Joe Trunkfield and Claud Van Dam Triumph in the Final Redpost Equestrian Senior Foxhunter Second Round
Tuesday 15 July 2025
Arena UK played host to the final Redpost Equestrian Senior Foxhunter Second Round competition, setting the stage for the Masters at the British Showjumping National Championships next month at Stoneleigh.
A total of 59 horse and rider combinations tackled the 1.30m first-round track, with 14 successfully jumping two clear rounds to advance to the final jump-off.
First to go in the jump-off, Joe left nothing to chance and expertly guided Harry Whal’s Claud Van Dam around the shortened course to post the fastest time of the competition, crossing the finish in 38.33 seconds. This marks the second year in a row that Joe has taken the win in this class at Arena UK, having claimed victory last year with Joy Rushton’s Tankardstown No Diggity.
Second place went to Emma Sargeant, riding Carl Freeman’s Joe Malone, who finished 1.41 seconds behind the winning pair. Charlie Dawson secured third place with Vanessa Townsend’s TGF Africa, finishing a further 3.75 seconds in arrears.
Not content with picking up just one ticket to HOYS this weekend, Joe and the seven-year-old stallion also took home the win in the Senior Newcomers Second Round, outpacing their 78 rivals with a time of 38.24 seconds. Joe also claimed second place aboard Lorne McKean’s Nomthago M, just 0.32 seconds off the winning pace, while third place went to Harry Bateman, riding Thomas Williams’ Chalonta PS, a further 1.86 seconds off the pace.
Commenting on the weekend’s success, Joe remarked on Facebook: “What a special horse Claud Van Dam is, at seven years old, winning both the Senior Foxhunter and Newcomers Second Round classes and making it four out of four finals qualified for Horse of the Year Show. His quick progress over the last few months is testament to his exciting ability. He has a very bright future ahead.”
Arena UK – Saturday, 12 July 2025
Redpost Equestrian Senior Foxhunter Second Round
1st - Joseph Trunkfield and Claud Van Dam - 0/0/0 38.33
2nd – Emma Sargeant & Joe Malone - 0/0/0 39.74
3rd – Charlie Dawson & TGF Africa - 0/0/0 43.49
N.B Results pending final grading
Image: ATG Photography
 c. Majestic Photography.jpg "James Smith Dominates in the Penultimate Winter Grand Prix at Aintree Winter Classic Show")
