Iwan Carpenter Claims SEIB Winter Novice Qualifier at Kelsall Hill Winter Classic Show
Wednesday 14 January 2026
The first Winter Classic of 2026 at Kelsall Hill Equestrian Centre delivered thrilling competition as 56 combinations came forward to contest the SEIB Winter Novice Championship Qualifier.
A demanding first round saw 15 combinations advance to round two, with six ultimately qualifying for a competitive jump-off. First to return against the clock, James Smith set the early benchmark with Malone HBF, laying down a fast, faultless round that immediately put pressure on the remaining contenders.
Jumping from the mid-draw, Iwan Carpenter seized the opportunity aboard Julie Smith’s seven-year-old Ramiro Dollar, producing a sharp and efficient clear to slip into the lead and ultimately secure victory. Smith returned later in the order with his second ride, Dan IV, and a smooth clear round saw the pair slot into third place, rounding out a strong day for the rider.
Following on from his win, a delighted Iwan said: “I thought it was a technical course for a Winter Novice. There were different fences I wasn’t sure if she had been before, lots of related distances and it really got the horses thinking. I couldn’t have asked any more of her to be honest. She seems to cope really well with a challenge, and it paid off.”
“She’s only a seven year old, so this was her first real go at a qualifier. She’s a typical mare with a lot of attitude, but she wants to win and is happiest when she’s jumping.
“It would be nice to see her do well at Hickstead especially for her owners, Julie and Mike Smith. They’re new owners to me but have been so supportive and hopefully we’ll do great things in the future. I also couldn’t do it without the support of my mum and dad and our grooms at home,” added Iwan.
SEIB Winter Novice Championship Qualifier
Kelsall Hill Equestrian Centre
1st – Iwan Carpenter & Ramiro Dollar – 0/0/0 29.18
2nd – James Smith & Malone HBF – 0/0/0 29.35
3rd – James Smith & Dan IV – 0/0/0 29.61
NB Results pending final grading
Image: KT Equine Photography
