In a ground-breaking moment for international eventing, 22-year-old Manvendra Singh has become the first Indian event rider to win an FEI international class on British soil for many years, claiming victory in section J of the Uvex-sponsored CCI2*-S at Cornbury House Horse Trials in Oxfordshire.
A Historic Achievement
Riding Declan and Kitty’s Grand Marnier, Singh completed the competition on their dressage score of 31.7, maintaining their lead throughout all three phases to secure this landmark victory.
“It was great to have a horse like this and I really enjoyed the cross-country. I really owe everything to my coach [Declan],” said Singh, who is based with the Cullens in Co Armagh. “I’ve been riding this horse for four months and it has been a great journey.”
The Partnership Behind Success
The victory story is particularly heartwarming, highlighting the generosity and support within the eventing community. When Singh’s regular horse was injured, Kitty Cullen stepped in with an extraordinary gesture.
Declan Cullen explained: “Manvendra’s horse got injured and my daughter, Kitty, said, ‘You can ride my horse.’ This is only Manvendra’s third event with Grand Marnier; he’s done a brilliant job and we’re buzzing.”
Other Notable Performances at Cornbury
The competition showcased exceptional talent across multiple sections:
CCI2*-S Section H Victory
Josh Levett demonstrated remarkable adaptability, winning aboard Amelia Ludiman and Susan Ridley’s Gortin House. The pair added just 0.4 of a cross-country time-fault to their dressage mark of 30.
“I didn’t know what to expect here, because I only started riding this horse three days ago,” said Josh. “She is a lovely, straightforward horse and jumps brilliantly, so I knew I would have a good chance, but there were a lot of unknowns.”
CCI2*-S Section I Success
Britain’s Caroline Harris, preparing for her senior championship debut at the Europeans at Blenheim next week, won with Gail Sinclair’s Isington Girl Power on their 30.1 dressage score.
“I didn’t expect to win – she’s a late starter so is a bit behind all of the other seven-year-olds as she had a foal when she was four,” said Caroline. “This was a lovely way to finish her season.”
International Excellence in CCI3*-S
New Zealand’s Jesse Campbell topped the Pragnell CCI3*-S section F aboard Karen Coumbe and Deborah Strang’s Speedwell. Starting fifth after dressage on 29.9, they capitalised on a speedy double clear, adding just 0.4 of a time-fault to win by 2.6 penalties ahead of Tom McEwen and Maestro.
“He goes to Boekelo next for the Nations Cup and I wanted a competitive but good run, and Cornbury is a great event for setting horses up for three-day events at the end of the season,” said Campbell, who took on the ride following the death of his wife, Georgie.
“Speedwell was produced by Georgie all the way up to four-star and it’s a real honour for me to ride him. She always said he would be the best horse in the world, and it’s amazing that I get to show people that. I love him – he’s a real trier, but also extremely talented.”
The £50,000 Challenge
New Zealand’s Clarke Johnstone leads the ARC Racehorse to Eventer Challenge with Sparky Lad after the dressage and cross-country phases. The 11-year-old Australian-bred son of Smart Missile, owned by Tim Boland, maintained his dressage lead on a score of 26.2.
“I had a great round today. Sparky is always keen to run and I let him go; not too fast as he’s a very speedy little guy and his next aim is Strzegom CCI4*-L, but he jumped a great round,” said Clarke.
“We’re obviously aware of the great prize pot for this class [£50,000], and so there is pressure that comes with it, but he’s a great jumper and we’ll be doing our best to jump clear tomorrow.”
Looking Ahead
The ARC Racehorse to Eventer Challenge Cup concludes on Saturday morning with the final showjumping phase in reverse order. Saturday at Cornbury will also spotlight the UK’s best young horses, with the cross-country phase of The Howden Way British National Championships for five- and six-year-olds taking centre stage.
Event Excellence
Cornbury House Horse Trials continues to establish itself as an innovative blend of world-class equestrian sport, featuring many of the world’s most famous riders, alongside local sustainable food and drink from neighbouring farms, premium hospitality, and interactive children’s activities throughout the weekend of 13-14 September, all set in the stunning Cornbury Park.
All cross-country action from Cornbury House Horse Trials is being shown live on Horse & Country TV’s streaming platform H&C+.
For tickets, timetables, and more information, visit cornburyhousehorsetrials.co.
