Sandy McLean Dominates Redpost Equestrian Senior Foxhunter Second Round at Felbridge

The Redpost Equestrian Senior Foxhunter Second Round took centre stage at Felbridge Showground on Monday, where riders battled for qualification places and a chance to continue their journey towards the prestigious Horse of the Year Show Final. 

A total of 43 rider combinations stepped forward to tackle John Bedford's challenging course, which proved a stern test throughout the day. With faults proving costly across both opening rounds, only three combinations managed to keep a clean sheet and secure their place in the jump-off. 

Leading the charge was Sandy McLean, who impressively qualified two horses for the deciding round. First to stake a claim on the podium was McLean aboard Breen Equestrian's Orville VD Watermolen. The pair produced a superb clear round, combining accuracy and speed to stop the clock in 39.65 seconds and take the victory. 

McLean's success did not end there. Riding Opportunity I, he delivered another faultless jump-off performance, crossing the finish line in 42.89 seconds to secure second place and complete a remarkable one-two finish. 

Completing the podium was Phoebe Farman and Neron ES, who also maintained their clear record in the jump-off, finishing in a time of 44.35 seconds to claim third place. 

The top performers will now set their sights on the Redpost Equestrian Senior Foxhunter Masters at the British Showjumping National Championships, the next key stage on the qualification pathway. From there, riders will be aiming to secure their place in the highly anticipated Redpost Equestrian Senior Foxhunter Final at the Horse of the Year Show. 

With only three combinations managing to negotiate the demanding track through both qualifying rounds, the class showcased the high standard of competition and determination required to progress at this stage of the championship series. 

“I have been riding Orville since we returned from Dubai at the end of February. He is a fantastic seven year old, a very special horse and an exceptional jumper who is very fast and has taken the step up well, which is fantastic. 

“We had a really good class and I also finished second with one my other horses, Opportunity. The first round was fair with the right amount of clears, I actually had three horses in it, the first had a pole then I was fairly near the end on the other two at which point there had been no clears. I half rode the round on Orville as if we might have a fence down so we would be the fastest four faulter but then he jumped clear, which was very good. With the second horse, Opportunity, there was a bit less pressure on the time as I knew there were only two clears and two would qualify, so I took it easier with him and let him jump the fences, he jumped super. 

“We would like to try and also qualify Orville for the Talent Seekers and HOYS Grade C, if we can. Then aim him for the Young Horse shows at Hickstead and Lanaken for the seven year olds, as he’s more than capable. To be honest, this year Orville is already consistent at the 1.40m level, therefore he doesn’t need to go and do a whole lot more until we go to Dubai at the end of the season. He will then step up a level moving into his eight year old year.” Sandy said. 

Redpost Equestrian Senior Foxhunter Second Round 

Felbridge Showground, Monday 1 June 2026 

1st – Sandy McLean & Orville VD Watermolen – 0/0/0 39.65 

2nd – Sandy McLean & Opportunity I – 0/0/0 42.89 

3rd – Phoebe Farman & Neron ES – 0/0/0 44.35 

NB Results pending official grading  

Image: Felbridge Photography