Great Britain Returns to the Top in the Hickstead Nations Cup
Great Britain claimed victory in the Agria Nations Cup of Great Britain at the Royal International Horse Show in Hickstead, securing the prestigious title for the third time in the last four editions. After finishing runners-up to Germany in 2025, the home side returned to winning ways, finishing ahead of Ireland in a thrilling contest.
The British team, consisting of Jessica Mendoza with Summerhouse, Tim Gredley with Medoc De Toxandria, Ben Maher with Catelly, and Adrian Whiteway with Chacco Volo, took the lead after the opening round. Clear rounds from Mendoza and Gredley left the hosts on just four penalties despite Maher’s four faults at the open water, while Whiteway’s score was discarded.
Brazil sat second at the halfway stage on eight penalties, with Ireland and the United Arab Emirates sharing third place on 12. Canada and Germany followed on 16 and 17 penalties respectively, while Belgium and France failed to qualify for the second round.
The competition remained wide open in round two. Jessica Mendoza added four faults, while Adrian Whiteway finished on eight. Once again, Tim Gredley delivered under pressure, producing a second consecutive clear round aboard Medoc De Toxandria. His double clear proved crucial, putting Ireland under pressure after they had climbed into second place.
Ireland’s final combination, Conor Swail and Clonterm Obolensky, responded with the only other double clear of the competition, meaning Ben Maher had no room for error if Great Britain were to avoid a jump-off.
The three-time Olympic champion rose to the occasion, guiding Catelly to a flawless round that secured the Edward, Prince of Wales Trophy for the home nation.
“Typically, I’m the first rider on the team, but today I was switched to ride last,” said Maher. “It was a different position and there was certainly pressure, but it was fantastic to finish it off for this amazing team. Catelly jumped incredibly and really showed what he can do today.”
Tim Gredley also maintained his perfect Hickstead record, making it three Nations Cup appearances and three victories.
“Hickstead is the Holy Grail for me. I love jumping here. To come here, produce a double clear and win with the team is brilliant. That’s what it’s all about,” he said.
Behind Great Britain and Ireland, Canada, Brazil and the United Arab Emirates all finished on 24 penalties, with the final placings decided on time. Canada claimed third place, Brazil finished fourth and the UAE fifth, while defending champions Germany slipped to sixth.
Matt Sampson Claims Second Five-Star Victory of the Week
The second day of CSI5* competition also saw Matt Sampson record his second victory of the week in the ClipMyHorse.TV International Stakes. Riding the 13-year-old mare One Whisper, the British rider produced another outstanding performance, finishing 5.62 seconds clear of the rest of the field.
“She’s so naturally fast. She likes to jump in that rhythm,” said Sampson. “I went early and knew there were some very fast riders still to come, so I simply focused on keeping the rhythm and letting her do her job.”
Earlier in the day, the second qualifier of the Breen Equestrian CSIYH1* for young horses was won by Pippa Goddard aboard the eight-year-old grey mare PDV Constanza, with the UAE’s Salim Ahmed Al Suwaidi and SS Ourania finishing less than half a second behind.
Photo © Pauline Ullman
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