Ellie Tulley Triumphs in Port Royal NAF Summer Bronze League Qualifier

The NAF Five Star Summer Bronze League Qualifier took centre stage at Port Royal Showground at the weekend, where 24 rider combinations stepped forward to tackle Michael Bainbridge’s testing course in a bid to secure qualification for the next stage of the championship. 

Competition proved fierce throughout the class, with riders needing to jump two consistent clear rounds to earn their place in the jump-off. Ten combinations rose to the challenge and progressed through to the final decider. 

It was Ellie Tulley who ultimately claimed victory aboard her own Cordess Nena after producing a polished and confident jump-off round. The pair stopped the clock in 45.90 seconds to secure the win and valuable qualification points. 

Hot on her heels was Alexander Barnes riding Isabeau SSB, who also delivered a faultless jump-off performance to take second place in a time of 46.69 seconds. 

Third place went to Ava Lipthorpe riding Finchley Park’s Boy, with another impressive clear round in 49.50 seconds rounding off a competitive podium. 

With the qualifier complete, attention now turns towards the Summer Bronze League Semi-Finals later this summer, as riders continue their journey towards the prestigious final at Horse of the Year Show this October. 

“It was a busy weekend chasing the qualifiers, we went to Weston Lawns the day before, jumped treble clear in the NAF Bronze League qualifier and finished fourth, just missing out on qualifying. We also did the qualifier at Willow Banks a couple of weeks ago, we were treble clear again and fifth, it’s such a relief to finally get the qualification. Port Royal is our local venue; we were there the day before supporting friends then I managed to qualify. 

“Cordess Nena has been great jumping three treble clears in the qualifiers!  She’s only a small mare, around 16hh and I have had her just a year,  she was owned by Mountain Bridge Sports Horses where I was riding her, then they offered me her and I couldn’t say no, I fell in love with the mare. They’re family friends at Mountain Bridge and we go and ride there every weekend, I do all my training with them. 

“We started the outdoor season at Chepstow, we were placed every day and came second in the final there, it’s all come together with her now. At Port Royal the weather was tough, I kept Cordess as hydrated as I could. After Weston Lawns, and the other triple clear my aim was to go as fast as I could and get into the third round. When I looked at the course for the last jump off, I thought I could go tight in places and for a little mare she will go fast enough for me. I went as fast as I could and this time it was fast enough, she deserved it having jumped nine clears across the three qualifiers! 

“Next, we will be heading to Hickstead, to try and qualify for the main ring hopefully, before giving her a little break and then looking ahead to the NAF Bronze League Semi Final.” Said Ellie.   

NAF Five Star Summer Bronze League Qualifier 

Port Royal Showground, Monday 25 May 2026 

1st – Ellie Tulley & Cordess Nena – 0/0/0 45.90 

2nd – Alexander Barnes & Isabeau SSB – 0/0/0 46.69 

3rd – Ava Lipthorpe & Finchley Park’s Boy – 0/0/0 49.50 

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

Image: Megs Media Life