New Zealand rider Clarke Johnstone became the inaugural winner of the Arena Racing Company (ARC) Racehorse to Eventer Challenge at Cornbury House Horse Trials, which carries a £45,000 first prize – unprecedented in the sport of eventing at this level.

Clarke was riding Tim Boland’s Sparky Lad, an Australian-bred former Flat racehorse. The pair led from the start, adding nothing to their dressage score of 26.2 across country and then showjumping clear in front of a large crowd on Saturday to hold off second-placed Ben Lee Liles and Finch Fancy.

Sparky Lad, a son of Smart Missile out of the More Than Ready mare Lady Hepburn, ran on the Flat in Australia for leading trainer Chris Waller.

A delighted Clarke said: “This is the biggest prize I’ve won during my career – the prize is amazing and the initiative is fantastic, so thank you very much to Jayne McGivern, David Howden and Arena Racing Company. Ex-racehorses are wonderful athletes and they try their best for you. I hope that this class encourages top riders to ask their local racehorse trainer whether they have a horse that might suit eventing. 

“That’s what happened with Sparky Lad – his owner, Tim Boland, runs Limitless Lodge, which is a leading breaking and pre-training yard just north of Sydney. He pre-trained Sparky and identified him as a horse that could go on to succeed in eventing. Sparky went into training with Chris Waller and this horse is what Tim described as a ‘handy horse’ in that he ran more than 30 times and clocked up over $250,000 [Australian dollars], winning four times and was placed six times. 

“Sparky has such a beautiful mind – he is the same every day and tries very hard.” 

As well as the £45,000 cheque, Clarke was also awarded the Racehorse to Eventer Challenge Cup – a George III silver perpetual trophy. Every year, the winning owner in this class will receive the silver-plated horse shoe of a Derby winner – the first of which, for 2025, was that of Golden Horn, who took the world’s premier Classic race in 2015 and who is owned by Jayne McGivern of Dash Grange Stud, who conceived and created the ARC Racehorse to Eventer Challenge Cup alongside David Howden, president and founder of Cornbury House Horse Trials.

Ben Lee Liles and Finch Fancy, a diminutive mare by Arvico he owns alongside Charlie Ainsworth, were second, finishing on their 28.1 dressage mark and taking home £2,000 in the process. 

Finch Fancy ran in a point-to-point and three National Hunt bumpers.

“She’s very competitive at CCI3* level, but she’s not the easiest to ride as she’s quite feisty,” said Ben. “She loves cross-country and is a great jumper. I’ve had some extra help with my dressage recently from Douglas Hibbett to polish things up. We got a personal best in the dressage, so that was amazing.”

He explained: “Some friends of mine had her in training and ran her in bumpers and wanted to get her jumping, but she was lacking in confidence, so they sent her to me for a couple of weeks to see if I could help. When I jumped her, I thought, ‘Wow, here’s a thoroughbred who wants to go airborne over fences’. I did an 80cm clear round with her at the end of the week and she was brilliant, so I said to the owners after that that if they ever wanted her to have another career, I would have her, and now here we are.”  

Alexander Tordoff and the lovely grey Jack Randall, who is owned by Louise Heard, were third. They added 1.2 cross-country time-faults to a 27.7 dressage. 

“He’s heading to the eight- and nine-year-old CCI4*-S class at Blenheim next week, so I brought him here for a confidence boost and to get him in a big atmosphere, and Cornbury has really delivered on that front,” said Alex. “His owner bought him for herself three or four years ago out of a field and having never been over a pole. He was very cheap and he’s turned out to be the most lovely, wonderful horse in every way, with a lot of ability and heart.” 

Jack Randall, by Cityscape out of a Sakhee’s Secret mare, ran 14 times on the Flat when trained by Tim Easterby and then Iain Jardine.

The ARC Racehorse to Eventer Challenge attracted 44 starters in its first year, and many figures from the racing world gathered at Cornbury House Horse Trials on Saturday to watch its conclusion, including Nicky Henderson, Kim Bailey, Ben Pauling and Nico de Boinville. The class was one of the highlights of this immensely popular horse trials, which features FEI eventing classes at CCI3*-S and CCI2*-S level, the British Eventing Young Horse National Championships and classes for under-21 riders supported by The Howden Way.

As well as superb equestrian sport, featuring many of the world’s most famous riders, Cornbury Horse Horse Trials is an innovative and exciting blend of local, sustainable food and drink from our neighbouring farms, premium hospitality, and interactive children’s activities over the weekend of 13-14 September, all in the stunning setting of Cornbury Park..

All the cross-country action from Cornbury House Horse Trials is being shown live on Horse & Country TV’s streaming platform H&C+.

To buy tickets, see timetables of each class and for more information, visit cornburyhousehorsetrials.co.uk.

