Renwick continues winning form at Hickstead

Laura Renwick continued her strong run of Hickstead form when winning Friday’s Breen Equestrian All England 1.40m Open with NFS Corluga.

It was the first time the eight-year-old homebred gelding had been in the International Arena, but he “took to it like a duck to water”, according to Laura. “He felt really confident and happy, and that he really enjoyed it in there,” she said.

A huge 78 starters came forward for the class, hoping to pick up a qualifying spot for Sunday’s Breen Equestrian All England Grand Prix. Laura was drawn just shy of the halfway point, but her time of 56.21sec was enough to take the win. “It was a really tough class to win, so I was delighted to still be at the top at the end. Now we’re going to come back on Sunday and see if we can do it again!”

In runner up spot was Holly Smith and Sing Z, who finished close on Laura’s heels with a time of 56.98sec, while William Rekert took third with Fifty Shades of Grey.

Thursday’s edition of the Breen Equestrian 1.40m Open took place on the all-weather Polo Arena, to protect the International Arena turf after several days of rain.

A total of 14 riders out of the 72 starters jumped clear in the first section of the two-phase class, with Guy Williams winning with new ride Karim EBH (32.89sec), while Nicole Pavitt and Casque D'or were second ahead of Laura Renwick and NFS Corluga.

Guy is known for being formidable against the clock, and though he had the disadvantage of an early draw, no one could match the time he set.

Karim EBH is a 10-year-old gelding owned by Mark Wildish. “I’ve only had him a few weeks, and he jumped really well today,” said Guy.

Rachel Proudley, 20, scored her first Hickstead International Arena win in the Billy Stud Auction All England Five Year Old Championship.

Riding NFS Super Freak, Rachel completed the jump-off in a time of 35.94, more than 2sec quicker than last week’s winners, Nicole Pavitt and Versailles 16, who took second place.

NFS Super Freak was another to be bred by Laura and John Renwick.

“I’m so thrilled with him, and he jumped great today,” said Rachel, who has only been riding him for a few weeks. “He’s a new ride for me, and I’m only just getting to know him – but I can’t wait to see what the future holds for him.”

The Six Year Old championship went to Alex Hempleman on Julie Slade's Billy Foster, who were nearly half a second faster than runner-up Georgia Tame and Opportunity I.

"To have won in this fantastic ring, at my favourite show, on a horse who has been bred and produced by two people that have been massive in my career, Mark and Julie Slade, it's just great for the whole team," he said. 

Billy Foster came from the Billy Stud Auction in 2024, and Alex has had the ride on him since he was a five-year-old.  

In the All England Four Year Old Championship, four combinations jumped double clear to share first prize: Abbi Pedley (Cumano Cat SS), Matt Buckland (Eskimo V), Darcy Baillie (Uptons Rosie G) and Michaela Tomlinson (Little Des Forets).

For full results, click here. 

The All England September Tour continues over the weekend, culminating in Sunday’s £6,000 Breen Equestrian All England Grand Prix. Parking and admission is free to spectators, or subscribe to watch the action on ClipMyHorse.TV