British Showjumping National Championships 2025 - Day 2
Wednesday 06 August 2025
The day started strong with 23 through to the Senior Newcomer Masters Final jump off in the Sytner Land Rover Coventry Championship Arena. Joe Turnkfield held a early lead, that was until late draw Charlotte Walker took to the ring to claim her HOYS ticket and Championship title.
When asked about qualifying for HOYS - Charlotte, riding her homebred 6-year-old Victorias Painted Secret CW, said: “It’s just amazing to have a homebred qualify, I have never qualified for the Newcomers before so it’s amazing.
“They got faster and faster – I thought, right I’m really going to have to put my foot down. But she’s so agile, she’s so quick and careful, she was just amazing.”
Commenting on the British Showjumping National Championships Charlotte added; “She’s been so close at the second rounds and to have this last lifeline to have the chance to qualify as well as being the national Newcomers champion is brilliant.”
Bella Wila claimed the title for the Nupafeed Supplements Senior Discovery Championship on her 7-year-old Donna ZN I, despite parting ways after the finish not being part of her game plan! In a very fast jump off she managed to slice a second off the time to go ahead of yesterday's triple winner - Emma Jo Slater.
Bella said: “I watched Emma, and she was really quick, so I just thought - go as fast as I can.” Talking about her horse she added: “I’ve had her since a 3 year old, I started her myself so I am really pleased to win today.
The National 1.05m Championship in the Unibed Championship Arena was no mean feat for Phoebe Jefferies who beat the 166 competition to take the title on her own Zipwire – her biggest achievement to date. Phoebe said: “Honestly it’s such an amazing dream, I have produced this horse from 6 years old and he’s really just given his best today, we did some turns I wouldn’t even try on a usual day, but I was feeling brave today.”
In a lightning-fast Sytner Land Rover Coventry Horse of the Year Show International Wild Card Qualifier Incorporating the National Speed Horse Final, Chris Smith and his 10-year-old homebred Messarado Blue claimed the win—finishing two seconds ahead of Guy Williams.
As well as being delighted to beat Guy as “he takes a bit of beating” Chris said: “Every win is good, whether it’s a small class or a big class, especially when you’ve had them from the beginning – it’s nice that you’ve got them to that level.” He hopes to be in good stead for the HOYS wildcard up for grabs tomorrow (Friday).
Closing an action-packed second day Emma Jo Slater didn’t go quietly - three championship wins were not enough for her – claiming her fourth title in the 66 strong National 1.25m Championship on her “favourite” 15 year old mare Freule TN.
Image: 1st Class Images