Britain’s Laura Collett scored an impressive victory in The Howden Way British Eventing seven-year-old national championship at Cornbury House Horse Trials (10-14 September)  in Oxfordshire.

Riding Cooley Iceage, owned by Diana Chappell, Teresa Stopford-Sackville, Gillian Morris-Adams and Carolyn Taylor, Olympic gold medallist Laura showjumped clear this morning to finish on 35.5 penalties.

“He was amazing. He’s an unbelievable horse and he’s still quite weak and isn’t the finished article yet, but he’s got so much talent,” said Laura of this son of Alicante, who is out of a Le Tot De Semilly mare. “He can’t quite carry himself yet, but he’s got all the jump and a great brain.

“I was chuffed with how he was across country yesterday, because he’s never run in ground like that, and when he wasn’t sure, he reacted in the right way. The only concern I had in the showjumping today was that I might get jumped off!” .

Tom Bird capitalised on a speedy double clear to finish second with his own and Fran Bird’s Claddagh Ohio Sebastian (Kroongraaf x Ard Ohio). They were the only combination to finish inside the optimum time across country and completed on their 37.1 dressage mark. 

Grace Taylor and Deloughtane Dingo (Elvis Ter Putte x Harlequin Du Carel) were third on 39.9, while dressage leaders Kitty King and Kilcoltrim Cooley were fourth on 40.2. 

Laura Collett also finished runner-up to her British team-mate Tom McEwen in the Leading Rider rankings for the event. Tom won the coveted title – which comes with a £2,500 bonus, plus his weight in Hawkstone beer or cider and a Fortnum & Mason hamper – for the third time in four years.

Sam Gillespie won his first national title when victorious in The Howden Way British Eventing six-year-old championship. The Wiltshire-based 29-year-old added nothing to his 26.6 dressage mark on Laura Davis’ La Belle Au Bois, a British-bred mare by the CCI5* stallion Leprince Des Bois.

“I knew she could be competitive, but didn’t expect to win at all,” said Sam. “She’s still quite inexperienced. She only started eventing in September last year and she has got such a good brain that she takes it all in her stride. 

“This is probably my biggest win to date and this kind of thing doesn’t usually happen to me! It’s also really lovely for her owner, who bred her. Her brain is incredible and the brilliant atmosphere here at Cornbury hasn’t bothered her at all. She’s a little mare with a big heart.” 

Sam and La Belle Au Bois are members of The Howden Way Talent Academy – the national training programme founded by David Howden – so this success was even more special.

Storm Straker was runner-up to Sam on Abydos (Askari 173 x Diarano), owned by Victoria Straker, Lady Arabella Stagg, Julia Lukas and Sarah Daniell, while Lizzie Baugh was third on Tysons Upto Trix (Tyson x Corrado I).

Reigning British Young Rider champion Elizabeth Barratt took The Howden Way under-21 CCI3*-S on Barratt Eventing’s Ride For Thais Chaman Dumontceau. Elizabeth added 0.4 of a showjumping time-fault and 3.2 cross-country time-penalties to her dressage score of 30.4.

“I was hoping to give him a really good run here because he’s heading to the CCI3*-L at Ballindenisk in a couple of weeks,” said Elizabeth, who took on the ride on this 13-year-old gelding at Christmas last year after he finished 14th individually and picked up team silver at the Paris Olympics. “It was really nice to do a good test with him, which I know he’s more than capable of, and then to follow that up with a double clear was brilliant.”

Ireland’s Jack O’Haire rose up the ranks with a clear round inside the time to finish second on his dressage mark of 37.8 on Penelope Guinness’s Jamaica Rose, with Emily Worsdale third on Mary Moberly’s Rubi Star.

Alice Fraser, 14, won the Project Pony-supported Pony class on Erica Watson’s Bookhamlodge Pennylane, adding just 0.8 of a cross-country time-fault to their dressage mark of 25.6. Beth Coveney was second on Forans Daylight, with Daisy Fulton third on Macs Boy.

Bookhamlodge Pennylane – or Disney, as she is known at home – is an experienced pony and took Ibble Watson to the Pony European Eventing Championships in 2019, where they won team gold and individual silver. Alice has been riding 15-year-old Disney since 2024 and they competed at the Pony European Eventing Championships in Le Mans, France, earlier this summer. 

“I messed up across country at the Europeans, though, so we came here to regain confidence, and so it’s great that we’ve managed to win, too,” said Alice. 

“Disney is a real character and quite sprightly, but she is a great pony,” said Alice. “She’s brilliant to ride and train and I’m lucky to have her.” 

At the conclusion of Cornbury House Horse Trials 2025, event president and founder David Howden said: “I must say a huge thank you to everyone who has made this week possible. 

“Despite some pretty challenging conditions, we have run as best we can, with an extraordinary amount of relentlessly hard work from the amazing team we have here to keep the show on the road.

