019 and they have one child who is two, while their youngest is eight months old.

“I rode a bit between having the two babies, but over the past six months I’ve got up and running again, starting on the Sunshine Tour,” said Rachel. “Jalanna is a lovely horse to ride but without Joe [Clayton, who trains Rachel] I wouldn’t have won today. He has the patience of a saint and he just knows how to make things very simple.

“I have a lot to learn but when you have a nice horse like that under you, it does make it a lot easier. She’s as brave as a lion and it’s quite spooky in that arena but nothing seems to faze her.”

Rachel finished second behind victor Aisling Byrne in the previous day’s 1.15m at the London LGCT, with sister-in-law Polly in fifth.

“Myself, Joe and Polly kind of knew after yesterday how fast it was going to be today so it was very early to bed last night!” said Rachel. “It’s also nice to be competitive against riders and horses that are very strong.”

Rachel will be doing a few more shows over the summer then it’s “back to mummy duties and music books!”

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

It may have been 17 years since a teenage Tim Gredley made his Hickstead Derby debut, but the British showjumper has set his sights on making a return to the iconic class at this year’s Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby meeting (23-26 June).

The 36-year-old has taken the reins on 16-year-old Gentlemen VH Veldhof, who was originally bought for Tim’s sister Polly to ride, and came from David Simpson, who rode the gelding to victory in the Queen Elizabeth II Cup at Hickstead in 2019.

As well as landing the Queen’s Cup, Gentlemen VH Veldhof has plenty of experience round Hickstead’s iconic international arena, competing in many classes over the years, including in the 2017 Hickstead Derby with former rider Michael Whitaker.

The plan for Tim to jump him in this year’s Derby was formulated while Tim’s stable jockey Joe Clayton was competing the gelding in Spain earlier this year.

“I rode in the Hickstead Derby a long time ago but I remember thinking I’d never do it again unless I had a horse that’s right for it — finding the right one is half the battle — but I think I have one in ‘Gentleman’,” Tim told H&H.

“I’ve only jumped it once and I must have been about 18 or 19 years old. I got round, but I just remember thinking ‘That was bloody hard work’ — but I hadn’t done any schooling or any kind of preparation for it. So I thought if I’m going to do it again I need to give myself every chance by doing my homework this time.”

Former British team rider Tim, who took a break from the sport but made his international return to showjumping in 2019, has been schooling round David Simpson’s Derby fences at home and says Gentleman has taken well to a return to the natural fences.

“David has pretty much a full course at his house, so we’ve been over the bank and the dyke,” said Tim. “It all went OK — I’m not pretending I’m going to win it or anything, but if I get round and have a respectable score, I’ll be happy!

“So we’ll do the Derby trial, then if that all goes well and we complete, we’ll give the Hickstead Derby a real shot — I’m really looking forward to it.”

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The Hickstead Derby’s 60th running – and four other events to follow this week

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Former British team rider Tim Gredley has made a return to international showjumping — three years after he last set foot at a horse show.

The 33-year-old represented Great Britain at the world showjumping championships in 2006 and was part of the Nations Cup team that won the Aga Khan trophy in Dublin in 2008, but retired from showjumping in 2016.

He has since forged a successful career as a point-to-point jockey, as well as continuing to pursue his family business commitments with the Unex Group. But he was lured back to the showjumping arena earlier this year and finished in the money in the CSI2* classes at last weekend’s Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) of London (2-4 August), despite his lack of match practice.

Tim was filling in for his sister Polly, who had jumped the London leg of the LGCT for the past few years but is now pregnant.

“She keeps her horses at Paul McAteer’s, so I was jumping one of hers, Arantos, who I used to ride, and one that Paul kindly lent me,” said Tim, who no longer has horses at home and has only tackled “a couple of 1.15m classes” at shows to get back into gear.

“I only meant to do the 1.15m classes in London, but Paul kept revving me up and I ended up having Paul’s horse Ninkie De Vy Z in the grand prix. I really enjoyed it,” he said. “I hadn’t ridden him before and went straight into a 1.30m, but we gelled pretty quickly — other than in the grand prix, he didn’t have a fence down all week.”

