Sampson and Balento storm to victory
Sunday 21 December 2025
Matthew Sampson (GBR) — a London International ambassador — and the 14-year-old grey stallion Balento C.S. proved the pair to beat in The CSI5* Mistletoe Stakes presented by Sport in Mind.
The pair stopped the jump-off clock over a second clear of their nearest rivals, Britain’s Robert Whitaker and Gentlemen vh Veldhof, to win the class.
“Being at London — which is my favourite show of the year — is amazing and to win a class here is what we all want to do. It’s a great feeling and to be an ambassador is an honour,” said Matthew, who had just borrowed his ride Balento for the show.
“He’s a new horse, so to get a good result like that is great for his owners, the Gachoud family, and for all our team — it's brilliant.”
“Another horse I was going to bring wasn't feeling great so we decided not to bring that horse. This horse belongs to Amelie [Gachoud] who we train, and so we know the horse from training but obviously I haven't competed him.”
“I said he's fit and well, would you like him to come here to jump at a show like this? They agreed and thought it would be a great idea and luckily it's gone so well.”
Matthew and Balento headed a 1-2 for the home nation, with compatriots Robert and Gentlemen vh Veldhof taking second.
“I was so pleased with him,” said Robert. “He’s first-class and he just showed how good he is. He's been an amazing horse for me. He's 19 and I've only had him just over a year but he tries to please us every time.”
Ten horses in total progressed to the jump-off of the 30 which started the two-round class. Belgium’s Jos Verlooy and Etundel de Marcoy completed the podium in third.
Image: London International Horse Show
