Mark Edwards Claims the 7-year-old Title at Arena UK
Saturday 21 March 2026
Mark Edwards claimed the Winter Seven-year-old title from the front with the home-bred Valda at the British Showjumping Winter Championships, but Joe Trunkfield gave him a run for his money.
Eight competitors battled it out in the jump-off with Joe taking two bites of the cherry, but Mark set a sizzling target, powering to the top and commandingly held the lead until the final draw. Joe gave it his best shot on Whispers Enigma and was in contention all the way, stopping the clock only 0.09 seconds off the pace for second place.
The home-bred mare Valda is a late starter after having a foal as a four-year-old and only jumping a couple of shows late in her five-year-old year. Valda is by Cabrio Z and out of the mare Vijlada MW – a consistent winner on the county circuit for Andrew Davies.
“After Andrew Davies had finished competing her, Vijlada’s owner [the late Marlene Edwards, a long-time owner for Mark] sent her to us as a broodmare and to enjoy her retirement. She’s had three foals, Valda is the eldest,” explained Mark. “She’s super-easy, my groom Brooke does most with her, and I think she’ll progress to be a little winner.”
Joe Trunkfield steered Whispers Enigma into second place, relegating Jess Hewitt and Chasalino PS to third.
NB Results pending final grading
Image: Suzanne Jones