Continued below…

Tim Gredley gives up showjumping to head family business

Tim Gredley has decided to give up showjumping to concentrate on running the family business Unex Group

Top showjumping squad named for ‘crucial’ European Championships

‘The European Championships are absolutely crucial if we are to qualify for the Olympic Games in Tokyo’

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Tim said the experience at the “amazing” show had given him “the buzz back”. He is now hoping to jump at some county shows before the end of the season before possibly looking to compete abroad.

“I know not all shows are quite like this one, but I am planning to get a couple of horses and see where we go,” said Tim, who married Sky Sports presenter Rachel Wyse in January. “I haven’t been to a horse show for three years and I was impressed at the level of horses competing in the two-star classes and how professional it has become.”

Don’t miss the full report from the London leg of the Longines Global Champions Tour in this week’s Horse & Hound, out Thursday 8 August.

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British showjumper Tim Gredley has retired his top horse Unex Omelli at the age of 19.

“It’s sad, but he’d gone well at a couple of shows recently so it was an easy decision to retire him while he was still sound and well in himself,” Tim told H&H.

The Burggraaf x Equador gelding came to Tim as a seven-year-old via Emile Hendrix in Holland.

In the space of three years they progressed from junior to senior championships, winning team gold and individual silver at the junior European championships in 2004, before representing Great Britain at the young rider Europeans in 2005 and the world championships in Aachen, 2006. Tim and Omelli have appeared in Nations Cups teams and won at every level from two- to five-star.

“He brought me right through the early stages of my career,” said Tim. “There are probably two highlights for me — winning the Aga Khan trophy [for the Nations Cup] in Dublin [2008] and winning the grand prix in Munich [the same year].

His Munich win came when he beat the great German combination of Carsten-Otto Nagel and Corradina in a thrilling jump-off, while in Dublin he was joined by Peter Charles (Murka’s Rupert R), Robert Smith (Vangelis S) and Nick Skelton (Arko III) to win the coveted trophy for his country.

“He was just brilliant — even towards the end of his career he was still winning speed classes,” added Tim. “It would be hard to find a more competitive horse.”

“Ollie” remains on the Gredleys’ yard in Newmarket and the plan is to keep him active in his retirement, leading out the racehorses.

“He’s being ridden every day and still goes a bit crazy when he sees the truck come out though,” said Tim. “He’s been a great servant and I hope he continues to enjoy life.”

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The British showjumping squad travelling to La Baule, France, for the 2nd leg of the CSIO 5* Furisiyya Nations Cup competition on Friday 16 May has been announced.

Team manager Rob Hoekstra is taking Joe Clee, Tim Gredley, Ben Maher, Michael Whitaker and Guy Williams.

Joe, who is based in Belgium, is taking the 10-year-old bay stallion Utamaro d’Ecaussines owned by Ludwig Criel. The pair had a grand prix win at the CSI3* in Lummen.

Tim will be riding his own 13-year-old grey gelding Unex Chamberlain Z. They jumped double clear for Great Britain in the FEI Nations Cup team in Wellington, Florida earlier this year.

World No 2 rider Ben Maher is on Urico a 13-year-old bay gelding owned by Jane Clark. The pair won the $150,000 Grand Prix at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Florida.

Michael Whitaker will make his team debut with the exciting 10-year-old grey mare Elie van de Kolmen.

Guy Williams’s ride Zaire, owned by Caroline Philips made an impressive debut at Nations Cup level with the only clear in the team at the opening leg of the series in Lummen last week.

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The team chosen to represent Great Britain at the CSIO4* Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup in Wellington, Florida on 28 February will include the top 2 riders in the world, Scott Brash and Ben Maher.

The European and Olympic team gold medal-winning duo will be joined by Tim Gredley riding his own 13-year-old gelding Chamberlain Z and Gemma Paternoster with her long-time partner, the 18-year-old Osiris.

Team GB, which is strongly supported by the UK Sport Lottery-funded BEF World Class Programme, has been drawn 2nd of the 12 teams and will face New Zealand, Canada, Brazil, Germany, USA, Colombia, Israel, Chile, Ireland, Mexico and Venezuela. Only Canada, Mexico and host nation USA will be chasing points in this leg of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup series.