“Thank you so much to everyone for coming and for creating such a fantastic atmosphere –  to all the riders, owners and grooms, to all our sponsors and partners, and to all our guests and visitors. Our wonderful volunteers have once again been brilliant – Cornbury House Horse Trials would not be able to take place without them. We look forward to seeing everyone next year in the sunshine!”

As well as superb equestrian sport, featuring many of the world’s most famous riders, Cornbury Horse Horse Trials is an innovative and exciting blend of local, sustainable food and drink from our neighbouring farms, premium hospitality, and interactive children’s activities, all in the stunning setting of Cornbury Park..

All the cross-country action from Cornbury House Horse Trials can be watched via playback on Horse & Country TV’s streaming platform H&C+.

For more information, visit cornburyhousehorsetrials.co.uk.

Manvendra Singh became the first Indian event rider to win an FEI international class on British soil for many years when he took section J of the Uvex-sponsored CCI2*-S at Cornbury House Horse Trials in Oxfordshire on Declan and Kitty’s Grand Marnier. The pair completed on their dressage score of 31.7.

“It was great to have a horse like this and I really enjoyed the cross-country. I really owe everything to my coach [Declan],” said Manvendra, 22, who is based with the Cullens in Co Armagh. “I’ve been riding this horse for four months and it has been a great journey.” 

Declan explained: “Manvendra’s horse got injured and my daughter, Kitty, said, ‘You can ride my horse. This is only Manvendra’s third event with Grand Marnier; he’s done a brilliant job and we’re buzzing.” 

Another up-and-coming young competitor on a new ride, Josh Levett, scored in CCI2*-S section H aboard Amelia Ludiman and Susan Ridley’s Gortin House. They added just 0.4 of a cross-country time-fault to a dressage mark of 30

“I didn’t know what to expect here, because I only started riding this horse three days ago,” said Josh. “She is a lovely, straightforward horse and jumps brilliantly, so I knew I would have a good chance, but there were a lot of unknowns.” 

Britain’s Caroline Harris, who is about to make her senior championship debut at the Europeans at Blenheim next week, won CCI2*-S section I with Gail Sinclair’s Isington Girl Power on their 30.1 dressage. 

“I didn’t expect to win – she’s a late starter so is a bit behind all of the other seven-year-olds as she had a foal when she was four,” said Caroline. “This was a lovely way to finish her season. 

“We saw her advertised on Facebook – the owners were looking for a horse to produce and sell. She had a mega jump and we thought she looked pretty cool, but she is still for sale

“Cornbury is so good for educating young horses. This mare has never seen anything like this and it has been great for her to learn in this atmosphere. The cross-country is a big, bold track and rewards by positive riding.” 

New Zealand’s Jesse Campbell took top honours in Pragnell CCI3*-S section F aboard Karen Coumbe and Deborah Strang’s smart 11-year-old, Speedwell. 

Fifth after the dressage on 29.9, they capitalised on a speedy double clear, picking up just 0.4 of a time-fault to win by 2.6 penalties, ahead of Tom McEwen and Maestro in second. 

“He goes to Boekelo next for the Nations Cup and I wanted a competitive but good run, and Cornbury is a great event for setting horses up for three-day events at the end of the season,” said Jesse, who took on the ride of this gelding following the death of his wife, Georgie.  

“Speedwell was produced by Georgie all the way up to four-star and it’s a real honour for me to ride him. She always said he would be the best horse in the world, and it’s amazing that I get to show people that. I love him – he’s a real trier, but also extremely talented.” 

New Zealand’s Clarke Johnstone leads the way after the dressage and cross-country phases of the ARC Racehorse to Eventer Challenge with Sparky Lad.

The 11-year-old Australian-bred and raced son of Smart Missile, owned by Tim Boland, finished comfortably inside the optimum time to maintain his dressage lead on a score of 26.2.

Clarke said: “I had a great round today. Sparky is always keen to run and I let him go; not too fast as he’s a very speedy little guy and his next aim is Strzegom CCI4*-L, but he jumped a great round.

“We‘re obviously aware of the great prize pot for this class [£50,000], and so there is pressure that comes with it, but he’s a great jumper and we’ll be doing our best to jump clear tomorrow.”

The ARC Racehorse to Eventer Challenge Cup – the brainchild of Jayne McGivern of Dash Grange Stud – concludes on Saturday morning with the final showjumping phase, which takes place in reverse order. Saturday at Cornbury will also focus on the best young horses in the UK, with the cross-country phase of The Howden Way British National Championships for five- and six-year-olds taking centre stage.

As well as superb equestrian sport, featuring many of the world’s most famous riders, Cornbury Horse Horse Trials is an innovative and exciting blend of local, sustainable food and drink from our neighbouring farms, premium hospitality, and interactive children’s activities over the weekend of 13-14 September, all in the stunning setting of Cornbury Park..

