The NAF Five-Star Bronze & Silver League Final Kicks Off the Start of Horse of the Year Show
Wednesday 07 October 2026
Katie Benbow overcame injury-hit preparations to land the NAF Five-Star Bronze League Championship on day one of the 2026 Horse of the Year Show in Birmingham.
The North Yorkshire-based rider guided her bay mare Latico to victory after eight combinations from 14 starters made the jump-off.
Their winning time of 36.94 seconds was just over a second quicker than runner-up Anabel Cluer, riding Ciao Bella Z, while Martin Brake took third place on Juduela.
For Katie, though, the build-up to HOYS was far from plain sailing, and it proved a real team effort to keep the horse on track for its appearance in the Andrews Bowen International Arena.
"I broke my wrist a week after qualifying for HOYS, so I haven't really been riding," Katie said.
"I've had friends, family, everyone keeping her fit, my partner keeping her fit for me, just riding her and just trying to keep her going. I wasn't sure what was going to happen, but we managed to pull it off.
"I don't think it is going to sink in for a while. It's unbelievable. She is a very quick mare and very competitive against the clock, but anything can happen on the day."
The NAF Five-Star Silver League Championship went to Catherine Housman and her 19-year-old mare Contrichta, leaving the Kent rider to reflect on their biggest win together.
A gripping jump-off saw the top three finishers separated by just 1.33 seconds, with Lucy Hassall and One for Lucy taking second and Emily Mould and My Ariana completing the podium places.
"I knew I had an early draw in the jump-off and there were some fast people behind me, but that kind of helps me. I tend to overthink it if I am later to go, so I just did my own thing and luckily it was enough.
"She is 19 now, and I don't think she is showing any sign of slowing down. I thought maybe I would come to HOYS and retire her afterwards, but I don't know if she is the type to let me retire her!
"She has been an incredible mare, she owes me nothing, and to come here and win is extra special. She is well, she is fit and she still loves to jump."
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