Ireland will be represented by Shane Sweetnam (Eregast Van’T Kiezelhof), Richie Moloney (Carrabis Z), Paul O’Shea (Lilli) and Cian O’Connor (Quidam’s Cherie).

The competition starts at 7pm (midnight GMT) on Friday and can be viewed on www.feitv.org

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Tim Gredley is moving to Florida to compete and develop the family business in America.

In 2010, the wealthy showjumper announced he was giving up the sport to concentrate on running the family property business.

But in January H&H reported Tim was back in action and giving Olympic selection “one last go”.

Tim has been competing in Florida this winter and plans to return for six months from November to ride and work.

“I’m just going to see how it goes,” he said. “I went over there this year to jump, but also to see the property market and try to understand it.

“My father [Bill] came over too and we both decided it was great place and opportunity. It’s a different world over there – we will look to expand the business.”

Tim is in the process of buying a yard in the grand prix village with 20 stalls. His horses will be flown over, but he hopes to add to his string, offering half-shares in showjumpers to investors.

When he “quit” the sport, other riders – including Robert Whitaker, James Billington and Ben Maher – took over his horses, including Voske II, Omelli, Timo IV, Valente and Lerado II.

But he now has them all back and has a new addition, Chamberlain Z – whom he bought from David McPherson.

“Chamberlain’s only been with me for three days, but he’s settling in well,” Tim told H&H.

“I always really liked him and tried to buy him about three years ago, but couldn’t strike a deal. The plan is to compete him at a few small shows and maybe aim for Windsor [in May].”

At the same time, Tim’s base, the Gredleys’ Newmarket home, Stetchworth Park Estate and Stud, is on the market – for offers “in excess of £11m“, but Tim said the sale is not linked to his move.

“[My parents] have been thinking of moving for a while – it’s too big for them now it’s just the two of them, but we’ll be looking to build a new yard in the same area,” said Tim.

The property is for sale through Savills and Bidwells and has 24 boxes, paddocks, a six-bay horse-walker and a replica of the Hickstead Derby course.

This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (19 April 2012)

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Showjumper Tim Gredley is back in action – and gunning for Olympic selection.

In 2010, Tim announced he was giving up the sport to concentrate on running the family business, property developers the Unex Group.

But he told H&H the “time was right” to give it “one last go”.

Tim flew out to Florida on Saturday (28 January) to take part in the Winter Equestrian Festival, alongside fellow Brits Scott Brash, Nick Skelton, Tina Fletcher, Ben Maher, Scott Smith, David McPherson and Gemma Paternoster.

He intends to spend eight weeks there and will be jumping Voske II, Omelli, Timo IV, Valente and Lerado II.

Tim said: “I’ve been fully committed to the company – I didn’t even sit on a horse for a year – but after talking with my dad, we decided with London around the corner I might as well go for it.

“We’re aware it’s a massive long shot, but the company’s in a good position at the moment so I can concentrate entirely on my riding.”

When he “quit”, other riders – including Robert Whitaker, James Billington and Ben Maher – took over his horses.

“I’ve got the horses back now and I’m very lucky they’ve all been understanding about it,” he said.

He admitted he didn’t realise how much he’d miss jumping.

“Watching it on TV and at shows is not the same as doing it yourself,” he added.

“I’ve since realised it is possible to do both – perhaps not at the same level as I was – but if I don’t get to London, I will still be involved in the sport and carry on jumping.”

World Class Performance manager Rob Hoekstra said it was “very positive” for Britain.

“Omelli is an extremely good horse, possibly one of the best we have for Nations Cups,” he told H&H.

This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (26 January 2012)

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No more British Showjumping events are to be held at Towerlands Park from the end of October.

“It’s just financially not viable to run horse events there any more,” Tim Gredley, managing director of the Unex Group which owns Towerlands, told H&H.

“Despite a massive cash injection a few years ago, we’re failing to see a return on the horse business, which is very sad.

“The conference centre side and golf course are both successful — so we intend to explore other options, some of which include pop concerts, exhibitions and self storage units.”

He added the announcement was “in no way” connected to his departure from the sport.

“We were thinking of terminating the horse events two years ago, but added more money and gave it another go, but it just wasn’t working,” he said.

The restaurant and partition dividing the main ring and collecting ring are to be knocked down to make one larger arena — for concerts and exhibitions.