All the cross-country action from Cornbury House Horse Trials will be shown live on Horse & Country TV’s streaming platform H&C+.

To buy tickets, see timetables of each class and for more information, visit cornburyhousehorsetrials.co.uk.

British Olympic gold medallist Tom McEwen has made a flying start to Cornbury House Horse Trials (10-14 September), winning two sections of the Pragnell-sponsored CCI3*-S on day one of the Oxfordshire event. This makes him the clear favourite to retain the Leading Rider accolade – with its accompanying £2,500 cheque – that he won in 2024.

Gloucestershire-based Tom took section A on James and Jo Lambert’s Cecelia Cobra, adding 2.4 cross-country time-faults to his leading dressage score of 29.1. He then rode Brookfield Quality, owned by Alison Swinburn and John and Chloe Perry, to victory in section D, again picking up 2.4 time-penalties across country to complete on a mark of 29.1.

“Brookfield Quality comes here most years before we head down to Pau [the French CCI5* in October],  because the atmosphere is great and the cross-country course suits him down to the ground,” said Tom. “[New Zealand rider] Tim Price keeps saying he’s going to hit me – he’s desperate to be leading rider here; because of that, I’m determined to keep going and I’ve got a few more chances of a winner this week!”

CCI3*-S section B went to Jack Pinkney with Sara Brown’s Carpo Vivendi. They were quick across country for only 1.2 time-faults on top of their first-phase score of 33.5.

Jack said: “I first got the ride on this horse when he was five – he came to me because he was quite tricky and his quirk was bolting, but he just needed confidence and trust in his rider. He has come on so much and just wants to give you 110%. I really think he could be a five-star horse – he‘s got the heart.” 

Jack and Carpo Vivendi are now aiming for the eight- and nine-year-old CCI4*-S class at Blenheim. He explained: “There are some good, flowing combinations here with plenty to do, and there is a good atmosphere  – there aren’t many events where you can get this kind of buzz. Also, having a good run up the hills here is great in preparation for somewhere like Blenheim.” 

Kylie Roddy was a popular winner of Pragnell CCI3*-S section C on Anne and Colin Fox’s CCI5* horse, SRS Kan Do. The pair collected just two cross-country time-penalties to add to their 31.4 dressage mark.

“He loves it here – he was second last year so I thought we’d come back, and especially after the rain we’ve had, which is right up his street,” said Kylie of this 15-year-old. “It’s magical when these older guys have got so much love for the job. 

“He’s a funny horse in that he has places he prefers and he lives for atmosphere; the clapping and the crowds, so Cornbury is perfect for him. It lifts him and makes him a superhero.” 

The final Pragnell-sponsored class of the day, CCI3*-S section E, was won by Tom McEwen’s Tokyo and Paris Olympics team-mate Laura Collett. She was riding the experienced Dacapo, who is owned by Richard and Gillian Morris-Adams, Diana Chappell, Carolyn Taylor and Michael and Alison Smedley. They were the only horse and rider combination to make the time across country today, completing on their dressage score of 28.4.

“Dacapo was on flying form today; he had a lovely time. The ground actually got better and better – by the time  he went, it was perfect,” said Laura, who won the Leading Rider Award here at Cornbury in 2023.

As well as superb equestrian sport, featuring many of the world’s most famous riders, Cornbury Horse Horse Trials is an innovative and exciting blend of local, sustainable food and drink from our neighbouring farms, premium hospitality, and interactive children’s activities over the weekend of 13-14 September, all in the stunning setting of Cornbury Park..

To celebrate the versatility of the thoroughbred and promote second careers after racing, Cornbury House Horse Trials (10-14 September) will host a former racehorse parade in association with the Thoroughbred Aftercare Programme (TAP) on Friday, 12 September. The parade will feature six former racehorses currently on different parts of their re-training journey.

A major focus for this year’s Cornbury House Horse Trials is to showcase the sports of racing and eventing and honour the thoroughbred, and the inaugural Arena Racing Company-sponsored Racehorse to Challenge Cup takes place on 11, 12 and 13 September with a £50,000 total prize fund on offer. 

The line-up for the parade includes several high-profile names, including the former Dan Skelton-trained Blaklion, who won almost £500,000 in prize money on the track, along with Kimberlite Candy, owned by JP McManus and winner of the Classic Chase at Warwick when trained by Tom Lacey. Both horses are now part of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Programme, which is designed to offer a nationwide support framework to help ensure a smooth transition from racehorse to riding horse for either a competitive or non-competitive second career via an online information portal alongside subsidised regional training delivered by top-class coaches.

Justine Parker, Programme Director of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Programme, said: “We are really delighted to be able to showcase the work of TAP with six horses who are all at different stages of their re-training process. 

