Ryan Page and BP Ko Jax Fly to Victory in South View's Winter Grand Prix
Tuesday 17 February 2026
The final Winter Grand Prix of the 2025/26 Winter Classic Series provided an exciting conclusion to the weekend’s competition at South View Equestrian Centre, with a select field lining up for the feature class.
Twenty combinations came forward to contest Mark McGowan’s 1.40m track, with four progressing to the jump-off. In a high-pressure decider, only two riders managed to produce double clears to fight it out for top honours.
It was Ryan Page who secured a well-deserved victory aboard Zoe Snedker’s 11-year-old gelding BP Ko Jax. Second to go in the jump-off, Ryan produced a confident and efficient round to stop the clock in 38.13 seconds, overtaking early leader Hannah Sims, and setting a target that proved unbeatable. The result continues a consistent run of form for this partnership, who have already picked up second place at the Hartpury College Winter Grand Prix and third place at the Kelsall Hill Winter Grand Prix earlier in the series.
Hannah Sims ultimately finished second with Kingfisher VI, delivering the only other double clear in 42.55 seconds. Last to go, John Whitaker MBE looked set to challenge the leaders but a quick four-fault round with Cornets Olona saw him slot into third place.
Following his victory, a delighted Ryan said: “I had four in the class, so it was a bit stressful, but I thought it was a nice strong course, up to height and technical but lovely to ride. OJ is such a superstar. I’ve been riding him for just over three years now and he is an out-and-out winter, although we’ve never won a Grand Prix, but it was only a matter of time. I didn’t have the best of shows, we were a bit unlucky, but this was an amazing result to finish on.
“We know each other inside out, back to front, so I knew I could turn him tight to the second fence, and he would jump it, we have 100% belief in each other. He’s such a genuinely lovely horse. I wouldn’t hesitate to put anybody on him out hacking but as soon as he gets working, he’s so sharp but he just wants to win, I don’t think I could love him anymore.
“We don’t really have a plan for him this year, just see where the year takes us. Last year we jumped some county shows so might do the same again this year and see how he goes. I recently did the 3* training day with Di Lampard at the National Training Centre which was a great experience, and I learnt a lot so I would love to be able to make it onto a team this year.
“Zoe [Snedker] has been an owner for Derek for over 15 years now, and he doesn’t really ride anymore so I took on some of his rides. I actually had OJ in to sell for his previous owners, and he was bought for me to continue riding. She’s such an amazing owner and is so supportive of us and I’m incredibly grateful to have a horse like him; he’s the king of our yard,” added Ryan.
New this year, the Winter Grand Prix League introduces an exciting new competition format to the British Showjumping calendar. Running at the Winter Classics Series, the league offers riders and spectators an action-packed circuit culminating in a high-stakes final at the British Showjumping Winter Championships (formerly British Showjumping Spring Championships). Leading the way into the Winter Championships is Alex Barr and Preben Van De Doornakkers (36 points), with Joe Trunkfield & Corvette VH Reukenis Z and Ryan Page & BP Ko Jax both sitting in second place (29 points), followed by Emily Ward & Wild Star HF staying in third place (21 points). The winner of the Winter Grand Prix League will be decided at the Winter Championships, where the winner will need to compete in the final to gain the league crown.
To find out more about the league, visit: https://www.britishshowjumping.co.uk/rankings/lists/winter-grand-prix
Winter Grand Prix
South View Equestrian Centre
1st – Ryan Page & BP Ko Jax – 0/0 38.13
2nd – Hannah Sims & Kingfisher VI – 0/0 42.55
3rd – John Whitaker MBE & Cornets Olona - 0/4 39.71
NB Results pending final grading
Image: Phil Hillier / Landscape and Horses