A spokesman for British Showjumping told H&H: “It’s a terrific loss for our membership and the sport as a whole but we would like to take this opportunity to thank the Gredley family for all the support they’ve shown British Showjumping over the years.

“As venue owners they have continually worked proactively alongside us whilst also being one of our leading international owners, a role they continue to support and one which we are extremely grateful for.”

But the venue will still be available for private hire for horse events. The Equestrian Events Halloween Show and a Monty Roberts demonstration are planned for this autumn.

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Tim Gredley has decided to give up showjumping to concentrate on running the family business — property developers the Unex Group, owners of Towerlands EC.

Tim transferred his top horses — Omelli, Cleopatra, Varmisch and Utopia — to Robert Whitaker last week.

“Dad [Unex chairman Bill Gredley] and I decided it was time I took more of a role in the company,” Tim told H&H.

Tim, who was also successful in showing, is now managing director and hopes to make the company more “vibrant”.

“I’ve spent six years learning the ropes in business and it’s difficult to do both,” he said. “But it’s a shame not to compete the horses so the best decision is to hand them over and enjoy being an owner.”

He plans to give up competing completely, adding: “If you want to do something, you have to do it properly.”

Tim will keep six or seven horses at home for now and will move them on “in stages”.

Robert told H&H: “Tim and I have been friends for a while so it’s nice to be working together.

“His horses have a lot of potential — Omelli is one of the best in England — and, if we keep him right, he’ll win a lot.”

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (19 August 2010)

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International showjumper Tim Gredley talks to Horse & Hound about his horses, his habits and his heroes

When did you first… jump the top of the wings?

I would have been about 11 or 12. The wings weren’t that high though — only about 4ft — and it was on a horse, as I never really rode ponies. So I was a bit of a cheat!

What is the first… breed of horse you go for?

A lot of my good horses are KWPNs. I started out with them and have always got on well, so haven’t looked much further. I like the fact they tend to be very rideable and careful.

What is the first… thing you do when you get back from a show?

After doing the horses, I have a bath. It’s a great way of unwinding physically and mentally.

Who was your first… hero rider?

I grew up watching John Whitaker and Milton. They won everything and made it look so easy. John sits very quietly — it’s as if he’s doing nothing at all.

When did you last… gallop flat-out?

When we arrived in Spain for the Sunshine Tour. All the horses were very fresh so, rather than have a fight, I prefer that they let off some steam. There’s a huge warm-up arena that is perfect for the job.

When did you last… laugh so much it hurt?

When [showjumper] Robert Maguire’s lorry broke down recently and we went to try to help. It was hysterical watching him pretend he knew what he was talking about and tripping over all the tools.

When did you last… go for a run?

I ran six miles two days ago, as I’m doing the London Marathon in April in aid of the Animal Health Trust. I’m looking forward to it and dreading it at the same time.

When did you last… see something special in a horse?

Last year I bought a five-year-old mare from [showjumper] Dave Quigley. She’s a big mare and I have really high hopes for her. She was incredibly green when I saw her, but I was struck by how good her technique and temperament were. She’s extremely careful, which is all the more impressive given her size.

When did you last… buy new boots?

About two years ago. I always have two pairs on the go and they always seem to last two years. I’m going to get some new ones while I’m here in Spain.

When did you last… do something romantic?

I sent my girlfriend roses on Valentine’s Day.

When did you last… get a cricket score?

A couple of months ago in Zwolle in the Netherlands — I had 17 faults. It was a training round, but I hadn’t anticipated quite so many down…

For more revelations from Tim Gredley, see the next issue of Horse & Hound (25 March, ’10)

Several horses have changed hands recently in a typically busy month for buying and selling show jumpers.

Michael Whitaker’s Toronto grand prix winner Wonami Van Den Aard has moved back to Belgium to be campaigned by national rider Gregory Wathelet.

He is still under the ownership of Fabian Schreiber and the aim is to take him to the World Equestrian Games in September.

Daniel Neilson’s prolific owners Jason and Katrina Moore have purchased William Whitaker’s former mare Arielle (pictured above with William) for the Essex-based teenager.

