On Thursday 9th October, Leicestershire-based rider James Ingham joined the prestigious ranks of legendary past winners when he clinched the Redpost Equestrian Senior Foxhunter Championship title aboard Altesse 2 VN Z at the Horse of the Year Show.
James and his home produced grey mare stormed to victory in a hotly – contested class that saw only four combinations make the jump-off. With a jump-off time of 31.96 seconds, James secured the coveted first place, while Senior Newcomers winner Pippa Goddard and her horse PDV Constanza took a close second. Leo Lamb and RRH Out of the Blue completed the podium line up in third place.
The magnitude of the win was not lost on James, who described his victory as a ‘massive deal’ for someone whose first HOYS experience had been as a young rider on ponies.
James explained that he had gone into the Redpost Equestrian Senior Foxhunter Championship jump-off with determination and focus.
‘I had my plan […] Joe Trunkfield, who I train with, said Pippa was quick and the only places I could try to beat her was one stride less to the double and one less to the blue (fence). Luckily, I came off the corner into both of those, I had a forward shot and I just had to trust her to jump them. She was unbelievable – she did all the hard work.’
Purchased as a foal while on a trip to Belgium, Cassandra (as she is known at home) is by the stallion Aganix de Seigneur Z and was first spotted sharing a stable with two Shetland ponies. Labelling now her as irreplaceable, James was full of praise for the mare, who he described as ‘the best horse I’ve ever had.’
Since it was first held in 1954, the Senior Foxhunter Championship has become synonymous with showcasing emerging showjumping talent. The list of previous winners boasts some of the most legendary names in showjumping, with David Broome, Caroline Bradley, Harvey Smith, Graham Fletcher, John Whittaker, Liz Edgar, Nick Skelton and Scott Brash all having etched their names into history.
Redpost Equestrian also has a very personal link to the class and its history, with family member Oliver Tuff winning the class in 2018 on Darino B at only 15 years of age.
The Redpost Equestrian Senior Foxhunter Championship is open to novice to intermediate-level horses, and is often seen as an opportunity for up-and-coming combinations to prove themselves. A series of qualifiers are held throughout the season, generating a limited number of distinguished finalists, who then make their way to Birmingham to contest the Senior Foxhunter title in October. To succeed under the bright lights of the Andrews Bowen Arena, competitors need the ability to handle pressure, jump with precision under tight time allowances and deliver when it really matters.
The Horse of the Year Show is widely regarded as one of the most iconic equestrian events in the UK, often dubbed as the ‘World’s Most Famous Horse Show.’ Now held at the NEC in Birmingham, it is an event that draws competitors and spectators from across the UK and beyond. A celebration of excellence and dedication in equestrian sport, the event attracts some of the most talented combinations from the world of showing, showjumping, dressage, driving and mounted games. A spectacular programme of classes unfolds in a unique and electric atmosphere, giving rise to fierce competition and displays of equestrian brilliance.
The Redpost Equestrian Senior Foxhunter Championship reflects Redpost Equestrian’s dedication to nurturing British showjumping talent. The class provides an essential platform for up-and-coming horses and riders to demonstrate their ability on HOYS’ grand stage. By sponsoring this class, we strive to help maintain the class’s reputation as a distinguished showcase of accuracy, consistency, and ambition in UK showjumping.
Redpost Senior Foxhunter Championship 2025: Results
1st: James Ingham and Altesse 2 VN Z
2nd: Pippa Goddard and PDV Constanza
3rd: Leo Lamb and RRH Out of the Blue
4th: David Harland and Murchacko Quatro
5th: Madison Heath and BP Millionaire
6th: Joseph Trunkfield and Corvette VH Reukenis Z
7th: Angel Tough and Nicole IV
8th: Laura Renwick and Top Star C