“Thoroughbreds are so quick to learn and happy to please, and we hope that everyone who has the pleasure of watching the parade will consider an ex-racehorse as their next horse of choice.  It goes without saying that we also look forward to extending them our support along with the many other opportunities that TAP has to offer.”

David Howden, founder and president of The Thoroughbred Aftercare Programme and Cornbury House Horse Trials added: “Bringing together two of my great passions, racing and eventing and showcasing the versatility of the magnificent thoroughbred what we set out to achieve. Coupled with the inaugural Racehorse to Eventer Challenge, it knots it all together really well.”  

The display will take place in the main arena at Cornbury on Friday, 12 September at 12.30pm and will be compered by Sky Sports racing presenter Vanessa Ryle and TAP ambassador and former top-level event rider Lucy Jackson. 

Full parade line-up:

1.KIMBERLITE CANDY ridden by Hollie Cartwright

2. BLAKLION ridden by Fay Shulton

3. MOWBRAY in-hand led by Daren Sellars-Waymark

4. LORD IN RED ridden by Emma-Jane Brown

5. ARDLAIR ridden by Evie Lawson

6. CARMENS CONCERTO ridden by Joe Sellars

As well as superb equestrian sport, featuring many of the world’s most famous riders, Cornbury Horse Horse Trials is an innovative and exciting blend of local, sustainable food and drink from our neighbouring farms, premium hospitality, and interactive children’s activities over the weekend of 13-14 September, all in the stunning setting of Cornbury Park. There’s no doubt that Cornbury House Horse Trials promises a fantastic day out for families, as well as riders, owners, guests and spectators.

Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to be part of one of the most anticipated equestrian events in the country. Tickets start from just £10, and children 12 and under attend for FREE. Book your tickets today and join us for an unforgettable day for the whole family at Cornbury House Horse Trials.

All the cross-country action from Cornbury House Horse Trials will be shown live on Horse & Country TV’s streaming platform H&C+.

To buy tickets, see timetables of each class and for more information, visit cornburyhousehorsetrials.co.uk.

Former racehorses who started their careers in the hands of some of the best-known trainers in Britain and Ireland are among the entries for the inaugural £50,000 Arena Racing Company (ARC) Racehorse to Eventer Challenge Cup at Cornbury House Horse Trials (10-14 September) in Oxfordshire. 

They have now been retrained for the sport of eventing by the likes of William Fox-Pitt, Bubby Upton, Piggy March, Izzy Taylor and Oliver Townend, along with a host of passionate amateur riders. All 49 will be determined to capture the unprecedented first prize of £45,000.

This new class, designed to promote and showcase the suitability of ex-racehorses for eventing, is the brainchild of Jayne McGivern of Dash Grange Stud, a prominent owner of both racehorses and event horses, as well as the stallion Golden Horn. It has the support of Arena Racing Company, and is hosted by David Howden, who shares Jayne’s love of both sports, at Cornbury House Horse Trials.

Jayne said: “To see such a full entry list fills me with joy. David and Fiona Howden have my eternal gratitude for providing one of the most beautiful event venues in the UK and doing all the hard work of bringing this class to reality as part of the fantastic Thoroughbred Aftercare Programme [TAP]  they created.”

Jayne has a horse competing in the ARC-sponsored Racehorse to Eventer Challenge Cup – Our Old Fella, who ran once on the Flat when trained by Mark Loughane, but a star in his second career with Piggy March, who will ride him at Cornbury. Jayne also has a connection with the Mike Jackson-ridden Bhodi; she owned the Dark Angel son, who ran 10 times on the Flat for Sir Michael Stoute and then Kevin Frost, when he was in training and later sold him to current owner Emily Oppenheimer for eventing.

Piggy March said: “This is such a fantastic new class – a really exciting addition to the calendar with a very generous first prize. We are so grateful to David Howden, Jayne McGivern and ARC for this initiative, and for recognising and encouraging the undeniable talent former racehorses have for eventing. These horses have stamina, speed, ability and great temperaments and this should be a super class to watch at Cornbury.”

Bubby Upton is riding Enhanced, bred and owned by Jeff and Phoebe Hobby of Brightwalton Bloodstock. He ran for Hughie Morrison on the Flat before being retrained by Phoebe and her son Henry. The latter started the son of New Approach’s eventing career before handing the reins to Bubby Upton, who won with him on the pair’s most recent start at Frickley Park.

Among the favourites to win the £45,000 first prize will be local Oxfordshire rider Izzy Taylor, who has had excellent form at CCI3* level this season on Bayaanaat, also by New Approach. The nine-year-old ran on the Flat before switching to Oliver Sherwood to go hurdling, and started eventing with Izzy in 2022.

William Fox-Pitt, whose career highlights include a record six Burghley victories, has Hussard Brun, who ran in National Hunt bumpers for Richard Hobson, entered, while nine-times CCI5* winner Oliver Townend will be aboard former point-to-pointer Brookfield Carnivan.

