Iwan Carpenter lands GFS Saddles Senior Newcomers title after thrilling jump-off
Thursday 08 October 2026
Iwan Carpenter reflected on a "phenomenal" feeling after his home-bred Merllyns Special Illusion won the GFS Saddles Senior Newcomers Championship at Horse of the Year Show.
The 22-year-old, who is based in North Wales, was last to go during a gripping jump-off that saw only four combinations progress from a field of more than 20 starters.
And he had it all to do after Holly Smith and Flying Saucer O.S clipped four hundredths of a second off the leading time set by Alex Hempleman with Billy Foster.
But Iwan did it in style, clocking 35.46 seconds for a clear winning margin from Holly in second and third-placed Alex following a class that did not produce a clear round until well into its second half.
"I have been coming here since I was on ponies, you know, and you get used to the atmosphere," he said. "You don't really get anywhere like the atmosphere you get here.
"I just stuck to my plan in the jump-off, and it paid off with him. I think when you stick to your own plan and don't go trying to chase the times, it always seems to come.
"I didn't feel quick as I was going around. I thought I had just done enough, maybe, to sneak into the lead, but when I finished and looked up and I saw it was over a second I was gobsmacked.
"He is one of our first home-breds, so it makes this win extra special because to have bred your own horse and then to compete at such a big event like this is unbelievable. And to win it, it's just phenomenal.
"He has won quite a few classes this year, and every question I ask has always met with a good answer.
"I definitely think this is one of my best results. I have had a few good results this year, including winning a first ranking class, and to see this horse produced from a four-year-old all the way up to this level is just fantastic."
Image: 1st Class Images
