British Olympic gold medallist Ros Canter has stormed into a commanding lead at the inaugural Scone Palace International Horse Trials (21-24 August), delivering a masterful dressage performance that has set the standard for this prestigious new addition to the eventing calendar.
Commanding Dressage Performance
Riding her own and Alex Moody’s 12-year-old dual CCI5* winner Izilot DHI, the former eventing world champion scored an impressive 21.9 in The Malcolm Group CCI4*-S class. This exceptional performance gives Canter a substantial 6.9-penalty advantage over her Paris Olympics team-mate Laura Collett, who sits second with 28.8 on Alex van Tuyll’s home-bred Count Onyx.
“I’m delighted with ‘Isaac’,” said Canter after her test. “He felt elastic and was relaxed at the same time. It’s lovely to be back in Scotland with space around us and fantastic support from the crowds.”
Strong British Representation
The Scone Palace International Horse Trials has attracted top-class international competition, with British riders featuring prominently across all divisions:
CCI4-S Standings:*
- 1st: Ros Canter (GBR) – Izilot DHI (21.9)
- 2nd: Laura Collett (GBR) – Count Onyx (28.8)
- 3rd: Izzy Taylor (GBR) – Barrington Alice (29.7)
Izzy Taylor’s mount, Barrington Alice, won the world six-year-old championships at Le Lion d’Angers in 2023, adding further quality to the competitive field.
International Competition Heats Up
New Zealand’s Jonelle Price leads The Malcolm Group CCI4*-L on David and Katherine Thomson’s 13-year-old Captaine De Hus Z with 28.4 penalties, ahead of USA’s Tiana Coudray with Coeur De L Esprit Z on 30.8. Britain’s Piggy March rounds out the top three with 33.4 penalties on Cooley Goodwood.
Scottish Grassroots Champions Crowned
The event also celebrated Scottish equestrian talent through the Scottish Grassroots Championships:
BE100 Champions: Hannah Stephens and her 11-year-old Arkans High Flyer completed on their dressage score of 29.3, with the 23-year-old from Dundee expressing her delight: “I’m gobsmacked. He likes the dressage, and while it was great to be leading, it did put a lot of pressure on for the next day.”
BE90 Champions: Amy Dixon and Goodluck II dominated throughout, completing on their dressage mark of 25.6. Dixon, who previously won at Badminton in 2010 and 2023, praised the venue’s facilities and organisation.
A New Era for Scottish Eventing
The Scone Palace International Horse Trials represents the most exciting addition to the national eventing calendar in years. Set in the beautiful grounds below Scone Palace in Perthshire, the event utilises the excellent permanent facilities of adjacent Perth Racecourse.
The four-day competition features international eventing classes, the Scottish Grassroots Championships, showing classes, arena eventing, Pony Club Games, and British Showjumping competitions, including The Malcolm Group Scone Palace Grand Prix.
With superb shopping opportunities, excellent hospitality packages, and evening entertainment, the inaugural event has set a new benchmark for equestrian competitions in Scotland.
What’s Next
Competition continues through 24 August, with cross-country and showjumping phases still to come. All three phases of the international eventing classes can be watched live on ClipMyHorse.TV, allowing fans worldwide to follow Ros Canter’s bid for victory at this historic inaugural event.
The Scone Palace International Horse Trials has excellent accessibility from the newly opened Cross Tay Link Road, making it easily reachable for spectators wanting to witness this exciting new chapter in British eventing.
