Drew Walton Takes SEIB Winter Novice Qualifier at Aintree
Thursday 08 October 2026
The SEIB Winter Novice Championship qualifiers got underway at Aintree at the weekend, with a competitive field of 42 rider combinations coming forward to contest Nigel Jess’ course.
With a place in the prestigious final at the Royal International Horse Show at Hickstead in July up for grabs, there was plenty to play for. Of the 42 combinations, 21 produced clear rounds in the first round to progress through to the second round.
The competition intensified in the second round, with 15 riders maintaining their consistency to jump another clear and secure their place in the jump-off.
It was Drew Walton who ultimately took the top spot, riding Vanessa Shaw’s Le Cap-Chat Champion Z to a third clear round in an impressive time of 36.42 seconds.
Ryan Page put in a strong challenge with Basingwerk Big Richard Z, also jumping clear to finish just behind Drew in 36.78 seconds and take second place.
Stephen Gee completed the podium with Tarko 1, producing another faultless round in a time of 38.25 seconds to secure third.
“We are over the moon with Charlie, it’s a nice feeling to get the qualification done at the first Winter Classic. It’s a funny story how we got Charlie, we bought him as a four-year-old and he was my Facebook Marketplace purchase! He is owned by my Dad and his wife Vanessa Shaw. I was in hospital at the time as I had been injured by one of the horses, when I spotted him on Facebook, sent them a screen shot and said I want that horse. Next thing he had been vetted and arrived a week later unbroken and unbacked. The ad was just a photo of him stood up and one jumping but something just stood out to me and he’s been here ever since, he’s more of a pet now really.
“Charlie has always done so well, he is six now, we have had our little problems along the way. He’s not always the easiest but he wants to do his job and loves it. He wants to please, a gentleman, great to have around and a lovely character. We have a great partnership now, Vanessa said she would never want another rider for him, she can see on the videos of us competing that he’s always listening to me. Having had him the whole time, it’s so great to have one which you have backed and produced.
“We are at the Aintree Young Horse Show this week to do the six-year-old and then Charlie will have a break. He’s had a good year getting placed in 6-year-old classes, then we might go to Belgium and the end of the year, or he’ll just have a big break.” Drew said.
With the first qualifier now complete, the successful combinations can turn their attention to the SEIB Winter Novice Championship Final at the Royal International Horse Show at Hickstead in July, where they will battle it out for championship honours on one of the sport’s most iconic stages.
SEIB Winter Novice Championship Qualifier
Aintree International Equestrian Centre, Sunday, 4 October 2026
Drew Walton & Le Cap-Chat Champion Z – 0/0/0 36.42
Ryan Page & Basingwerk Big Richard Z – 0/0/0 38.78
Stephen Gee & Tarko 1 – 0/0/0 38.25
NB: Qualifications will be updated pending official grading of results
Image: Majestic Photography
