HOYS international jumping: eight-year-olds take first wins

HOYS winners Mark Edwards and Dillinger NE — Mark EDWARDS riding DILLINGER NE, winners of the CSI3* Grandstand Welcome Stakes during the Horse of the Year Show held at the NEC in Birmingham in UK between 4 -8 th October 2023

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Mark Edwards started his Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) week as he meant to continue with two international wins – on eight-year-olds who were contesting national finals here last year.

Mark set a blistering pace on his father Martyn’s Dillinger NE (pictured, above) to win from third draw in this morning’s two-phase class, the Grandstand Welcome Stakes, then took the NAEC Stoneleigh Stakes speed class on Martyn’s Royale Tale.

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

Eleanor is an experienced journalist who spent over eight years working for local and national newspapers before joining H&H as news editor in March 2016. Passionate about equine welfare and exposing the truth, Eleanor has reported on all aspects of the industry, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage rules to mules. Her sport of choice is showjumping, in which she competes her own horses, and she also enjoys reporting at local jumping shows through to international championships.

From newcomers to international victory in a year: two eight-year-olds take HOYS titles

Both horses came to Mark to be backed and stayed, and both have bright futures ahead.

“He’s only eight and this is his first three-star show,” said Mark of Dillinger. “He’s got a bit of experience in that arena, and he grew to the occasion. It was a long class to watch! And a really good start to the week.”

Dillinger has had a great year on the county circuit, including Area Trial wins and places, and Mark thinks he may be the best horse he’s had.

“We really think a lot of him, I think he’s got a big future,” he said. “He’s got all the attributes to be a top horse. He’s had a good year, in all the different atmospheres, and he just went in there and did the job like an old pro.”

“She’s a naturally quick mare, and I got in a good rhythm, and everything came as I wanted,” Mark said. “She tried her heart out and I’m really pleased with her.

“She won the two classes last year so to step up to the internationals and win like this; she’s a great mare, she’s had a great year and she wants to win as much as I do.”

You might also be interested in:

‘I feel like I haven’t been to bed!’ From puissance runner-up to Grade C champion in 11 hours

Emphatic Hickstead win for Edwards on homebred star performer