Sian Edwards Clinches Victory in International Stairway at South of England Show

Despite the unpredictable weather at the South of England Show this weekend, nine rider and horse combinations came forward to contest the International Stairway, taking on a challenging course designed by Ben Townley. 

From the opening rounds, the competition proved tight, with five combinations jumping through to reach the jump-off. In a test of speed, precision, and nerves, it was Sian Edwards riding Philip Price’s Magnum Force II who claimed top honours, completing the course with only four faults in a time of 59.88 seconds. 

Close behind in second place was Lucy Townley aboard Billy Be Boss, also finishing on four faults but crossing the line in 63.71 seconds. Third place went to Derek McCoppin riding Capital Levubu, adding to the closely contested podium with four faults again, in 64.01 seconds. 

The class showcased the skill and determination of all riders, proving that even less-than-ideal weather can’t dampen the spirit of competition at the South of England Show. 

“We actually bred Harry ourselves and have produced him all the way through, he’s ten this time. He is basically like a big dog, my son who is eight leads him around everywhere, he’s like a pet at home, one of the family. We qualified for the HOYS Grade C two years ago and the Queens Cup at Hickstead last year, we probably jumped one Stairway last year but it’s only really this year we have started doing stay away shows. I have my own business at home so it’s difficult to take more than a few days off at a time, but we would like maybe do a trip abroad towards the end of the year if we can. He has jumped plenty of International Trials and been placed, being consistent on the County Show circuit since he was eight years old. 

“It was a bit wet, but the going and ring at South of England is amazing, I’d say it’s probably the best ring on the County Show circuit. Ben Townley built a great course and although the class didn’t have lots of entries, it still took some jumping, it was a fair test. Harry has done plenty of County Shows and is well used to the atmosphere, although have been placed in a few Stairway’s we have never actually won one so it was really good. 

“Our next show will be Royal Highland next week to jump the Stairway and the Grand Prix there, then we will do the stay away at Norfolk and also Great Yorkshire, which is another great show. I also have a mare who is a top 1.40m/Area Trial horse who I run alongside Harry, she’s very good but not quite at the same level as Harry.” Sian 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.   

South of England Show – Sunday 7 June 2026   
British Showjumping Business Partnership International Stairway Series   

1st – Sian Edwards & Magnum Force II – 0/4 59.88 

2nd – Lucy Townley & Billy Be Boss – 0/4 63.71 

3rd – Derek McCoppin & Capital Levubu – 0/4 64.01 

4th – Joseph Fernyhough & Calcourt Countdown – 4/4 53.61 

5th – Gemma Stevens & Envoy Merelsnest Z – 4/12 53.82 

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

Image: South of England Agricultural Society and Julian Portch Photography