David Harland and Murchacko Quatro Climb to International Stairway Victory at Royal Highland Show

The prestigious International Stairway class at the Royal Highland Show attracted 19 determined rider and horse combinations on Friday, all aiming to secure top honours over Shaun Sands’ challenging course. 

With the track proving influential throughout the competition, only five combinations managed to negotiate the course successfully and earn their place in the jump-off. The pressure remained high in the deciding round, where fractions of a second would prove crucial. 

Emerging victorious was David Harland aboard Nicola Wood’s talented Murchacko Quatro. Delivering a confident and composed performance, the pair produced a faultless jump-off round, stopping the clock in 59.49 seconds to secure the win. 

Hot on their heels was Rebecca Marsh riding Stevie G. Also leaving every fence intact, they crossed the finish line in 59.83 seconds to take a well-deserved second place. 

Third place went to Stephen Lohoar and Regina Van't Rivalinhof. Having picked up four faults in the opening round, they returned to produce the final clear effort of the competition, clocking 59.43 seconds. 

“Quattro has been fantastic, after winning the Stairway at Devon County he was third at Suffolk and then had a brief trip out to the 2* at St Tropez. It wasn’t the easiest trip to fit into the middle of the season but well worth it, the horses gained some great experience. Royal Highland is our local show, we are only ten minutes away, we were delighted with our show there, it couldn’t really have gone any better! We didn’t quite have enough in the tank to clinch the win in the Grand Prix the following day, Quattro is only nine, is still developing his speed and stamina, he’s a big scopey jumper and not as economical as the older horses he’s up against. He puts a lot of effort into every single jump! I think for a nine year old to jump two double clears in there first ever visit to the Royal Highland Show, main ring at 1.50m – 1.55m and win is unbelievable. 

“Mark McGowan got the course building just about right with three clear rounds – for the county show circuit that class works perfectly for the crowds to watch. Last year I the Mini Major there with Quattro and everybody said you're crazy taking him in that class, but he was getting a look around the arena and crowd for next year, I don’t know whether it worked or not but he went on to jump two double clears so it can’t of hurt! It’s a huge atmosphere, I’d love to know how many were watching, but the grandstand was packed full, and the members’ area, with plenty of people standing watching too. I am not sure if any other county show has quite so many people about as they do there. 

 “We are heading off to Royal Norfolk now with an eye on the Stairway there on Thursday and then on to Great Yorkshire to finish the series.” David said. 

The International Stairway takes place across a number of county shows throughout the season, with winning combinations accruing league points that count towards the Final at the British Showjumping National Championships in August at Stoneleigh Park.    

The series culminates in a high-profile championship where not only is the National Champion crowned, but three coveted Horse of the Year Show International Wild Cards are also up for grabs, adding even more excitement and prestige to the competition.    

The International Stairway Series is supported by the British Showjumping Business Partnership, which includes ClipMyHorse.TV, Charles Owen, HorseQuest, Equine Bio Genie and Zebra Products, to whom everyone at British Showjumping is extremely grateful.    

Find the full International Stairway league here: https://www.britishshowjumping.co.uk/rankings/lists/International-Stairway-Series.    

Royal Highland Show – Friday 19 June 2026    
British Showjumping Business Partnership International Stairway Series    

1st – David Harland & Murchacko Quatro – 0/0 59.49 

2nd – Rebecca Marsh & Stevie G – 0/0 59.83 

3rd – Stephen Lohoar & Regina Van’t Rivalinhof – 4/0 59.49 

NB: Qualifications will be updated pending official grading of results.    

Image: Sinclair Photography