Great Britain’s Team Audevard Finish Fourth in Opening Nations Cup of 2026 in Sharjah

Great Britain’s Team Audevard got their 2026 Nations Cup campaign underway with a strong fourth-place finish in the CSIO4* Sharjah Nations Cup presented by Longines, held in the United Arab Emirates. With eight teams coming forward to tackle the testing track set by renowned course designer Frank Rothenberger, the British side produced a competitive performance to finish just outside the podium places. 

Great Britain were seventh to go in the first round, with Alexander McLean leading the way aboard the impressive 10-year-old grey mare Calixte Heartbreaker Z, jointly owned by Breen Equestrian and Annabel Vere Nicoll. Alexander set the tone with a confident and assured round, producing a clear to get the team off to the best possible start. 

Second into the arena was Tim Gredley riding the 10-year-old bay mare Vuitton of Picobello Z, owned by Unex Competition Yard. Despite a strong effort, Tim picked up eight faults on the demanding course. 

Third to jump was Laura Renwick with the nine-year-old bay gelding Marseille, jointly owned by Neil Fiddes and Laura Renwick. After a promising beginning, Laura unfortunately lowered the first element of the combination, followed by the final part of the double, leaving her with eight faults. 

Last to go for Great Britain was Joe Stockdale aboard the 12-year-old bay gelding It’s Confidential, owned by Ben Carus. Joe delivered an impressive round, but a pole down at the second part of the double alongside one time fault saw him finish on five faults. 

Following the opening round, Great Britain’s Team Audevard sat in a strong position, lying fourth place going into the second round. 

Alexander McLean returned first once again after his opening clear, but an unfortunate error at the wall saw him finish on four faults. Tim Gredley followed with a positive start, however three fences fell late in the round, adding further faults to the British total. Laura Renwick also came forward with determination, but three fences down meant valuable penalties were added once again. 

Joe Stockdale anchored the team with the standout performance of the second round, producing the only British clear, although an unfortunate time fault prevented a perfect finish. 

After both rounds, Great Britain concluded the competition on a final score that secured them fourth place, finishing behind Ireland in third, the UAE in second, and Germany taking the win. 

With a solid opening performance in Sharjah, Great Britain’s Team Audevard demonstrated strong potential early in the season as they begin their 2026 Nations Cup campaign on the international stage. 

Sharjah Equestrian & Racing Club, United Arab Emirates 

CSIO4* - Sharjah Nations Cup presented by Longines – 1 February 

1st – Germany – 0/10 

2nd – UAE – 8/4 

3rd – Ireland – 4/16 

4th – Great Britain Team Audevard – 13/17 

Alexander McLean & Calixte Heartbreaker Z – 0/4 

Tim Gredley & Vuitton of Picobello Z – 8/12 

Laura Renwick & Marseille – 8/12 

Joe Stockdale & It’s Confidential – 5/1