Family Rivalry Ignites as International Jumping Gets Underway at Royal Windsor
Day two of the 2025 Royal Windsor Horse Show brought elite sporting action, family victories, and emotional milestones across the showground, under glorious blue skies and with a buzzing atmosphere that captured the very spirit of British equestrianism.
The prestigious CSI5* international show jumping classes officially began, attracting many of the sport’s top-ranked riders to the iconic Castle Arena. The highlight of the day, the Defender Stakes, featured 31 world-class competitors and built to a nail-biting jump-off involving seven nations. British hopes were high – and ultimately fulfilled – in a showdown that felt like a family affair, with four members of the legendary Whitaker dynasty qualifying for the final round.
Crowds were treated to a masterclass in tight turns, daring lines and tactical brilliance. Jack Whitaker ultimately emerged triumphant, shaving crucial seconds off his uncle John Whitaker’s impressive early lead. The energy in the stands was electric as Jack crossed the finish line in 39.40 seconds, a winning moment made all the more memorable by the intergenerational rivalry and respect on display.
Earlier in the day, the CSI5* Pearl Stakes opened the jumping calendar with a two-phase 1.45m class. Switzerland’s Martin Fuchs, winner of last year’s Rolex Grand Prix, made a victorious return aboard Love de Vie, a promising nine-year-old mare making her five-star debut. Italy’s Lorenzo de Luca and USA’s Laura Kraut rounded out the podium in a competitive start to the international programme.
Show Ring Stars and Emotional Wins
Over in the Castle Arena, there was no mistaking the class of Robert Walker, who returned to form with a double win in the LeMieux Hunter Championship and the Novice Hunter Championship. His ride Greenhall Treasure Island, fresh from a year out, showed presence and polish to claim the top Hunter title. Meanwhile, the lightly campaigned Kief Dream Catcher sealed the Novice Championship in only his second outing at this level. These wins mark the fourth time Rob has achieved this impressive double — a feat only a handful of riders have accomplished.
The Amateur Cob class saw a record-setting fifth victory for Isabella Mears-Wood and her 15-year-old gelding Brookdale Limited Edition. Later in the day, her much-loved horse Forgeland Hyde Park joined show history by winning the Count Robert Orssich Hack Championship for the fourth time — equalling a record that has stood since 1981.
“It’s overwhelming — every time with Archie [Brookdale Limited Edition] is special, but today’s results across the board mean more than I can really express,” said a tearful Mears-Wood.
Meanwhile, Will Morton secured the Cob Championship with Bannview So Smart, a horse that only last year was still considered a novice but is now living up to expectations on the national stage.
Royal Success and Native Class Champions
The showing classes also included a standout moment for the reigning monarch. HM The King’s homebred Wyevale Harry won the Cleveland Bay Ridden (Pure Bred) class, while St Ives claimed the Part-Bred title under rider Bethany Attwell — continuing the late Queen’s legacy of support for native and rare breeds.
In the Mountain and Moorland Supreme In Hand Championship, Cathy Wood’s stallion Clover Hill Magic stepped up from last year’s reserve placing to take the top prize in a class that was always close to Queen Elizabeth II’s heart. It was a poignant moment, warmly received by spectators.
Coaching Spectacle and Endurance Challenges
Away from the show rings, the Coaching Marathon returned to Windsor’s Long Walk. Dozens of immaculately turned-out carriages made their traditional procession from the Great Park to the Castle Arena, offering a striking visual contrast to the elite sporting competition and reminding onlookers of Windsor’s deep-rooted equestrian heritage.
In the Great Park, endurance competitors tackled CEI3*, CEI2* and CEI1* rides, sponsored by the Kingdom of Bahrain. The long-distance tests brought together experienced international combinations and featured both seasoned veterans and promising young horses.
Road Safety Ride Raises Awareness
A more solemn note was struck with the arrival of the Equestrian Road Safety Awareness Ride, a moving initiative in memory of Knockalla, a two-year-old racehorse tragically killed in a traffic incident. Riders journeyed from Lambourn Gallops to Windsor over five days, raising awareness for the British Horse Society’s ‘Dead Slow’ campaign and #ProjectEDWARD. Their arrival at the Show served as a powerful reminder of the risks horses face on public roads and the importance of improving driver behaviour around equestrians.
Driven Dressage Masterclass by Exell
Over in the Driven Dressage Arena at Home Park, the CAIO4* World Cup Qualifier got underway. Australia’s Boyd Exell, no stranger to victory at Windsor, took an early lead following the dressage phase, with the USA’s Chester Weber and Germany’s Anna Mareike Meier close behind. The competition will now move into the Marathon phase, promising fast-paced thrills through challenging cross-country hazards.
As the sun set over the Castle grounds, there was no doubt that Royal Windsor Horse Show 2025 had once again delivered a day filled with prestige, passion, and equestrian excellence. With three days still to come, the stage is set for even more drama, joy, and unforgettable performances.
What to expect on day 3
- CSI5* Show Jumping – The Defender Challenge Stakes
- CSI5* Show Jumping – The Kingdom of Bahrain Stakes for The King’s Cup
- CAIO4* Carriage Driving – World Cup Qualifier Marathon
- Showing – Riding Horse Championship sponsored by Mr and Mrs Phil Swallow
- Showing – BSPS Mountain & Moorland Ridden Championship sponsored by New Horizon Plastics
- King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery Best Gun Team supported by Defender