News
Arena UK Host Exciting Final Large Pony Premier Show
Monday 02 March 2026
The final Large Pony Premier of the season at Arena UK delivered top-class sport across a packed weekend of Winter qualifiers and feature classes.
Saturday’s Winter JA Classic Qualifier saw 18 starters tackle Shaun Sands’ flowing 1.25m track, with four combinations progressing to the first jump-off and three advancing to the final decider, ensuring all qualifying places were claimed. Henry Leggott once again took top honours aboard Blossom’s Big Claim, producing a superb triple clear in 33.96 seconds. Amy Capper filled both remaining podium places, finishing second with Oscar Van De Beekerhiede and third with Capability Brown after two strong performances.
The Winter JC/JD Qualifier drew a huge field of 47 starters, all chasing a coveted ticket to the Agria Royal International Horse Show final. Six combinations reached the first jump-off, with three progressing to the final round. Britney Clarke made full use of her advantageous draw to claim victory with Borris OB, stopping the clock in 35.98 seconds as the only triple clear of the class. Phoebe Crossman and Ballylee Majestic Hearts took second with the fastest jump-off time despite four faults, while Brooke Harland and Hakuna Matata X also finished on four faults to secure third.
In Saturday’s Children on Horses 1.20m qualifier, eight combinations came forward, with Ted Bastian-Mason claiming victory aboard Oelala II with a polished double clear in 35.79 seconds. Phoebe Crossman slotted into second with Cooley Princess just fractions behind on 35.81 seconds, while Chloe Yao and Harthill Zara completed the top three, also delivering a double clear.
Sunday’s Winter JA qualifying class welcomed 10 starters, with three advancing to the first jump-off and two continuing through to the final round. Sophia Rogers and Neil 55 secured victory with a composed triple clear in 40.02 seconds. Henry Leggott added another podium finish to his weekend, finishing second with Blossom’s Big Claim, while Cora Dowey and Las Vegas VI took third place.
A competitive Winter JC/JD qualifying class on Sunday attracted 39 starters with nine progressing to the first jump-off and three into the final showdown. Olivia Brightmore and Flore Des Islots emerged victorious with a faultless triple clear in 37.29 seconds. Lottie Costello and Thunderstruck Van De Bucxtale finished second, while Lucia Caroline and Britannia’s Bijou claimed third after a fast but faulted final round.
In the Sunday Children on Horses 1.20m qualifier, six combinations contested the class, with just one double clear achieved. Ted Bastian-Mason once again stood on top of the podium with Oelala II, adding a second win to his weekend. Mia Stathopoulos and Mon Ami finished second, while Scarlett Iles and Crossroads Tyger took third.
Saturday’s Blue Chip Pro Sparkle JC/JA Handicap qualifier proved fiercely competitive, drawing 44 starters with 15 achieving double clears. Nancy Haffenden and Clonberne Leam Pondi delivered the fastest clear in 29.97 seconds to take the win from the JA section. Portia Taylor Wilson and Lottea III secured second place, with Sophia Rogers and Jimtown rounding out the top three to conclude an outstanding weekend of Large Pony competition.
NB Results pending final grading
Image credit: ATG Photography
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