Hartpury Premier League: Direct qualification display by dazzling duos

Sunny skies treated spectators to a six-day showstopper for Hartpury’s Premier League competition (1 - 6 July 2025), run in coincidence with CPEDI and CDI action. Britain’s top riders made the most of the final opportunity to earn direct Premier League qualification to the LeMieux Nationals, with some outstanding results across the levels.  

Earning her spot in the LeMieux Grand Prix line-up at the National Championships in September, Irish Olympian Abi Lyle claimed both of the top spots in Thursday’s feature class, presenting two class tests on her rides Giraldo and Farrell. Abi’s Paris partner Giraldo, fondly known as ‘Arty’, earned the top spot on a score of 69.391%, rewarded by Penelope Lang (E), Anne Prain (H), Susan Hoevenaars (C), Nick Burton (M) and Leanne Wall (B). Fenella Quinn's Farrell (Fabregas x Davingnon) followed suit with a strong 68.369%.

Speaking on social media Abi reviewed her results: “Arty and Farrell were absolutely fabulous today and danced their way to a one-two in a huge Grand Prix at Hartpury! I enjoyed every minute of riding them today, Farrell was his usual floaty self, he took an early lead and held strong until Honey Lamb himself came in and did his thing. Thank you to all those who have helped and supported us, especially in the last year. It meant so much to be back in the ring and loving it today.” 

There were plenty of promising results at Prix St Georges level throughout the week, setting the finale at Somerford Park up to be a real class-to-watch. Former Youth team rider Jessie McConkey (pictured below) earned a direct place with her 15-year-old Danish-bred gelding Wilson Stensvang, winning the day one Fairfax qualifier with 71.274%. Whilst in-form riders Michael Eilberg and Darren Hicks each claimed another Premier League Prix St Georges class with their rides respectively – these two men of the moment have been enjoying a vastly successful summer season to date.  

Spencer Wilton joined the host of Britain’s leading men achieving success at Hartpury, earning the Stübben Intermediate II class win with Samantha Britton's eye-catching grey Woodcroft Django Mon Ami (Dante Weltino x Royal Diamond). The combination scored 71.225% to place ahead of local rider Matt Frost and Angela Ellis-Dunn's Atterupgaards Berlucchi on 70.735%.

  Competition was tough in the Bret Willson Advanced Medium class on Wednesday, with another direct qualification place at the Nationals up for grabs. Alicia Lee and her own Della Ballerina (Destacado x Weltmeyer) emerged victorious on a score of 71.296%. Based at How Caple Stud in Herefordshire, Alicia has produced her light-footed mare through the levels with much success. Speaking on social media, the delighted rider said, “What a week for Della Ballerina at Hartpury Premier League! A win on Wednesday in a strong Advanced Medium 6 class with 71% and securing direct qalification for the Nationals, followed by another win on Saturday in the 7-year-old Semi-Final! It’s so encouraging to have such lovely comments from the judges on her correct presentation. She’s such a little star and really seems to thrive at the bigger shows too. A huge thank you to every who makes this all possible and to Carl Hester for the training – your support means the world.” 

The Saracen Horse Feeds Intermediate I classes were split between Rebecca Edwards (Laerke Stensvang) and Kate Cowell (Joolz) - both riders will be ones to watch in September, as regulars in the championship start lists.  

Congratulations to all those who achieved wins, qualification tickets and placings at Hartpury. Thanks go to Philipp Cheetham and his team for a stellar Premier League fixture at this much-loved venue.  

Results – top three  

Tuesday 1 July  

Fairfax Saddles Prix St Georges 
1. Jessica McConkey and Wilson Stensvang ,71.274% 
2. Nikki Barker and Iwan, 69.461% 
3. Lucinda Elliott and Ice LH, 68.922% 

Advanced Medium 5  
1. Darren Hicks and Lenika, 72.500% 
2. Michael George Eilberg and EDH Franklin Rose, 72.368%  
3. David Harvey and Benefit, 71.053% 

Advanced Medium 4  
1. Bryony Goodwin and Sheepcote Just Daisy, 73.421% 
2. Bryony Goodwin and Dion II, 72.895% 
3. Melissa Chapman and TCE Godieta’s Mind Over Matter, 70.658% 

Wednesday 2 July 

Bret Willson Advanced Medium 6 DQ 
1. Alicia Lee and Della Ballerina, 71.296%  
2. Rob Barker and Licorno, 71.203% 
3. Michael George Eilberg and EDH Malakai, 71.158% 

