Thomas Pritchard and Princess SW Gallop to GFS Saddles Senior Newcomers Championship Second Round Victory

The race towards the Horse of the Year Show continued at Felbridge Showground at the weekend, where riders contested the GFS Saddles Senior Newcomers Championship Second Round and the chance to progress further along the prestigious championship pathway. 

A competitive field of 68 rider combinations came forward to tackle John Bedford's testing track, with riders aiming to secure one of the coveted qualification places. The course proved a true examination of accuracy and consistency, with only 11 combinations successfully jumping clear through both opening rounds to earn a place in the jump-off. 

With the pressure mounting and qualification opportunities on the line, the jump-off delivered an exciting battle against the clock. Thomas Pritchard and Marta Rocha Lima's Princess SW produced a superb performance, combining speed with precision to stop the clock in 35.67 seconds and claim the top honours. 

Fraser Reed and CSF Pallas also delivered a faultless jump-off round, crossing the finish line in 36.30 seconds to secure second place, while Adam Morgan guided Carrickview Clarissa to another clear round in 36.72 seconds, taking third place on the podium. 

The result marks another important step on the road to championship success for the leading combinations. Their next destination will be the GFS Saddles Senior Newcomers Masters at the British Showjumping National Championships, where riders will have one final opportunity to cement their credentials before attention turns to the prestigious GFS Saddles Senior Newcomers Final at the Horse of the Year Show. 

With strong performances throughout the class and fierce competition from start to finish, the Felbridge Showground qualifier once again highlighted the depth of talent within British Showjumping's up-and-coming ranks. 

“I started riding the mare as a four year old, she’s home bred by her owner,  Marta Rocha Lima and has been based with Julian Mincher, who I ride for, since she was a three year old.   She’s been a mega horse, she qualified for the GFS Saddles Newcomers Championship  at HOYS last year as a six year old, winning the second round at Weston Lawns and finished eighth at the final. Hopefully, we can improve on last year’s result, often horses can get a bit star struck in the arena at HOYS so her having the experience last year will be an advantage for her. We know that she can go in there, perform well and be confident. 

“The class itself jumped very well, I had two in it, my first horse was unlucky having a pole in the second round. Princess jumped really well, she was class through the whole thing and just kept getting better as the rounds went on. She’s a bit like that, the more you ask her the more she tries and keeps delivering. 

“Princess is also qualified for the Winter B&C at Hickstead in a few weeks time, ideally, we would like to get a couple more HOYS tickets if possible in the Talent Seekers and Grade C. She’s been a little bit unlucky with those so far, having been the second best seven year old and fastest four faulter in the Grade C,  hopefully it will all come together for her, she’s been jumping well with a great start to the season.” Thomas said. 

GFS Saddles Senior Newcomers Championship Second Round 

Felbridge Showground, Saturday 30 May 2026 

1st – Thomas Pritchard & Princess SW – 0/0/0 35.67 

2nd – Fraser Reed & CSF Pallas – 0/0/0 36.30 

3rd – Adam Morgan & Carrickview Clarissa – 0/0/0 36.72 

NB Results pending official grading  

Image: Felbridge Photography