Jessica Upton Secures Top Spot in Nupafeed Supplements Senior Discovery Second Round at Barleylands

Barleylands Equestrian Centre welcomed 44 rider and horse combinations at the weekend for the Nupafeed Supplements Senior Discovery Second Round, where competitors were aiming to secure qualification for the final at the British Showjumping National Championships this August. 

Set on a technical track designed by Stuart Young, the class proved a true test of accuracy and consistency. Riders needed to produce two clear rounds to earn a place in the jump-off, and by the conclusion of the opening rounds, 16 combinations had successfully booked their place in the final phase. 

It was Jessica Upton who delivered the winning performance, partnering Laura Renwick’s NFS Quatina to produce a stylish third clear round. The pair combined speed with precision to stop the clock in 32.20 seconds, securing victory in a highly competitive class. 

“I have been riding the mare, who is owned and was bred by Laura Renwick, for about six months now. She is lovely, the best horse ever and I literally love her so much! It was quite a fast class and I missed one of the turns in the jump off, so I knew I needed to go for it to make up the time and somehow, she did and we managed to win. We have a good relationship, so when I asked her for a bit more she gave it a go. The course was nice, not too full up and distances were following so you could keep a good rhythm. 

This is the second time I have qualified for the Nupafeed Discovery Championship final, first time with my own horse and we came eighth. NFS Quatina is also qualified for the National 1.15m Members Cup Championship so we are looking forward to jumping that Championship too. We also recently jumped our first 1.25m at Blue Chip and plan to keep going and have some fun between now and the Championships.  I also have a younger horse to jump in another Nupafeed Senior Discovery second round next weekend so I will see how she goes.” Jessica said. 

Close behind in second place was Emma-Jo Slater aboard Kimba Showtime, who also produced an excellent clear round in the jump-off, finishing in 32.81 seconds. 

Third place went to Hollie Gerken riding SLH Suntouchable, another combination to leave every fence standing, crossing the line in 34.69 seconds. 

The standard of competition at Barleylands once again underlined the strength of talent coming through the senior ranks, with riders showing both composure and determination under pressure. For those who achieved qualification, the focus will now shift to the British Showjumping National Championships, where the country’s best combinations will come together in August to contest the prestigious Nupafeed Supplements Senior Discovery Final. 

Nupafeed Supplements Senior Discovery Second Round 

Barleylands Equestrian Centre, Sunday 26 April 2026 

1st – Jessica Upton & NFS Quatina – 0/0/0 32.20 

2nd – Emma-Jo Slater & Kimba Showtime – 0/0/0 32.81 

3rd – Hollie Gerken & SLH Suntouchable – 0/0/0 34.69 

NB Results pending official grading 

Image: Cool Equine Photography