Winter Grand Prix Victory for James Smith at Kelsall Hill
Wednesday 14 January 2026
James Smith signed off a thrilling weekend of sport in style by claiming victory in the Winter Grand Prix, sponsored by Grosvenor Insurance Brokers, the final and feature class of the show at Kelsall Hill Equestrian Centre. As the culmination of the show, the Winter Grand Prix delivered fitting drama and top-level sport, providing a showcase of speed, precision, and competitive nerve in front of an enthusiastic crowd.
The class drew a strong field of 29 starters with seven combinations advancing to the jump-off and four delivering double-clear performances. Second to return against the clock, Smith left nothing to chance aboard Leona Smith’s nine-year-old Astrade Z, producing a bold and efficient clear round to set a challenging time that would ultimately prove unbeatable.
Alex Barr came closest to threatening the lead, stopping the clock just fractions behind to take second place with Preben Van De Doornakkers. Last to go, Ryan Page chased hard to try and catch the leaders, finishing third aboard Bo Jax after another clear round.
Commenting on his win, James said: “I was second to go in the jump-off, and she’s not got the biggest stride, although she is naturally quick, so I planned to keep it tight to stay on pace without going crazy. She’s quite inexperienced at this level but she’s stepped up really well and taken everything in her stride.
“We’ve only had her for just over a year and she’s come on along way having only jumped a few 1.20m classes. She’s recently jumped her first ranking class and is looking very promising. We’ll keep stepping her up and see how far she goes but I think a lot of her,” added James.
New this year, the Winter Grand Prix League introduces an exciting new competition format to the British Showjumping calendar. Running at the Winter Classics Series, the league offers riders and spectators an action-packed circuit culminating in a high-stakes final at the British Showjumping Winter Championships (formerly British Showjumping Spring Championships). Leading the way with three shows to go is Alex Barr and Preben Van De Doornakkers (36 points), with Emily Ward and Wild Star HF in second (21 points), followed by Ryan Page and BP KO Jax in third (17 points). To find out more about the league, visit: https://www.britishshowjumping.co.uk/rankings/lists/winter-grand-prix
Winter Grand Prix
Kelsall Hill Equestrian Centre
1st- James Smith & Astrade Z – 0/0 34.56
2nd – Alex Barr & Preben Van De Doornakkers – 0/0 34.66
3rd – Ryan Page & Bo Jax - 0/0 35.20
NB Results pending final grading
Image: KT Equine Photography
The Winter Grade C Championship Qualifier at Kelsall Hill Equestrian Centre provided a thrilling showcase of emerging talent, as 33 starters vied for a place in the final at the Winter Championships. After a competitive first round, twelve combinations advanced to the jump-off, setting the stage for a tense battle against the clock.
Danielle Ryder was second to return aboard Meant To Be, producing a clean and confident round that immediately put pressure on the remaining competitors. Ryan Page followed shortly after on Uno Beech, jumping clear to stay in contention, ultimately finishing third. The final rider in the arena, Paul Sims, knew exactly what was required to claim victory. Riding Cascadello Derevel Sandra, Sims delivered a faultless and lightning-fast round, overtaking the early leaders to secure first place.
Winter Grade C Championship Qualifier
Kelsall Hill Equestrian Centre
1st – Paul Sims & Cascadello Derevel Sandra – 0/0 36.05
2nd – Danielle Ryder & Meant To Be – 0/0 37.68
3rd – Ryan Page & Uno Beech – 0/0 38.20
NB Results pending final grading