One of the entries with the most success on the racetrack is Soupy Soups, who earned £90,702 during his racing career while in training with Neil Mulholland. The 14-year-old Stowaway gelding ran 40 times and has since gone on to thrive in his second career as an event horse with Francesca Bishop. 

Another to note is the Australian-bred Sparky Lad, who accumulated £29.015 over his 13 runs for trainer Chris Waller. This 10-year-old is now ridden by New Zealand’s Clarke Johnstone and has recorded notable results at advanced level. 

Travelling over from Ireland for Cornbury is Cold War, formerly in training with Henry De Bromhead. The nine-year-old by Declaration Of War is now ridden by Orlagh Halliday, and the duo won the Cornbury Thoroughbred Pathway class this year at The Clare Horse Trials in Co Armagh.

As well as superb equestrian sport, featuring many of the world’s most famous riders, Cornbury Horse Horse Trials is an innovative and exciting blend of local, sustainable food and drink from our neighbouring farms, premium hospitality, and interactive children’s activities over the weekend of 13-14 September, all in the stunning setting of Cornbury Park. There’s no doubt that Cornbury House Horse Trials promises a fantastic day out for families, as well as riders, owners, guests and spectators.

Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to be part of one of the most anticipated equestrian events in the country. Tickets start from just £10, and children 12 and under attend for FREE. Book your tickets today and join us for an unforgettable day for the whole family at Cornbury House Horse Trials.

All the cross-country action from Cornbury House Horse Trials will be shown live on Horse & Country TV’s streaming platform H&C+.

To buy tickets, see timetables of each class and for more information, visit cornburyhousehorsetrials.co.uk.

An exceptional amount of very high-quality entries for Cornbury House Horse Trials (10-14 September) means that nearly 1,000 horses will compete at the popular Oxfordshire event.

Among these are former world champion Zara Tindall, Olympic gold medallists Laura Collett, Tom McEwen and Oliver Townend, international stars such as Tim Price (NZL), Austin O’Connor (IRL) and Alex Hua Tian (CHN), and leading British riders Harry Meade, Kitty King, Emily King and William Fox-Pitt.

Cornbury House Horse Trials was founded by David Howden and his family in 2020, and immediately became one of the highlights of the eventing season for riders, owners, grooms, sponsors and spectators. It offers outstanding levels of prize-money – including the much-coveted £2,500 Leading Rider trophy, the best possible conditions for riders and horses to perform at their best, and top-class hospitality.

The event is famous for its focus on young talent: it hosts the British Eventing Young Horse Championships, as well as Youth Championship classes for under-21 riders, all of which are supported by The Howden Way. Britain’s best five-, six- and seven-year-old horses go head to head in Cornbury’s unique atmosphere, giving them invaluable experience for future championships and CCI5*s, and Pony riders, Juniors and Young Riders make Cornbury House their ultimate end-of-season goal for the same reasons.

New for 2025 is the ARC Racehorse to Eventer Challenge Cup with its unparalleled £45,000 first prize. The brainchild of racehorse and event horse owner Jayne McGivern, more details on the entries for this new class will be made available shortly.

David Howden said: “It is so exciting that, once again, we have received so many entries of such a high quality and that Cornbury House Horse Trials is being so well supported by riders and owners. The success of this still-young event can be seen in that support, and also by the incredible portfolio of sponsors, many of whom have had no involvement with eventing before, who are keen to be part of this amazing extravaganza of sport, socialising, shopping, local food and drink and simple enjoyment of the beauty of the British countryside.

“I can’t wait to show everyone what we have in store for them at Cornbury House 2025 – see you all there!”

As well as superb equestrian sport, featuring many of the world’s most famous riders, Cornbury Horse Horse Trials is an innovative and exciting blend of local, sustainable food and drink from our neighbouring farms, premium hospitality, and interactive children’s activities over the weekend of 13-14 September, all in the stunning setting of Cornbury Park. There’s no doubt that Cornbury House Horse Trials promises a fantastic day out for families, as well as riders, owners, guests and spectators.

Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to be part of one of the most anticipated equestrian events in the country. Tickets start from just £10, and children 12 and under attend for FREE. Book your tickets today and join us for an unforgettable day for the whole family at Cornbury House Horse Trials.

All the cross-country action from Cornbury House Horse Trials will be shown live on Horse & Country TV’s streaming platform H&C+..

To buy tickets, see timetables of each class and for more information, visit cornburyhousehorsetrials.co.uk.

The British Eventing Support Trust is inviting eventing fans and supporters to join them for a Welcome Party at this year’s Cornbury House Horse Trials. The welcome event will take place on Thursday 11th September at The Wychwood Inn, right in the heart of the action at Cornbury House Horse Trials, from 7:00pm.

