Joseph Trunkfield and No Mercy PH Triumph in Redpost Equestrian Senior Foxhunter Second Round at Arena UK

The Redpost Equestrian Senior Foxhunter Second Round at Arena UK attracted a competitive field of 46 rider combinations at the weekend, all taking on Nigel Jess' demanding course in a bid to secure qualification for the Championship Final. 

Twelve combinations successfully negotiated the first two rounds to earn their place in a closely contested jump-off, where fractions of a second proved decisive. 

Emerging victorious was Joseph Trunkfield riding Natasha Thomas' No Mercy PH, who delivered a superb faultless jump-off round to stop the clock in 45.07 seconds, securing the win and a coveted place in the Championship Final. 

Hot on his heels was Fergal Holohan aboard MHB Fleck of Gold, who also produced a stylish clear round but finished just 0.23 seconds behind the winner with a time of 45.30 seconds. 

Third place went to Nigel Springer riding Oracle HBF, who completed the podium after another impressive clear jump-off round in 46.64 seconds. 

With a large number of combinations progressing to the jump-off, the class provided an exciting finish, showcasing the quality and competitiveness of the Redpost Equestrian Senior Foxhunter series. Joseph Trunkfield and No Mercy PH's combination of speed and accuracy ultimately proved unbeatable, earning them a well-deserved victory at Arena UK and ticket to the final at Horse of the Year Show. 

“I have produced Cici from her first show to jumping her first World Ranking class recently. We actually sold her, about three weeks ago to Izzy Thomas but she had a holiday booked so left me with the ride on her for the second round. Cici has been a great horse so far, has plenty of jump and is so easy to do and have around. 

“It’s quite a lucky regional for me at Arena UK, that’s the third year on the trot I have won it! The course was great for me actually because all three horses [I was riding] got through to the last round and the other two both just had a fence each. It suited Cici as the jump off was fast enough, but it was actually about jumping and she naturally covers the ground. So, I just started in a big rhythm, stayed in that and just trusted her to jump the fences. Arena UK had done a really good job looking after everyone in the warm weather and did a great job with the surfaces, keeping them watered and the going really good all day. 

“Izzy is back from holiday now so she will ride her at Chard International next week and they have also qualified for Hickstead in the Winter B & C final next week. The plan is for Izzy to take over the reins fully but hopefully she will book another holiday in October; then I can take up the ride at HOYS!” Joseph said. 

Redpost Equestrian Senior Foxhunter Second Round 

Arena UK, Saturday 11 July 2026 

1st – Joseph Trunkfield & No Mercy PH – 0/0/0 45.07 

2nd – Fergal Holohan & MHB Fleck of Gold – 0/0/0 45.30 

3rd – Nigel Springer & Oracle HBF – 0/0/0 46.64 

NB: Results pending official grading 

Image: ATG Photography