A home-bred mare who stood bridesmaid last year has been crowned 2026 Royal Windsor riding horse champion, in the class sponsored by Mr and Mrs Phil Swallow.
Jane Smith’s Tremarl Timpani (Kate) was piloted to the title by Cheshire-based producer Vicky Smith, and beat Katie Jerram-Hunnable with The King’s First Receiver into second place in the large division en route to the overall spoils.
Last term, the eight-year-old took reserve here and at the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS), but came into her own to take the tricolour at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS).
“I was delighted with her last year here, but it was really lovely to go one better this time,” said Vicky.
Now in her third season, Kate looked a class act in the Castle Arena championship.
“We really know her now; she’s come out this year feeling really happy – she’s on top form – and she felt amazing in that arena today,” Vicky added.
Tremarl Timpani and Vicky Smith are overall riding horse champions at Royal Windsor 2026.
By Timolin, Kate is bred in the purple, and as a foal, she accompanied her mother when she competed in the Price Family Supreme in-hand championship.
Her full brother, Tremarl Timber, made headlines as the 2023 “Price” champion, and has successfully transferred to the ridden ranks, standing reserve here in the novice hunters on day two. It’s little wonder then, that Kate is destined to return to her home to breed in time.
“In the meantime we’ll just keep having fun with her,” said Vicky. “She’s a lovely mare and loves the job so why not?”
Jane O’Keeffe’s multigarlanded Rosemore Midnight Rendezvous (Dissy), piloted by Justine Armstrong Small, stood reserve for the 2026 Royal Windsor riding horse champion title
The 12-year-old is a former champion here in both riding horse and intermediate ranks, which he contends with Jane’s daughter Sophie. He also won the small riding horse class at HOYS in 2023, breaking Justine’s 20-year span without a red rosette at the NEC since her supreme aboard Zin Zan in 2003.
Kate was not Vicky’s only ride in the championship, as she also steered Miranda Wallace’s Irish-bred Baker Street to top the novice riding horses, but handed the reins to Harrison Taylor for the championship.
Reigning Royal International amateur riding horse Wonga Swinger once again proved he’s every bit the show horse and took the amateur division, piloted by his owner Tori Thomas.
The Lucky Star 16-year-old retrained racehorse began his riding horse campaign last term after winning the 2024 SEIB Racehorse to Ridinghorse final at Horse of the Year Show.
Wonga was owned and trained by Tori’s husband Sam, and after he retired from racing the pair turned their hand to team chasing before taking up showing.
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