The 2025 Royal Windsor Horse Show wrapped up on Sunday after four days of world-class equestrian action, culminating in a spectacular CSI5* Rolex Grand Prix that saw Belgium’s Gregory Wathelet storm to victory aboard Bond Jamesbond de Hay. Wathelet, who previously won the class in 2022, edged out the competition in a fiercely contested jump-off to claim his second Windsor title.
“The last four years competing at Royal Windsor has been really good; winning in 2022, coming second in 2024 and winning again this year – so I’m very happy. I really enjoy riding here, it’s a great show and the crowd are really supportive,” said Wathelet.
The Grand Prix featured 32 of the world’s top combinations over Bernardo Costa Cabral’s technical 1.60m track. Just nine riders advanced to the jump-off, where times kept tumbling as the class progressed. Harry Charles (GBR) briefly took the lead aboard Sherlock, only to be overtaken by Harrie Smolders (NED) on Monaco. But it was Wathelet’s sharp turns and galloping finish that shaved 0.06 seconds off Smolders’ time to seal the win.
“I saw everyone get faster and faster, but I knew my horse and his speed, I knew he likes going fast, so I took some risks, but you have to on a day like today,” he added.
Runner-up Harrie Smolders praised the event:
“Royal Windsor is such a prestigious show with a great atmosphere. We’ve seen a massive Rolex Grand Prix class today with a good amount of clears – which is a sign of a great course designer.”
Bettendorf Blazes to Victory in the Manama Rose Show Stakes
Earlier in the day, Victor Bettendorf (LUX) took top honours in the CSI5 Manama Rose Show Stakes*, piloting Encore Toi du Linon to a swift and precise round in 58.08 seconds. The single-phase 1.50m speed class tested agility and control, with Bettendorf’s early lead proving unbeatable despite fast efforts from Lorenzo de Luca (59.22s) and Richard Vogel (60.45s).
“Royal Windsor is an amazing Show – it is one of my favourites,” said Bettendorf. “I was nervous watching the remaining riders to see if they were going to be quicker than me… I am very excited about [Encore Toi du Linon]’s future.”
Rising Stars Shine: Sponer Triumphs in U25 Final
British talent was on full display in The Defender Under 25 Jumping Competition, with Olivia Sponer clinching the win aboard the talented Kookie W. Of the 30 starters, 13 advanced to the jump-off, with Glain Watkin Jones setting a strong early time. But Sponer produced the fastest double clear, crossing the line 0.30 seconds ahead.
“It didn’t go completely to plan, but she [Kookie W] jumped amazingly… it is really special to be able to bring her here and compete in this class with the brilliant atmosphere,” said Sponer.
Walker Family Dominates Show Pony Arena
In the showing rings, Isabella Walker added two more titles to her family’s remarkable Royal Windsor record, taking both the Novice and Open Show Pony Championships. Her partner in the Open class, 128cm Stoneleigh Showtime, was foot-perfect in both qualifying and the final. Her father, Robert Walker, had already secured the Open and Novice Hunter Championships earlier in the week.
Judge Gregory Goss was full of praise:
“There was unbelievable quality in all our classes today. The ponies were beautifully ridden and produced… the champion was just exceptional.”
Helen Davies, who owns both of Isabella’s rides, also celebrated as Wadacre Tigger secured the Novice Champion title. Other notable showing results included:
- Chloe Salley and Copybush Time Lord: 148cm winner and Open Reserve
- Hannah Horton with Stage Diva: Anglo and Part-Bred Arab Champion
- Heidi Cooper on Dowhills Nuage Noir: Show Hunter Pony Champion
Boyd Exell Clinches 15th Royal Windsor Title
In the CAIO4 Carriage Driving World Cup™ Qualifier*, Boyd Exell (AUS) once again proved his supremacy, taking his 15th Royal Windsor title. Despite Dries Degrieck (BEL) winning the final cones phase by a narrow margin, Exell’s dominant performances in the earlier sections secured him overall victory with a final score of 132.24, nearly 20 points clear of second-placed Glenn Geerts (BEL).
Degrieck’s strong showing helped Belgium take the Nations Cup title alongside teammates Tom Stokmans and Geerts.
Windsor’s Magic Endures
The 2025 Royal Windsor Horse Show delivered outstanding sport, rising talent, and unforgettable performances across all disciplines. From show jumping to showing and driving, the Castle Arena once again proved to be one of the UK’s most iconic equestrian stages.
