NAF Five Star Winter Championships 26: day one

A true British Dressage great, returning winners and a host of first-time champions made the opening day at the 2026 NAF Five Star Winter Championships one to remember. Read about the action from day one, where the feature class was won by Gareth Hughes on a horse who looks set for big things.  

HorseHage Preliminary Gold 

Winner: Eli Lovell and Parchioness G, 72.867%  

Eli Lovell earned a first championship win in the opening class at the 2026 NAF Five Star Championships, claiming the HorseHage Prelim Gold title with Sophie Bennett’s Parchioness G (Ingognito x Negro). In front of Jenny Ward (H), Andrea Smith (C) and Susie Cumine (B), the Newent-based rode to a fantastic winning score of 72.867%.  

The Dutch-bred six-year-old mare looked a picture in the NAF Arena, making both her owner and rider proud of Eli explained, “I’m absolutely thrilled. I knew if he goes like he can, staying relaxed, he could go well – but we weren’t expecting to win, it’s a huge bonus.” 

Eli’s been bridesmaid a few times at the Winter Championships but produced a wonderful winning test today, which he reflected on saying: “The trot work was fab and his walk was lovely. We had a tiny spook in the canter but I reassured him everything was fine and we just carried on. The whole test felt really quite nice.” 

“He’s gorgeous,” he continued, speaking about the impressive chestnut gelding, “I bought him from Holland as a four-year-old. Sophie was looking for a horse and I just thought he’d be the one – we thought he’d be the perfect fit as he was quite small, but he’s kept growing and growing. I’m just really enjoying riding him for Soph.” 

The standard in this class was especially high, with over half of the field recording a mark over 70% - the future looks bright with plenty of five and six-year-old horses earning the high points and placings. Second place belonged to Tahley Reeve Smith and Sarah Stoute’s KI Smargd, who earned 71.733%; whilst Edwina Hutton-Potts took the third spot with Kerrie Gellings’ Uno Macho Van De Kiekenhoef also on a score of 71.733%. 

Petplan Medium Silver 

Winner: Alice Begg and Noraly, 70.222%  

With the Winter Area Festival Championships getting under way in the spring sunshine, Alice Begg was crowned our first Petplan winner of 2026 with her own Noraly (Secret x Everdale). 

Alice topped a 29-strong class to win the Petplan Medium Silver Area Festival Championship with an impressive 70.222%. Talking of her eight-year-old mare, Alice said: “She was absolutely outstanding! This is her first championships, so for her it’s a really big thing, she didn’t look at anything and completely thrived on the atmosphere. She absolutely loved it and was so lovely to ride.” 

Alice went on to talk about their relatively new partnership, having only owned Noraly for nine months: “She was seven when I got her but she had never been to a competition so she had no mileage at all, which is quite hard for a horse coming into this atmosphere with not seeing anything previously, especially as she came over from Holland where they do a lot indoors. We’ve spent nine months doing low key shows, getting her used to the atmosphere. Her brain is absolutely brilliant, and she’s not been bothered at all.” 

Having won the Winter Area Festival here at Addington in January, Alice didn’t have any expectations of their test today. Riding with the mindset of aiming to use it as a good experience, Alice far exceeded her aims riding “probably the best test we have ever done and we both enjoyed it.”  

On her experience of the Petplan Area Festival Winter Championships, Alice said: “It is an outstanding show. It’s run so well and especially for the horses who haven’t done a lot, there’s no stress for the horse or rider. When you’re sitting on a horse with low mileage, if the rider isn’t stressed, the test always goes so much better.” 

Although this is a first win for Noraly, Alice is no stranger to a championship win – with this being her third of the 2026 season so far after winning both the Grade V Gold and Grade V Freestyle Gold titles at the Equissage Pulse Para Winter Championships in March. On her plans for the future, Alice said, “Advanced Medium in the summer would be wonderful. I am a Grade 5 Para rider, she did her first international two weeks ago at Hartpury so the plan is to push that further and get her up and running for internationals.” 

With less than 1% separating the top three, Imogen Swann and SJL Looking Good finished in second place with 70%, with Hayley Sykes and Nuit Noir scoring 69.278% to secure the third spot. 

