Tim Price Leads Pau Five-Star After Cross-Country as Bubby Upton Moves into Second
Britain’s Bubby Upton, Tom McEwen and Izzy Taylor are among the leading contenders heading into Sunday’s showjumping finale, following an influential day of cross-country at Pau Horse Trials 2026.
Defending champion Tim Price (NZL) holds the overnight lead at Les 5 Étoiles de Pau after producing a clear jumping round aboard Jarillo on Saturday, 24 October. The New Zealand rider added 5.2 time penalties to his dressage score, finishing on 30.9.
However, the competition remains wide open. Britain’s Bubby Upton and Its Cooley Time sit just two penalties behind on 32.9, while Jonelle Price occupies third with Senor Crocodillo on 34.6.
With less than four penalties separating the leading three combinations, Sunday’s final phase promises a closely contested finish.
Bubby Upton Leads British Challenge
Upton delivered one of the standout British performances of the afternoon, producing the second-fastest cross-country round with Its Cooley Time.
The combination climbed from eighth after dressage to second overall, putting themselves firmly in contention for the five-star title.
Fellow Briton Tom McEwen also made significant progress aboard Quintus. The nine-year-old, making his five-star debut, finished the day in fifth place on 36.6 penalties.
Izzy Taylor completed a strong showing for Britain, moving into sixth with SBH Big Wall on 39.1. The horse is also making its first appearance at this level.
Together, the three combinations give Britain a strong presence among the leading contenders heading into the final horse inspection and showjumping.
Emily King’s Dressage Lead Comes to an End
Friday’s dressage leader Emily King had entered the cross-country phase with a narrow advantage aboard Valmy Biats, having scored 24.5 penalties.
The British combination appeared to be progressing well before encountering difficulties at fence 24B, where Valmy Biats ran out following a substantial drop.
King subsequently elected to retire, ending their challenge for this year’s title.
Yasmin Ingham also experienced disappointment aboard Gypsie du Loir. The pair had been lying joint fifth following dressage and appeared on course for a competitive result before falling at fence 28.
Both horse and rider were reported to be on their feet following the incident.
France’s Sébastien Cavaillon, who had occupied third place after dressage with Elipso de la Vigne, also failed to complete the course following a fall near the end of his round. Both horse and rider walked away from the incident.
Strong Day for Tim and Jonelle Price
The New Zealand husband-and-wife combination enjoyed considerable success, with four of their horses occupying places inside the top seven.
Alongside his leading ride Jarillo, Tim Price produced the fastest cross-country round of the competition aboard Happy Boy.
The pair added just 3.2 time penalties, moving into fourth overall on 35.9.
Jonelle Price also made substantial gains with her three rides.
Senor Crocodillo climbed from 11th after dressage to third, adding 4.8 time penalties.
Her experienced mare Grappa Nera, winner at Pau in 2022, rose from 40th to seventh following a clear jumping round.
Capitaine de Hus Z completed her successful afternoon, moving from 23rd into 11th position.
Pau Horse Trials 2026: Top Six After Cross-Country
| Position | Rider | Horse | Nation | Penalties |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tim Price | Jarillo | NZL | 30.9 |
| 2 | Bubby Upton | Its Cooley Time | GBR | 32.9 |
| 3 | Jonelle Price | Senor Crocodillo | NZL | 34.6 |
| 4 | Tim Price | Happy Boy | NZL | 35.9 |
| 5 | Tom McEwen | Quintus | GBR | 36.6 |
| 6 | Izzy Taylor | SBH Big Wall | GBR | 39.1 |
The demanding cross-country course produced a clear jumping rate of just 36%, with no combination completing inside the optimum time.
Seven combinations retired, nine were eliminated and eight frangible devices were activated during the competition.
Ego des Cabanes Fatally Injured
Saturday’s competition was also marked by the tragic loss of Ego des Cabanes, ridden by French eventer Luc Château.
The 12-year-old gelding sustained a serious injury at obstacle 9B and was subsequently humanely put down.
Everyone at Everything Horse extends their heartfelt condolences to Château, owner Laure Sudreau and all those connected with Ego des Cabanes.
Sunday’s Showjumping Finale
The competition concludes on Sunday, 25 October, with the final horse inspection followed by showjumping.
Price will be hoping to secure consecutive Pau titles with Jarillo, while Upton remains within striking distance of the lead.
With three British combinations among the top six, there is plenty still to play for as the final five-star competition of the season approaches its conclusion.
Readers can follow the official Pau Horse Trials results for the latest standings.