The brand new yr is barely a fortnight previous, however 2025 is already all techniques go for worldwide showjumpers as the game hits prime gear across the globe. Simply a few of these headlining this week’s showjumping information round-up are profitable riders Darragh Kenny and Julien Epaillard, however there have been additionally massive grand prix outcomes for the likes of Tim Gredley and Ellen Whitaker. In the meantime in a touching second, Nina Barbour acquired her third-placed rosette in a category she sponsored from her four-year-old son, who stepped as much as current the prizes in Abu Dhabi.
Learn on for our weekly spherical up of worldwide showjumping information and outcomes.
Showjumping information: three wins from three exhibits for Darragh Kenny’s new journey
Week one of many 12-week 2025 Winter Equestrian Pageant (WEF) kicked off with one other massive win for Eire’s Darragh Kenny at solely his third present with Andrzej Oplatek’s 13-year-old Chaccossini (Chacco-Blue x Cassini II).
“Immediately we clicked,” mentioned Darragh, who had already racked up a five-star win with Chaccossini on the London Worldwide and in a CSI2* in Belgium on debut.
The pair’s first win at WEF got here within the CSI3* $32,000 Hermès 1.50m traditional.
“At our first present we gained a rating class, then his second present I took him to London the place he was clear in a 1.55m and gained an enormous 1.50m class [the Christmas Tree Stakes] – and that is my third present with him,” mentioned Darragh, “He’s a cool horse. He’s unbelievably enjoyable and aggressive. He additionally has this large stride, which makes him quick in opposition to the clock.”
Darragh Kenny and Chaccossini win the 1.50m traditional at WEF. Photograph by Sportfot.
Ten jumped clear in spherical one for an thrilling jump-off the place Chaccossini’s “quick stride” got here into play, beating second-placed Lillie Keenan (USA) on Opium JW van de Moerhoeve TN, with Charlotte Jacobs third driving Thomascourt Ballypatrick.
Saturday night time’s $140,000 Southern Arches CSI3* grand prix was gained by Egypt’s Nayel Nassar with ESI Ali, a 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse by Stakkato Gold, bred on the Hughes’ Ennisnag Stud and produced by Seamus Hughes Kennedy till Evergate Stables purchased him in 2023.
“He’s 10, so that is the primary yr I begin to ask them slightly bit extra,” mentioned Nayel. “I strive to not do an excessive amount of with them as nine-year-olds and hope that it lengthens their profession. We’re listening to him telling us what he’s prepared for and we’ll preserve inserting him the place we predict he might be profitable.”
“McGregor jumped his coronary heart out”
The CSI3* Al Shira’aa grand prix offered by Longines throughout week one of many Al Shira’aa present in Abu Dhabi, UAE, went to house rider Abdullah Mohammed Al Marri driving crowd favorite BBS McGregor. The pair triumphed with the only double clear, ending forward of Nice Britain’s Joe Stockdale with Barbara Hester’s Ebanking, who scorched house with the quickest jump-off spherical however with a pole down on the ultimate fence.
“I went into the jump-off figuring out {that a} regular clear would assure the win,” mentioned Abdullah Mohammed Al Marri. “In fact, it was a threat, however the gamble paid off.
“McGregor jumped his coronary heart out and I’m thrilled. Thanks to the Al Shira’aa staff and particularly to HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Hazza Al Nahyan for her continued assist, not solely of the staff however for working this unbelievable present.”
British success additionally got here for Katie Speller and good teen Z7 Pink Panther, who landed the seven-year-old ultimate. In the meantime the largest smiles of the day got here when Bolesworth managing director Nina Barbour completed third within the Bolesworth Worldwide-sponsored 1.30m velocity class driving Geshia Batilly, receiving her prize from her four-year-old son William, who stepped as much as current the prizes for the category.
The prizegiving for the Bolesworth Worldwide 1.30m velocity class. Photograph by Helen Cruden.
Showjumping information: Epaillard continues his profitable run
Subsequent on this week’s round-up of worldwide showjumping information, French showjumper Julien Epaillard celebrated success within the World Cup of Basel, Switzerland, with prolific winner Donatello D’Auge. The one different double clears got here from second-placed Maikel van der Vleuten with Beauville Z NOP and Nice Britain’s Tim Gredley driving Imperial HBF, who completed third.
“Once I watched Julien go, I believed, in the event that they gave me 100 goes on the jump-off, I wouldn’t have the ability to beat him!” mentioned Tim. “I do know my horse goes to leap clear rounds and the category performed into my favour. All the massive guys have been attempting to beat one another, as they need to do, and I simply caught to my plan of leaping a transparent spherical. It’s labored out properly.”
Tim Gredley and Imperial HBF end third within the Longines World Cup of Basel, Switzerland. Photograph by FEI/MARTIN DOKOUPIL
Julien’s technique had been to earn sufficient factors to qualify for the World Cup Remaining.
“Once I went within the ring, I noticed the danger of turning inside fence three to the double was massive, so I made a decision to not,” he mentioned. “Donatello is a extremely particular horse for me and my household. He’s in prime form and that is additionally why I actually need to get to the ultimate.”
Brazilian rider Yuri Mansur and the good Vitiki gained the distinguished Golden Drum on the present, and Henrik von Eckermann of Sweden and Iliana triumphed within the grand prix, the place Tim and Imperial HBF have been once more within the ribbons.
Ellen Whitaker’s cracking prospect steps up
Nice Britain’s Ellen Whitaker rode the very thrilling 10-year-old mare Korlenski to complete on the rostrum within the CSI4* grand prix on week one of many Doha Tour in Qatar.
Victory went to Austrian rider Gerfried Puck (Equitron Naxcel V) with Abdel Mentioned within the runner-up spot with Arpege Du Ru. However simply 0.16sec separated the highest three; Ellen slotted into third with Tilly Shaw’s Cornet Obolensky mare, who seems to be a cracking prospect for the yr forward.
Scott Brash continued the robust performances from the British contingent in fifth with Hi there Valentino and Millie Allen secured seventh along with her double clear on E-Maitresse TVH Z.
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Tabitha Kyle jumps a fence on Morginto throughout a LeMieux masterclass at London Worldwide.
Credit score: Peter Nixon
Christian Kukuk’s groom Sofie Karlsson with Checker 47.
Credit score: Rolex Grand Slam / Sofya Khizhik
Olli Fletcher pilots Cajus 42 in London’s World Cup qualifier, at a “tremendously well-run present”, says father Graham.
Credit score: MXIMD Footage / Alamy Inventory Photograph
Darragh Kenny and Chaccossini, winners of the Christmas Tree Stakes on the London Worldwide Horse Present 2024.
Credit score: Peter Nixon
Credit score: Future
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H&H showjumping editor
Jennifer is passionate at showjumping and her position as H&H’s showjumping editor has taken her around the globe reporting from exhibits and interviewing riders, connections and people concerned behind the scenes. Since becoming a member of H&H from BBC Sport in 2005, she has written on each topic throughout the equestrian sphere — from turnout rugs to secure administration — and has interviewed gold medallists, world champions and winners galore. She additionally has first-hand expertise of working within the equestrian trade as a driving teacher and yard supervisor.
