Gemma Stevens Wins Ashby Underwriting Eventers’ Challenge with Cooley Park Muze
Gemma Stevens delivered a commanding performance to win the Ashby Underwriting Eventers’ Challenge at Hickstead’s prestigious Royal International Horse Show yesterday (Thursday, July 24), securing victory with her nine-year-old gelding Cooley Park Muze by a significant margin.
The 2022 champion proved her class once again at the famous All England Jumping Course, becoming one of only two riders from 24 starters to jump clear around the challenging course in the International Arena.
Stevens had entered two horses in the competition, but while her previous winner Flash Cooley finished eighth with three fences down, it was Cooley Park Muze who delivered the goods at the West Sussex venue.
Dominant Performance in the International Arena
Stevens and Cooley Park Muze cruised around the twisting course with remarkable ease, maintaining a strong rhythm throughout to finish in a winning time of 122.36 seconds.
“He literally strutted his stuff up the chute and into the arena, and he was ready to give his best today,” Stevens explained. “He was second in his first Advanced on Saturday at Aston, and he’s come out of that absolutely bouncing. He went around with such ease.”
The partnership’s confidence was evident as they tackled the lengthy course at Hickstead. “I was trying to ride the tightest, fastest lines everywhere and be as efficient as I possibly could. Cooley Park Muze was so with me today – he was so smooth and calm, and that’s why he can be fast. He’s probably one of the nicest horses I’ve ever had.”
Stevens described her mount as “a laid-back, confident horse who loves crowds and big occasions” – qualities that clearly served them well in the International Arena at the Royal International Horse Show.
Bragg Claims Runner-Up Spot
Defending champion Alexander Bragg finished as runner-up aboard his Badminton horse Ardeo Premier. Despite a valiant effort as the last combination into the arena, one fence down cost him four seconds and left him more than eight penalties behind the winner.
“Ardeo Premier, or Eddie, just turns up and does the job. He’s always a bit gawpy, like he’s never been out eventing before, but he’s done big five-stars and he’s so reliable – I trust him implicitly,” said the Somerset rider, who is now targeting Burghley with his reliable partner.
Bragg also competed on new ride Pamplona, finishing seventh in the final standings at Hickstead.
Strong Competition Throughout the Field
The only other clear round came from first-timer Ellie Fredericks, who produced a careful but steady performance with Upper Class Brit to finish ninth.
Third place went to another Cooley horse, with Harry Horton and Cooley With Ambition crossing the finish line in 136.95 seconds after collecting two fence penalties.
Pippa Funnell claimed fourth place with the homebred Billy Wonder, their time of 137.16 seconds including a four-second time penalty.
Looking Ahead
Stevens’ victory at the prestigious Hickstead Royal International continues her excellent form this season and reinforces her position as one of Britain’s leading event riders. With Cooley Park Muze showing such impressive form following his recent Advanced debut, the combination looks set for an exciting remainder of the 2025 season.
The Ashby Underwriting Eventers’ Challenge remains one of the highlights of the Royal International Horse Show calendar, attracting top-class competitors to the famous All England Jumping Course.
Feature image: Gemma Stevens won the Ashby Underwriting Eventers’ Challenge for a second time (c) Boots and Hooves Photography
