Puissance night at Horse of the Year Show once again hit memorable heights as star performers Rachel Proudley and Joe Trunkfield produced a classic contest

Sunday 12 October 2025

Puissance night at Horse of the Year Show once again hit memorable heights as star performers Rachel Proudley and Joe Trunkfield produced a classic contest

Joe, who was defending his Ripon Select Foods Puissance title at HOYS on Locomotion, and Rachel with London, Dublin and Bolesworth champion Easy Boy De Loubry Z, pushed each other every inch of the way.

The climax of a thrilling night's action in front of a capacity crowd at Birmingham NEC saw both riders sail over the famous red wall that had been raised to 2.20 metres.

Prolific puissance winner Guy Williams took third aboard Cordessia Z after also reaching the final round, with Joe and Rachel sharing a crown that showcased everything about their fearless ability.

The audience was gripped throughout - from 14 starters at 1.80m in round one to its tension-packed finale - and both riders lavished praise on their horses as they recounted a true exhibition of power-jumping delivered with breathtaking precision.

"I am delighted to retain the title," Joe said. " It was a great effort from the horse, and he did it all with a smile on his face.

"I am pleased for his owner Tracey Fletcher, who does everything with him. She schools, competes him locally, and I just get on at the bigger shows, which I feel privileged to do.

"This is a show we always want to come back to, and hopefully we can do the same again."

Rachel, meanwhile, added: "I am absolutely over the moon. He tried so hard tonight, and every round he got better. I couldn't have asked any more of him.

"He is called Easy Boy, and honestly he finds it so easy. Every round, the bigger the better for him. It was such an amazing feeling in there, it was a packed crowd, and I trusted him all the way.

"To tick this one off is a dream come true. Congratulations to Joe as well, he put in an amazing performance. It has been a great night.

"There are no words to describe the atmosphere here. It is great to be here, and thanks to everyone for having us."

Image: 1st Class Images

 
Recent News Headlines
Rachel Proudley Takes the NAEC Stoneleigh Accumulator Rachel Proudley Takes the NAEC Stoneleigh Accumulator
12/10/2025
Emily Ward and Wild Star HF shone brightly at Horse of the Year Show to secure a memorable victory in the Rees Family Cup international class. Emily Ward and Wild Star HF shone brightly at Horse of the Year Show to secure a memorable victory in the Rees Family Cup international class.
12/10/2025
Anya Dewey-Clark has big ambitions following her win at Horse of the Year Show Anya Dewey-Clark has big ambitions following her win at Horse of the Year Show
11/10/2025
Double win for Chris Smith at Horse  of the Year Show Double win for Chris Smith at Horse of the Year Show
11/10/2025
Chris Smith Takes the Top Spot in the Grandstand Welcome Stakes Chris Smith Takes the Top Spot in the Grandstand Welcome Stakes
11/10/2025
view news archive »