Attendees can look forward to a special evening of entertainment with food, fun and fundraising all in aid of the charity’s work supporting British Eventing competing members wellbeing. For just £20, guests will receive a paella (with a vegetarian option available) and drink of their choice thanks to the Cornbury partners, including: a glass of Mirabeau Rosé, bottle of Hawkstone Lager, a Lost Explorer Margarita or an elderflower pressé.

The evening’s entertainment includes a live recording of The Eventing Weekly Podcast, hosted by Saffron Cresswell and featuring special guests, plus plenty of time to rub shoulders with well-known faces from the eventing community.

All the money raised from the evening will help the British Eventing Support Trust continue their crucial work, offering physical support, mental health support, expert guidance and in some cases financial support.

“This is the perfect way to start the weekend at Cornbury House Horse Trials, enjoying some delicious food, great company and the chance to help us raise funds that will make a real difference to event riders,” said British Eventing Support Trust chair of trustees Ian Stark. “We hope that lots of our supporters are able to join us to raise money and enjoy the atmosphere”.

David Howden, Founder and President of Cornbury House Horse Trials added: “We are delighted to be supporting this incredibly worthwhile charity for the second year. The work the BE Support Trust team do to support event riders wellbeing could not be more valuable, and we are really looking forward to kicking off Cornbury with an evening of entertainment and excellent food and drink thanks to our brilliant partners.”

Mitch and Brayden of The Eventing Weekly Podcast said: “BE Support Trust is a cause close to our hearts – our wives and many of our friends are eventers, and our podcast exists to celebrate and connect this amazing community. If sharing a few laughs and stories over a couple of beers helps raise funds and awareness, we’re all in.”

Tickets are available to purchase now, visit: https://ticketpass.org/event/ETZGUX/thursday-evening-welcome-party-at-cornbury-house-horse-trials.

Cornbury House Horse Trials (10-14 September) and Jayne McGivern are delighted to announce that Arena Racing Company (ARC) will sponsor the new £50,000 Racehorse to Eventer Challenge Cup at the Oxfordshire event in a five-year deal. 

This new class, with its £45,000 first prize – a reward unprecedented in the sport at British Eventing Novice level – is a joint initiative between the Howden family’s Cornbury House Horse Trials and Jayne McGivern of Dash Grange Stud. It is designed to encourage and promote second careers in eventing for racehorses who have come off the track and those thoroughbreds who didn’t make it to the racetrack.

Jayne McGivern, who stands Derby winner Golden Horn at Overbury Stud and who owns event horses with leading British rider Piggy March, said: “It is really heartwarming to see such a major player in the horseracing world leaning in to the issue of racehorse welfare so positively. I am so grateful to them for their belief and support for the concept. I have long tried to launch this class, and without the wonderful team at Cornbury House providing the most beautiful venue and ARC stepping in to sponsor, the next five years of showing the athletic brilliance of ex racehorses, ridden by the best riders, would not have been possible.”

Martin Cruddace, CEO of ARC, said: “David Howden, Jayne McGivern and the team at Cornbury House Horse Trials should be congratulated for their excellent work in establishing this new class, which we are delighted to support. Cornbury House Horse Trials takes place at the same time of one of our biggest fixtures, the Betfred St Leger Festival at Doncaster, which will offer us an excellent opportunity to promote the achievements of those competing in the Racehorse to Eventer Challenge Cup to the racing public, alongside the more general opportunities in eventing available to thoroughbred racehorses as a second career.”

David Howden, founder and president of Cornbury House Horse Trials, added: “It is wonderful to see one of racing’s major racecourse owners getting behind this class, which we are thrilled to be launching at Cornbury this year. A brilliant concept from Jayne McGivern now has committed longevity for the next five years and is exactly where we want to be going to promote the versatility of the thoroughbred and second careers after racing, which sits alongside our own Thoroughbred Aftercare Programme (TAP).” 

The Racehorse to Eventer Challenge Cup will run alongside the British Eventing Young Horse National Championships, supported by The Howden Way, Cornbury House Horse Trials’ immensely popular under-21 classes at Young Rider, Junior and Pony level, open CCI3*-S and CCI2*-S sections and national intermediate classes.

The Racehorse to Eventer Challenge Cup winner will take home a £45,000 first prize along with a George III silver perpetual trophy, and each year the successful owner will receive the silver-plated horse shoe of a Derby winner – the first of which, for 2025, will be that of Golden Horn, who took the world’s premier Classic race in 2015.

As well as a feast of equestrian sport, featuring many of the world’s most famous riders alongside young up-and-coming talent, Cornbury Horse Horse Trials is unique in its offering with a focus on local, sustainable food and drink from its neighbouring farms playing a huge part, premium hospitality, and interactive children’s activities in the stunning setting of Cornbury Park. 

