Joe Trunkfield Take Top Spot in the UNIBED Winter B&C Qualifier at Arena UK
Thursday 22 January 2026
Joe Trunkfield claimed victory in the UNIBED – High Performance Equine Bedding Winter Grades B&C Qualifier, the final class of Arena UK’s second Winter Classic Show, as riders vied for two available tickets to the final at the Royal International Horse Show.
Twenty-seven combinations started the class, with five advancing to the jump-off. Among them was Zoe Potter, who qualified two horses for the deciding round, adding further intrigue to a competitive finale.
First into the jump-off, Joe Trunkfield and Tracey Fletcher’s No Mercy PH laid down a confident and fluent clear round, stopping the clock in 37.41 seconds, a time that ultimately proved unbeatable.
Zoe Potter returned with her first ride, Loma De Reve LH, but a single pole fell at the upright on the way out of the related distance, resulting in four faults despite a quick time. Knowing exactly what was required, Potter came forward again with Cornet’s Ghost, delivering a composed clear round in 41.05 seconds to secure second place and the remaining qualification spot for the final.
Talking about the winning performance, Joe said: “Everything really went according to plan. We were fairly early to go, so we didn’t get to watch many others, but I thought it was a good course and big enough. The jump-off was very open, which really suited her as she has such a big stride, so Hickstead should be a great ring for her. She jumped everything exactly as she needed to.
“She’s a lovely mare – full of jump and very intelligent. We’ve only just stepped her up to 1.40m, and the plan is to jump her in some National Grand Prix classes over the summer and see where she takes us. Tracey has been such a supportive owner, and she’s a horse we’ve produced together from the start, so it’s really special to get a result like this,” added Joe.
UNIBED - High Performance Equine Bedding Winter Grades B&C Qualifier
Arena UK
1st – Joe Trukfield & No Mercy PH - 0/0 37.41
2nd – Zoe Potter & Cornet’s Ghost - 0/0 41.05
3rd – Zoe Potter & Loma De Reve LH - 0/4 37.91
NB Results pending final grading
Image: ATG Photography
3qoipwoh06ud.jpg "Reminder: New Tack and Equipment Rules from the 1st April")
