Joe Trunkfield Secures Victory in Arena UK’s Winter Grand Prix
Tuesday 02 December 2025
The feature class on the final day Arena UK’s Winter Classic Show saw an electric edition of the Winter Grand Prix, drawing a strong field of 29 starters. The technical track, designed by Mark McGowan and Heather Blackie, proved testing, with only five combinations reaching the jump-off, including two rides for eventual winner Joe Trunkfield.
Riding the talented eight-year-old gelding Corvette VH Reukenis Z, owned by Mr. Srikumar Balasubramaniyam, Joe delivered a masterclass in precision and pace. Earlier in the jump-off, he set the standard with his first ride, Cashallco, producing a competitive round that was marred only by a single mistake at the oxer mid-way, eventually placing fourth.
Returning as the last to go with Corvette, Joe knew exactly what was required. The pair executed a foot-perfect round, combining smooth, economical lines with forward riding to stop the clock in an unbeatable 37.24 seconds, securing the win. The victory continued an impressive run of form for the partnership, who also topped the 1.35m Open earlier in the show.
Following his victory, Joe said: “He had a great show; he jumped two classes and won them both which is really pleasing. I was early to go with my other horse and just made a slight mistake. I knew John [Crippen] was going to be fast so we just went in there and did what we could, and it was enough on the day.
“He’s only eight but he’s had a really good year, winning a Grand Prix in the summer and now a winter one, as well at the 1.40m Final at the British Showjumping National Championships. He went a bit green at HOYS which was disappointing at the time, but it was also a great building block for us, and he has come back and jumped three ranking clears out in Belgium since.
“His owner [Mr. Srikumar Balasubramaniyam] is incredibly supportive and is on board with us producing him as far as we can, and I think he has a bright future ahead of him,” added Joe.
John Crippen claimed the runner-up spot with Bennys Kelly, crossing the line in 39.23 seconds, while Zoe Smith and Berliner Luft WW took third with the final double clear in 42.98 seconds.
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 after four shows is Alex Barr and Preben Van De Doornakkers (27 points), with Emily Ward and Wild Star HF in second (21 points), followed by Nigel Coupe and Air Queen in third (16 points) To find out more about the league, visit: https://www.britishshowjumping.co.uk/rankings/lists/winter-grand-prix
Winter Grand Prix
Arena UK
1st- Joseph Trunkfield & Corvette VH Reukenis Z – 0/0 37.24
2nd – John Crippen & Bennys Kelly – 0/0 39.23
3rd – Zoe Smith & Berliner Luft WW – 0/0 42.98
NB Results pending final grading
Image: ATG Photography
Arena UK also welcomed a strong field for the Winter Grade C Championship Qualifier, where 25 starters faced a well-built 1.30m track in pursuit of qualification for the British Showjumping Winter Championships. The class produced competitive sport throughout, with 13 combinations progressing to the jump-off and five riders delivering double clears.
Rising to the top was Chloe Winchester aboard Chancellor Z, a talented seven-year-old gelding owned by Emma McIntosh. The pair produced a stylish and efficient performance in the jump-off, stopping the clock in an impressive 30.73 seconds to secure victory and book their place in the final.
Thomas Dovkants and Bonmahon Instar followed closely behind, delivering another faultless round in 32.07 seconds to claim second. Completing the podium was Ella Quigley riding Lui Luche Q, who also produced a double clear with a time of 33.80 seconds.
Winter Grade C Championship Qualifier
Arena UK
1st – Chloe Winchester & Chancellor Z – 0/0 30.73
2nd – Thomas Dovkants & Bonmahon Instar – 0/0 32.07
3rd – Ella Quigley & Lui Luche Q – 0/0 33.80
NB Results pending final grading
