New Zealand’s Jonelle Price has seized the lead in the prestigious Malcolm Group CCI4*-L at Scone Palace International Horse Trials following an impressive dressage performance that has set the stage for an exciting weekend of competition.
Price Perfect in Scottish Dressage
Jonelle Price, a multiple CCI5* winner, scored 28.4 penalties on David and Katherine Thomson’s Capitaine De Hus Z, securing a narrow but crucial advantage over Britain’s Tom Jackson and Hambro Sport Horses’ HH Moonwalk, who sit second on 30.1 penalties heading into Saturday’s cross-country phase.
“He’s a new horse for me, so this year has been about getting to know him,” Jonelle explained. “His former rider Ginny Thomasen has done all the leg work with him, and it’s been a case of making him feel more like my horse. His test yesterday was a step further in that direction. He’s a nice-moving, attractive horse so now we’re getting a clear round [in the dressage] we can think about adding some more ‘spice’ and I can be a bit braver in the mediums.”
Cross-Country Challenges Ahead
The 13-year-old Capitaine De Hus Z presents both opportunities and questions for Saturday’s cross-country phase at Scone Palace Horse Trials 2025.
“He’s a cheeky, game little horse. He’s experienced at this level, often not the easiest across country as there’s nothing there to back them up,” Price continued. “The control has been the main issue for him and I’m heading out tomorrow with a few questions that I don’t know the answers to yet. He’s a very good jumper; scopey and up for the job. I hope he can go out there and be fast on the clock while remaining respectful of the fences. I’ll tell you those answers tomorrow at about 1.30pm!”
Strong International Competition
USA’s Tiana Coudray rounds out the top three in The Malcolm Group CCI4*-L, sitting on 30.8 penalties aboard Coeur De L Esprit Z, ensuring fierce international competition at Scone Palace International Horse Trials 2025.
British Dominance in CCI4*-S
The Malcolm Group CCI4*-S showcases exceptional British talent, with Paris Olympics gold medallist Ros Canter maintaining her overnight lead on her own and Alex Moody’s Izilot DHi with an outstanding 21.9 penalties.
Fellow Olympic champion Laura Collett lurks dangerously close behind on 22.1 penalties with her triple CCI5* hero London 52. According to equestrian sport statistics company EquiRatings, both Ros and Laura’s scores represent the two best CCI4*-S performances on Scottish soil since 2008.
Emily King also features prominently in third place with the Burghley-bound Valmy Biats on 25.3 penalties, adding further depth to the British challenge.
Additional Class Leaders
Ros Canter has also claimed pole position in the CCI2*-L aboard Jo Needler and Kate James’s Broadstone Lion Man, a British-bred eight-year-old by Billy Tudor competing in his first international event, scoring 26 penalties. Canada’s Rebecca Howard follows in second on Dolmen Cooley with 28.2 penalties.
The Malcolm Group CCI3*-L features another New Zealand connection, with Ginny Thomasen leading on her own and Phillippa Levy’s Katchafire with 26.1 penalties. Notably, Ginny previously rode Capitaine De Hus Z before Jonelle took over the reins at the start of this season.
British rising star Heidi Coy maintains her advantage in the CCI1* with 27.8 penalties on Deborah Remijn’s Heggeland St Louis, whilst Eva Bryant and Colnaleen Rebel lead for Britain in the CCI2* for ponies on 34.3 penalties.
Saturday’s Action
Cross-country at Scone Palace International Horse Trials 2025 begins at 8.30am on Saturday (23 August), with tickets available both on the gate and online for spectators eager to witness whether Jonelle Price can maintain her advantage in The Malcolm Group CCI4*-L.