Prix St Georges Freestyle  
1. Darren Hicks and Quentino 43, 71.417%  
2. Tyler Bradshaw and Gijsbert, 69.917% 
3. Nathalie Kayal and Heliantus V.D Fuik, 69.167% 

Fairfax Saddles Prix St Georges 
1. Michael George Eilberg and EDH Saubermond, 70.588%  
2. Nikki Barker and Iwan, 69.608% 
3. Lucinda Elliott and Mezati, 67.598% 

Stübben Intermediate II 
1. Spencer Wilton and Woodcroft Django Mon Ami, 71.225%  
2. Matt Frost and Atterupgaards Berlucchi, 70.735%  
3. Kathleen Kroencke and Flanell, 70.000% 

Thursday 3 July  

Saracen Horse Feeds Intermediate I 
1. Kate Cowell and Joolz, 70.637%  
2. Jessica McConkey and Wilson Stensvang, 70.441% 
3. David Harvey and Diamond Blue, 68.971% 

LeMieux Grand Prix  
1. Abigail Lyle and Giraldo, 69.391% 
2. Abigail Lyle and Farrell, 68.369% 
3. Kathleen Kroencke and Flanell, 68.326% 

Elite Stallions Young Horse Prix St Georges  
1. Michael George Eilberg and EDH Nanouk, 70.000%  
2. Jody Haswell and Valentinio, 68.235% 
3. Lucinda Elliott and Mezati, 68.039% 

Friday 4 July  

Stübben Intermediate II 
1. Spencer Wilton and Woodcroft Django Mon Ami, 70.000%  
2. Rowan Bryson and Izonik, 68.873% 
3. Samantha Thurman-Pickett and Gerardo, 67.696% 

Fairfax Saddles Prix St Georges 
1. Darren Hicks and Kinnear, 67.990%  
2. Dannie Morgan and Vive La Reinne VH, 67.745%  
3. Jade Clark and Jemimah HH, 66.422% 

Saturday 5 July  

Elite Stallions Young Horse Prix St Georges Final  
1. Michael George Eilberg and EDH Nanouk, 69.951% 
2. Dannie Morgan and Vive La Reinne VH, 69.559% 
3. Lucinda Elliott and Mezati, 69.265% 

Saracen Horse Feeds Intermediate I 
1. Rebecca Jane Edwards and Laerke Stensvang, 71.422|%  
2. David Harvey and Diamond Blue, 70.098% 
3. Tom Goode and Margot, 69.853% 

Pony Individual  
1. Jessie Clarke and Bunteeichen Nivaro, 67.432%  
2. Violet Hawkins and DZL Royal Sunrise, 66.937%  
2. Queenie Moule and Amden Supreme Golden Dancer, 66.937% 

Children on Horses Individual  
1. Ever Sinfield Day and Ola Jupiter, 65.185%  
2. Bethany Flowers and Puzzle I, 57.297% 

Junior Individual  
1. Lily Cawley and Damon's Dan Farrington, 66.716,%  
2. Penny Smith and Rembrandt GSH, 66.608%  
3. Bella Liu and Alfranco, 66.274% 

Young Rider Individual  
1. Francesca Cawley and Dame Blanche, 66.422% 
2. Flora Hayes and Woodcroft Jamais Noubliez, 64.167%  
3. Madison Eagle and Royalty, 63.628,% 

Sunday 6 July  

Pony Team  
1. Queenie Moule and Amden Supreme Golden Dancer, 72.524%  
2. Amelia Goodea and Furioso V.H. Enkershof, 68.190%  
3. Violet Hawkins and DZL Royal Sunrise, 67.476% 

Children on Horses Team  
1. Bethany Flowers and Puzzle I, 66.275%  
2. Ever Sinfield Day and Ola Jupiter, 65.225% 

Junior Team  
1. Penny Smith and Rembrandt GSH, 67.475%  
2. Bella Liu and Alfranco, 67.424% 
3. Lennon Healey and Destination, 66.212% 

Young Rider Team  
1. Flora Hayes and Woodcroft Jamais Noubliez, 68.726%  
2. Francesca Cawley and Dame Blanche, 66.078% 
3. Marie-Ayesha Barilits-Gupta and Rob Roy, 64.706% 

FULL RESULTS