Neil’s A Diamond
Wednesday 24 December 2025
Sophia Rogers and Neil 55 continued their incredible run of form, seeing off stiff competition to triumph in the Mini Stakes.
The pair has enjoyed a successful year, winning the Leading Pony Showjumper of the Year at the Horse of the Year Show, and being part of the British team which won the gold medal at the Pony European Championships.
“I was put under a lot of pressure [in the jump-off], especially because I had an Irish boy behind me and they're quite strong in their riding,” said 15-year-old Sophia.
“My trainer and I both thought that Neil is capable of taking strides out, as he has big strides so I thought, ‘I've just got to take a chance, I’ve got nothing to lose’."
Neil 55 is a 13-year-old bay gelding who is owned by Sophia’s mum Nicola and was previously ridden by Sophia’s sister Izabella.
“I've been with him now in a partnership for two years so I know what he's capable of. I went in there knowing that I had a strong chance of winning - you've got to think like that, you can't just make numbers - and it all paid off,” said 15-year-old Sophia.
“I love him with my whole heart. I can trust him. He's so fun and we know him inside out.”
Hollie Gerken, Sophia’s gold-medal winning team-mate from the Pony Europeans, finished second with Galaxy V, while Sam Widger and Little Smithe were third.
Image: London International Horse Show
 c. Majestic Photography.jpg "James Smith Dominates in the Penultimate Winter Grand Prix at Aintree Winter Classic Show")
