Alex Leggott Kicks Off 2026 in Style at Morris Equestrian Large Pony Premier
Thursday 08 January 2026
Alex Leggott got the New Year off to a great start at Morris Equestrian Centre’s Large Pony Premier, taking top spot in both Saturday and Sunday’s Children on Horses 16 years and under 1.20m qualifier, riding The Blossom Stud's Blossom’s Billy Heinz. Making it a family affair, Henry Leggott also finished second and third place in both qualifying classes riding Jewel Princess Maximum SG and Call Girl STS Z respectively.
Saturday’s Winter JA Classic saw Katie Ellen Mellis take top honours, producing the only clear round in the first phase aboard Dulk Du Thym to secure victory and book her place in the final. Second place went to Henry Leggott riding Blossom’s Big Claim, finishing as the fastest of the four-fault round. Charlie Barker followed closely in third place aboard Roman’s Eclipse.
Charlie Barker went one better and claimed victory in Sunday’s equivalent Winter JA Classic aboard Little Charlie II, producing the only jumping clear of the class and finishing with just one time fault in the second round. Henry Leggott once again secured second place riding Blossom’s Big Claim, while Lexi Lane completed the podium in third place with Beechmount Romeo.
Saturday’s Blue Chip Pro Sparkle JC/JA Handicap saw a strong field of 26 starters deliver an exciting competition, with 10 combinations jumping double clear in the single-phase class. An outstanding performance from Henry Leggott saw him dominate the class with a one-two finish. Henry took the win aboard Blossom’s Jessop Panache in a fast time of 41.76 seconds and followed up with second place on Blossom’s Midget in 43.16 seconds, with both ponies competing in the JC section. Third place went to Charlie Barker riding Abano D I in the JA section, finishing in 49.78 seconds.
Saturday’s Winter JC/JD Qualifier attracted a strong entry of 32 starters, with 11 combinations progressing to the jump-off and three combinations securing a much wanted triple clear. Victory went to Ella Kay aboard Luna’s Star, who secured first place with a fast jump-off time of 35.71 seconds. Brooke Harland followed closely in second place riding Hakuna Matata X, finishing in 35.81 seconds, while Kate Anderson claimed third place with Goodwin Junior in 39.78 seconds.
In Sunday’s equivalent Winter JC/JD Qualifier, Phoebe Crossman claimed first place aboard Elle Villanelle Z. Thirteen of the initial 27 starters jumped double clear and returned for the jump-off. Three met their aim of a treble clear with Phoebe skilfully guiding the game mare to top spot by 1.11 seconds. Henry Leggott secured second place aboard Blossom’s Jessop Panache, rounding off a highly successful weekend, finishing in 33.82 seconds. Third place went to Britney Clarke riding Georgio De Balizac across the finish line in 35.74 seconds.
Image: Jamie Agnew Photography