The daughter of Accord was William’s top ride, winning the young rider grand prix at Windsor and a World Cup qualifier in 2007 before she was sold to the United Arab Emirates in 2008 — two weeks before the World Cup final in Sweden.

“The aim is to get her up and running again,” said 19-year-old Daniel. “She’s 13 now but has been very quiet recently so we need to get her back to full fitness. We’ll take her to a few shows and then take it from there.”

Tim Gredley’s 10-year-old gelding Toklund has gone to Ben Maher and the rumour-mill is working overtime on news that Albert Zoer’s fantastic long-term partner Oki Doki has been sold to an Argentinean rider, but confirmation of this has yet to come out of the Netherlands.

Suggestions that Lacroix 9 had also been sold abroad were denied by rider Robert Whitaker

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The team for the British leg of the Meydan FEI Nations Cup, held at Hickstead this Friday (24 July) has been announced.

The GB squad is currently in the relegation zone, lying in ninth position of 10 after seven competitions. France tops the board.

British show jumping performance manager Derek Ricketts has selected the following squad for the home fixture of the series:

Ben Maher with Robin Hood W, Quainton Quirifino Z and Akosie du Wonderland

Peter Charles with Pom d’Ami, Rubert R and Pall Mall H

Robert Smith with Vangelis S, Balourado and Talan

Tim Gredley with Omelli, Seander and Fabriana

The Meydan FEI Nations Cup takes place at the Longines Royal International Horse Show (22-26 July) with the first round commencing at 10.30am.

For tickets, go to www.hickstead.co.uk

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John Whitaker walked away from a nasty looking fall from Sultano while competing in the Estoril grand prix at the weekend.

After a record-breaking 23 riders went clear in the first round of the competition, Frank Rothenberger’s second round course caused considerably more problems, with both John and Ireland’s Cian O’Connor parting company from their mounts along the way.

Britain’s Tim Gredley with Omelli and Ben Maher on Robin Hood both produced four-fault rounds, while only four riders managed to produce double clears. The remaining British rider, Robert Whitaker, finished on eight faults with Casino.

Daniel Etter was first to go in the jump-off but it had all got a bit much for Admirable who had three of the seven fences down. Leopold Van Asten (VDL Groep Santana B) produced a smooth and efficient clear from second draw, putting the pressure on Clarissa Crotta (Westside V- Meerputhoeve), who had one rail, and Luciana Diniz, who picked up eight faults with As-taro.

Leopold Van Asten was delighted to win. “This is an expensive sport and I can certainly use this week’s winnings (around €150,000) on the yard,” he said.

www.globalchampionstour.com

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Horse: Omelli, 10yo 16.2hh bay KWPN gelding by Burggraaf

Age: 20

Championship experience: The World Equestrian Games will be Tim’s first senior international championship. He has previously represented Britain at the junior and young rider Europeans. He won a junior European team gold and individual silver medals in 2004.

Recent form

Tim has proven himself to be a very useful team member in Super League nations cup competitions this year. He produced a great double clear in La Baule, followed by two clear rounds and just one time fault in Aachen. He produced a solid double clear at the RIHS to be placed third in the Longines Classic, but a misunderstanding in the King George on the final day lead to a disappointing cricket score of faults. It will be paramount that Omelli’s confidence is restored before travelling to Aachen. The partnership will have the opportunity to demonstrate that all is well when they compete in Dublin (9-13 August).

Major results with Omelli

• 3rd Longines Classic, 1st nations cup: RIHS 2006
• 5th The Sheffield Masters, 3rd British Open: CSI****Sheffield 2006
• 4th Young Rider Europeans 2005, Schaffhausen (Switz)
• 3rd Masters: CSI****Sheffield 2005
• =4th grand prix: CSIO-W Kecskemet 2005
• 1.50m Segura Viudas Cup: CSIO Barcelona 2005
• 1st grand grix: CSI***Leeuwarden 2005
• 1st Unex Masters: The Unex Masters 2005
• Individual silver and team gold: Junior European Championships 2004
• 2nd grand prix: CIIP/J/Y Hengelo 2004

Background

Tim’s father is a racehorse owner and his sister rides show ponies. Tim started competing in the show ring, graduating on to working hunter ponies before ultimately swapping to show jumping.