Leo Lamb is Victorious in the Hartpury Winter Classic Grand Prix
Wednesday 24 December 2025
The final Winter Classic show of 2025 concluded in style at Hartpury University, with an exciting Winter Grand Prix providing a fitting finale.
A strong field of 31 starters came forward to contest the class, with 14 combinations producing clear rounds to qualify for a competitive jump-off. From those, six delivered impressive double clears, setting the stage for a thrilling battle against the clock.
First to return in the jump-off, Ryan Page laid down a quick early benchmark, but it was swiftly bettered by Leo Lamb, who took over the lead with a bold and efficient round that ultimately could not be beaten. Victory went to Leo riding Las Palmas VG, a nine-year-old gelding jointly owned by Lamb and Mark Bellinger. The pair stopped the clock in a winning time of 38.00 seconds, adding to an already successful weekend after also claiming the 1.35m Open earlier in the show.
Commenting after his win, Leo said: “We started the week with a win in the big class from Las Palmas, which felt unreal. He was meant to jump the 1.40m on day two, but we decided to withdraw from that to save him for the Grand Prix, which paid off. He jumped a really good first round, and then I watched Ryan [Page] jump, and he is always very quick, but I thought we could match it if I used his big stride to my advantage, and we were just able to sneak in front.
“I took on the ride in June, and we just got on really well straight away and are going from strength to strength. He’s quite quiet and almost boring at home, but he definitely finds another gear at shows and really enjoys his jumping. He had done a handful of 1.40m classes with his previous rider, Chris Moyce. I’m very proud of him [Las Palmas] and he’s doing Chris proud every time he steps in the ring. I couldn’t have asked for a better way to finish his season.
“We’re planning to go back to Oliva for MET III and IV in the new year. This will give some of the horses more experience. I think this is the strongest team of horses I have had. Next year is looking very exciting,” added Leo.
Ryan Page had to settle for second place aboard BP Ko Jax, finishing just fractions behind on 38.27 seconds, while Jackson Reed Stephenson secured third with Obelia VD Bisschop in 38.63 seconds.
Winter Grand Prix
Hartpury Arena
1st- Leo Lamb & Las Palmas VG – 0/0 38.00
2nd – Ryan Page & BP Ko Jax – 0/0 38.27
3rd – Jackson Reed Stephenson & Obelia VD Bisschop – 0/0 38.63
NB Results pending final grading
Image: Jasmine Punter Photography
The Winter Grade C Championship Qualifier was hotly contested at Hartpury University's Winter Classic Show, with combinations aiming to secure their place at the Winter Championships next year.
A total of 22 starters came forward for the class, with eight combinations producing clear rounds to advance to the jump-off. Of those, five went on to deliver double-clear performances, setting up an exciting conclusion to the class.
Jumping last to go in the jump-off, Rachel Vicary held her nerve to produce a decisive round and clinch the win. Riding her own Brockagh Lady D’or, an eight-year-old Irish-bred mare, she delivered a fast and fluent clear, stopping the clock in 34.85 seconds to take top honours.
Caba Ignacio finished close behind in second place aboard C-Let’s Dance Van De Beemd, while Emily Ellis completed the podium in third with Certain Romance, rounding off a competitive qualifier.
Winter Grade C Championship Qualifier
Hartpury University
1st – Rachel Vicary & Brockagh Lady D’or – 0/0 34.85
2nd – Caba Ignacio & C-Let’s Dance Van De Beemd – 0/0 36.53
3rd – Emily Ellis & Certain Romance – 0/0 40.31
NB Results pending final grading
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