Portia Taylor-Wilson is crowned the new Blue Chip Pro Sparkle JC/JA champion
Monday 13 April 2026
Portia Taylor-Wilson held off all challenges to be crowned 2026 Blue Chip Pro Sparkle JC/JA champion on Lottea III at the Blue Chip Winter Show Jumping Championships at Addington Equestrian Centre.
A total of 16 – four JAs and 13 JCs – of the original 47 entries, and the top two places were filled by JA ponies. Portia winning by 1.35 seconds on the 11-year-old mare Lottea. Elle Hourihan steered Harry into second place with third filled by Francesca Finneran’s For Joy.
“She has the biggest kindest heart, we call her the Queen of the Yard, and she wants to win. It was her type of jump-off, I always keep her forward and I can spin her up, she loves going fast,” said Portia, who got the ride in October and will aim for the Hickstead JC Final this summer – “And maybe the Pony Showjumper of the Year.”
Diminutive but talented Conor Barnes, 9, landed his first big championship win in the IG Equine Pony Novice Championship with Errismore Dark Shadow and credited his lucky jodhpurs with the win.
“They’re too small, there’s hole growing in the knee, a button missing and they’ve been in the bin three times, but they keep making their way back into Conor’s wardrobe,” said Conor’s Mum Caroline.
Conor’s early lead in the 27-pony jump-off – derived from a startlist of 90 – stayed steadfastly in the top spot, winning with a 0.13 second advantage on the six-year-old Dark Shadow. Jessica Swait slipped Whitehorn Dream On into second with Lucy Bennison’s Buddy Elf in third.
“He’s very kind and very good with small children. My Mum takes him hunting; it gets him going forward, he’s very bouncy, but he loves jumping,” said Conor, who almost missed out on this 18-month partnership.
Conor’s Dad Steve regretted not buying the handsome pony in Goresbridge, but by chance, another opportunity presented itself. By pure coincidence, the owner was sat at the next table in the sponsors tent at Ballinasloe, and a deal was struck.
Jessica Swait lifted the Bliss of London Pony Sapphire title with Kilcoltrim Hilamana as 23 of the 48 starters contended the jump-off, the Pumkins Pondi x Templebready Fear Bui six-year-old forged ahead by 1.36 seconds. Sophia Parry eased Ally II into second and Keira Merriman earned third place with Gailey Bay.
The Loxley by Bliss of London Pony Pearl Winter Championship attracted a mammoth 105 entries and realised an equally mammoth jump-off as 56 rivals vied for the top spot. Lola Rose Bird emerged triumphant on the 17-year-old Maylass with a 0.72 second advantage. Lyla Benfield steered the nine-year-old Maolsheashlann into second and third was awarded to Eve Giannotta on Oreo Patches.
Lilly Garrett outpaced all in a competitive jump-off for the IG Equine Pony Discovery title with Proud Dara. The 72 starters were reduced to 30 for the jump-off. Lilly and the six-year-old Proud Dara claiming the coveted rug, sash and lap of honour by an incredible 1.31 seconds. Mia Stathopoulos captured second place on Rivingston Melody and Sophia Parry filled third spot on Dun That Well.
.JP.jpg "Mark Edwards earns a bumper bonus at the Blue Chip Championships")
.JPG "Honey Bowes Closes the Winter Championships with a Win in the Winter 1.35m Championship")
