Stars & Stripes secured a convincing 12.5-4 victory over the Rising Lions as the inaugural Blenheim Challenge reached its conclusion at the Agria Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials.
The American team had already established an unassailable lead across the dressage and cross-country phases before Sunday’s showjumping, but individual points and a share of an additional £20,000 prize fund remained at stake.
Rising Lions rider Jess Rimmer was the first to enter the arena, producing a clear round and adding only 0.4 time penalties. Her head-to-head opponent, Tommy Greengard, responded with a clear inside the time to secure another point for Stars & Stripes.
“It’s the journey, not just with the horse but with the team,” said Rimmer. “Blenheim is special without the Rising Lions and now it’s ten times more so. It’s such a special end to our season.”
Greengard also praised the team spirit created by the new competition.
“I had the fortune to be paired with Jess this week. She’s brought out the best in me,” he said. “The point of this is to become friends and push ourselves, and we couldn’t be happier with the horse.”
Olivia Dutton lands double points for Stars & Stripes
Rising Lions continued to fight for every available point, with Josh Levett finishing on four jumping penalties and 0.8 time penalties.
Olivia Dutton then strengthened the Stars & Stripes advantage with a clear round and just 0.8 time penalties. Dutton was carrying the team’s Joker, meaning her result earned double points and increased the team’s total to 11.5.
“I’m very happy we were able to deliver,” said Dutton. “I feel so lucky to have the ride on the horse. He’s pretty incredible. To come here alongside the Rising Lions and compete on the team is great. We’re just happy to have been able to come.”
Grace Taylor also secured her head-to-head victory over Rising Lions rider Isabelle Cook. Taylor completed the course without lowering a fence, adding only 1.2 time penalties.
Cook later entered the arena knowing she needed to match her opponent’s performance, but three fences down left her with 12 jumping penalties and confirmed the final Stars & Stripes winning score of 12.5-4.
Oliver Barrett collects £5,000 bonus
Oliver Barrett was the final Stars & Stripes rider to tackle the showjumping course.
The 22-year-old had already secured half a point from his head-to-head after Rising Lions opponent Barnie Brotherton retired on Saturday’s cross-country. Barrett completed his weekend with a clear showjumping round, securing the £5,000 head-to-head bonus, which will be shared with his groom.
Stars & Stripes also received £5,000 to donate to a charity of their choice. The team selected Work to Ride, a Philadelphia-based organisation that gives under-resourced young people opportunities to access horsemanship, equestrian sport and education.
“We’re proud to give in a small way to an incredible local charity to us that supports under-resourced urban youth, giving them opportunities to discover horsemanship, equine sports and education,” said Philip Dutton.
The first eventing Blenheim Challenge brought a new team element to the Agria Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials, with Stars & Stripes and the Rising Lions competing head-to-head across dressage, cross-country and showjumping.
Both teams produced strong performances throughout the three days, but the consistency of Stars & Stripes ultimately earned them the inaugural title.
Final Blenheim Challenge scores
- Stars & Stripes: 12.5
- Rising Lions: 4
