Elizabeth Mantel Tops the Podium at NAF Five Star Summer Bronze League Qualifier at Dorset Showground
Wednesday 06 May 2026
The NAF Five Star Summer Bronze League Qualifier at Dorset Showground delivered an exciting day of competition at the weekend, as riders vied for qualification to the coveted semi-finals and a step closer to the iconic Horse of the Year Show.
A strong field of 45 rider combinations came forward to take on Charles Ashworth’s technical course, which demanded precision and consistency from start to finish. The track proved influential, with just eight combinations managing to produce two all-important clear rounds to secure their place in the jump-off.
Rising to the challenge, Elizabeth Mantel claimed top honours with a superb performance aboard Reginald Mantel’s K Gracious. The pair delivered a composed and efficient clear round in the jump-off, stopping the clock in 37.44 seconds to secure victory.
Close behind in second place was Martin Brake riding Juduela, who also produced a faultless effort in a time of 38.24 seconds. Third place went to Ellie-May Payne aboard LA Bamba IV, maintaining the pressure with another clear round and finishing in 38.43 seconds.
With only fractions of a second separating the top three, it was a thrilling conclusion to a highly competitive class, highlighting the determination and skill on display throughout the day.
“We are very, very pleased to win and qualify, she’s a legend, it’s her thirteenth win on the trot! I thought, I am due a pole as she’s not had a pole since last November, but no, she jumped all three rounds clear. I watched Martin and thought there is no way I am beating that but she lands and is always thinking about her turn, which means I can get some really good turn backs, and I did to first vertical and then the triple bar. She’s so scopey I could turn back to the triple bar off two strides. She’s got enough jump to easily get to the other side. She is just amazing.
“I have had her since she was a five year old and was offered a lot of money for her as a six year old which I turned down, everyone said I was mad but I know that I could never replace her. She’s pretty difficult to handle and has to be sedated to shoe and clip and has kicked me in the past, but she will do anything for me now the bond we have is phenomenal, everyone else… not so much. Although she was never particularly fast against the clock when I had by old horse, NPS Andre but since he passed away last year it’s like he lives on in her, since then she has been rapid, its really strange.
“She’s top of the League so now and knowing we have qualified for the semi final, I can take the pressure off her a little bit, we will go out and jump one class now rather than two, we won’t do loads. We will keep everything crossed for the final, what will be will be, she’s been awesome.” Elizabeth said.
These all-important qualifiers now see riders progress to the semi-final stages, with the ultimate goal of reaching the final at the Horse of the Year Show—one of the most prestigious stages in the sport.
NAF Five Star Summer Bronze League Qualifier
Dorset Showground, Saturday 2 May 2026
1st – Elizabeth Mantel & K Gracious – 0/0/0 37.44
2nd – Martin Brake & Juduela – 0/0/0 38.24
3rd – Ellie-May Payne & La Bamba IV – 0/0/0 38.43
NB Results pending official grading
Image: Fushia Media