Visit www.cornburyhousehorsetrials.co.uk for more information about the Racehorse to Eventer Challenge Cup, all of Cornbury House Horse Trials’ classes, the 2025 timetable and to buy tickets.

As Cornbury House Horse Trials (10-14 September) approaches its sixth anniversary, the Oxfordshire event provided further proof of its position in the front ranks of the British equestrian scene with the official launch last Friday (4 July) of the Racehorse to Eventer Challenge Cup.

This new class, with its £45,000 first prize – a reward unprecedented in the sport at British Eventing Novice level – is a joint initiative between the Howden family’s Cornbury House Horse Trials and Jayne McGivern of Dash Grange Stud. It is designed to encourage and promote second careers in eventing of racehorses who have come off the track and those thoroughbreds who didn’t make it to the racecourse.

The Racehorse to Eventer Challenge Cup will run alongside the British Eventing Young Horse National Championships, supported by The Howden Way, Cornbury House Horse Trials’ immensely popular under-21 classes at Young Rider, Junior and Pony level, open CCI3*-S and CCI2*-S sections and national intermediate classes.

Jayne McGivern, who stands the brilliant Derby winner Golden Horn at Dash Grange Stud, said: “I have been trying to launch this class for more than four years, so words cannot describe how thankful and delighted I am that Cornbury House Horse Trials is as invested in creating value for ex-racehorses as I am. Thoroughbreds are especially suited to high-level eventing, being fast, athletic, intelligent and brave. I can’t wait for the best riders in the UK to showcase the skills of these fantastic horses to the world.”

The Racehorse to Eventer Challenge Cup winner will be awarded a George III silver perpetual trophy, and each year the successful owner will receive the silver-plated horse shoe of a Derby winner – the first of which, for 2025, will be that of Golden Horn, who took the world’s premier Classic race in 2015.

The special guest at Cornbury House on Friday was Bhodi – a former Flat racehorse who is now being aimed at the inaugural 2025 Racehorse to Eventer Challenge Cup. Bhodi, a Niarchos-bred son of Dark Angel out of a Giant’s Causeway mare, was owned by Jayne McGivern and ran 10 times on the Flat when trained by Sir Michael Stoute and then Kevin Frost. Top British event rider Piggy March took Bhodi on when he was four and retrained him for eventing, and the pair won a Novice class at Cornbury House Horse Trials in 2022. He was then bought by current owner Emily Oppenheimer, who evented him successfully for fun before passing on the ride to Gloucestershire-based professional rider Mike Jackson, who has moved the sweet-natured 10-year-old up to Intermediate level this season.

Piggy, who was delighted to meet up with her former charge at Cornbury House last week, said: “I had Bhodi straight out of training, and he took to eventing and to a new way of life like a duck to water. He is very intelligent; a clever horse who had seen the world before and was always a pleasure to work with. 

“I’ve had two racehorses for Jayne, who has been a great supporter of mine over the years, and both have been very successful as eventers. One is Bhodi, and the other is Our Old Fella, known as ‘Polo’, who went up to CCI3* level with me. Polo is a little bouncy ball of a fun, athletic chap who has now gone on to give [former Grand National and Gold Cup-winning jockey] Mick Fitzgerald’s son Oscar a real leg up in his career as an event rider. Oscar is the new junior national champion, and I’d like to think that Polo has given him a lot of fun and experience.”

She continued: “The Racehorse to Eventer Challenge Cup is being held at Novice level, which is achievable for a lot of people, and it is so exciting to have the chance to aim at an incredible prize like this. It will be great to see more people appreciate the aptitude that thoroughbreds naturally have for eventing and make this class a real target. 

“The great thing about Jayne is that she is passionate about her racing, but she does everything for the love of horses and for the sport. The same is true of Cornbury House Horse Trials’ founder and president David Howden; they, and more and more people in racing are determined that their horses should have happy lives after their racing careers, whether that is in other equestrian sports, as pets or in retirement. Thoroughbreds love to run, they love to jump, they love to be busy and to have jobs, and eventing can be the perfect second careers for them.”

Mike Jackson added: “Bhodi is a joy to deal with and comes out every day with his ears pricked. Thoroughbreds are built for speed, which is obviously important for eventing, and they are very intelligent. For generations they have been bred to thrive in a variety of different circumstances and big atmospheres. The Thoroughbred Aftercare Programme (TAP), which David Howden launched last winter, and this amazing class at Cornbury are a  great way of opening a door to second careers for racehorses and helping and supporting them towards and through that.”

As well as a feast of equestrian sport, featuring many of the world’s most famous riders alongside young up-and-coming talent, Cornbury Horse Horse Trials is unique in its offering with a focus on local, sustainable food and drink from its neighbouring farms playing a huge part, premium hospitality, and interactive children’s activities in the stunning setting of Cornbury Park.