Sandy McLean Claims Big Star Trophy at Hickstead 2025
Scotland’s Sandy McLean has claimed the coveted Big Star Trophy at Hickstead, delivering a masterclass performance in the Prestige Italia British 6 Year Old Championship with his new mount Miss Contoulonia PS.
The 22-year-old Scottish rider produced a blistering jump-off round in 34.79 seconds to secure victory at the Al Shira’aa British Young Horse Championships on Sunday. McLean’s winning time edged out runner-up Thomas Pritchard and Ovorito, who finished in 35.37 seconds.
Thirteen of the 55 starters managed clear first rounds to qualify for the jump-off, but none could match McLean’s pace aboard the six-year-old mare by Messenger.
“There were a lot of horses in the jump-off, so it was always going to be fast,” said McLean after his victory. “I watched Tom’s round and I knew he was fast, as his horse has a big stride. Mine has got a smaller stride, but she’s quicker across the ground, I’d say.”
New Partnership Delivers Championship Success
Remarkably, McLean has only had the ride on Miss Contoulonia PS for six weeks, making their championship victory even more impressive. The partnership has competed together just four times before their Hickstead triumph.
“This is maybe our fourth show together, but she’s an unbelievable mare when she likes you, she’s a real fighter for you in the ring,” McLean explained. The quirky six-year-old has already shown her character, with McLean noting: “She likes going hacking, but apart from that she likes being alone, and she doesn’t like to be told what to do.”
However, in the competition arena, Miss Contoulonia PS transforms into a careful and reliable partner. “When she gets in the ring, she’s so careful that you just have to let her do her own thing, and she always delivers,” McLean added.
The Big Star Trophy holds special significance in British showjumping, awarded in honour of Nick Skelton’s incredible Rio 2016 Olympic gold medal-winning stallion. For McLean, winning this championship was particularly meaningful as he cites Skelton as a major inspiration.
“I always said Scott Brash and John Whitaker were my main inspirations, but after watching the Nick Skelton documentary, it was amazing to see how much drive someone could have for so many years, to achieve their goals and not give up,” McLean reflected. “People aim all year round to try to win this Championship, so it’s an honour to be able to go in there and win it, and especially on a new horse for me.”
Team Success at Hickstead
McLean’s Big Star Trophy victory capped an exceptional weekend for the TW Stables team. The Scottish rider had already secured a win in Saturday’s TrojanTrack 1.40m Open with Kolwa, demonstrating his consistent form throughout the show.
The team’s success continued with teammate Pippa Goddard claiming joint victory in the Seven Year Old Championship final, whilst fellow TW Stables rider William Rekert won the Five Year Old Championship with Corinio Z.
“I’m delighted, the team has had an amazing week and to win the six-year-olds is fantastic, to round off a brilliant week for us three riders,” said McLean.
Runner-up Thomas Pritchard claimed the £1,000 Big Star Bonus with Ovorito, whilst the clear round British Showjumping bonus was shared between Adam Morgan riding Othello and Richard Howley with Emoraldi Terma Z. The victory also secured McLean and Miss Contoulonia PS a qualifying ticket for the FEI Jumping World Breeding Championships in Lanaken.
With this breakthrough victory at Hickstead 2025, Sandy McLean has firmly established himself as one of Britain’s most promising young showjumping talents. The partnership with Miss Contoulonia PS, despite being in its early stages, has already proven capable of competing at the highest level, signalling the emergence of a new generation of British showjumping stars ready to make their mark on the international stage.