Baileys Horse Feeds Novice Freestyle Gold 

Winner: Sadie Smith and Times Rococo, 76.945%  

It was a 2025 flashback in the Baileys Horse Feeds Novice Freestyle Gold as Sadie Smith claimed her first win of the championship aboard Peter Belshaw’s five-year-old mare Times Rococo (Ibiza x Negro) to retain the title. In front of a top judges panel of Andrea Smith (C), Susie Cumine (H), and Jenny Ward (B), Sadie secured the win on 76.945%.  

Times Rococo, known at home as Coco, was the winner of the Centre Line Preliminary Gold Championship at Somerford Park in 2025 and took her chance to shine under the lights today.  

When commenting on the test, Sadie praised Coco saying: “I was really pleased with it [the test]. She’s quite a young horse, she’s only five this year and this is her first time at this championship. The trot was really nice, and she stayed in a nice balance throughout. What I like about her is that she presents a really lovely frame for a horse her age, so she keeps a really nice balance and keeps the frame well… she did some really lovely canter work and some good mediums”.  

The successful Hampshire-based rider went on to talk about life at home for the bright young horse: “I just love riding her, she is just so above for her age in mentality, and she shows so much ability for the higher work. She is just a pleasure to work with every day. She is owned and bred by Peter Belshaw at Times Dressage, and I have ridden her since she was a just backed three-year-old. We’ve been doing a lot of training over the winter, mainly hacking and strengthening work because a horse like her doesn’t need a lot of schooling, she is just so easy. We’ve qualified for the Novice Freestyle today and the Novice tomorrow, I think she might be a bit tired for tomorrow so I’m just hoping to give her another good experience in the arena so we will see how it goes.” 

Fellow Hampshire lady Alice Oppenheimer took second on third with Headmore So Sapphire (So Unique x Belissimo M) and Headmore Forever Ruby (Franklin x Belissimo M) respectively. Headmore So Sapphire, bred and owned by Sarah Oppenheimer alongside co-owner Caroline Dibden, danced her way to come second on 75.000%. Whilst stable mate Headmore Bella Ruby, also owned and bred by Sarah, was a close third on 74.445%. This great success for Alice marks the start of a busy week, as she returns to the Winter Championship stage with a further five tests across the next few days.    

Equi-Trek Elementary Silver 

Winner: Sophie Lee-Amies and River Rise Ooo LaLa, 72.677% 

Hampshire’s Sophie Lee-Amies earned her deserved moment in the spotlight, rising to the top of the Equi-Trek Elementary Silver Championship with her own River Rise Ooo LaLa. The duo secured the victory with 72.677%. 

Speaking about what it feels like to win on the biggest stage, Sophie said: "I can’t really believe it, it hasn’t really sunk in yet – it feels unreal. I didn’t expect to do well – we came to do our best. Getting a clear round was the aim, so to come out with a win was the icing on the cake.” 

“The canter work was a highlight, we got our simple changes really good and the medium canters were lovely. There’s still a lot more to come in the trot with the lift and everything, so there’s lots to work on - that’s exciting. Overall I was really pleased.” 

“She’s so special,” the 23-year-old rider said about her horse, who clearly is the apple of her eye. “She means the world to me. I fell in love with her when I started riding her as a young horse. I never thought I’d be able to own a horse like her. We’ve been able to make it possible, thanks to the help of my parents as well and Sadie Smith who trains me. Sadie’s been incredible and helps me endlessly, she comes to all the shows with me, and Sarah Tyler-Evans' too who bred her, she’s always supportive of us both too. I’m so lucky to have all that support behind me.” 

“Just to look up to her and her riding, I’m very lucky,” Sophie added further about Sadie, who she works for as a groom and rider, and quotes as an amazing source of inspiration and help.  

The week continues for the Sadie – Sophie team, who are preparing for a further seven tests over the coming days, “I’m looking forward to the rest of the week, it’s been a good start.” 

A busy day paid dividends for Imogen Swann, who earned her second reserve champion spot with Antonia Brown’s Podrick Van Den Overwinning on a superb 71.162%; Ellen Glover returned to the podium with Morricone’s Love MFS (Morricone x Florestan I), this time taking third with 70.252%, after winning last year’s Prestige Novice Silver.  

Magic Prix St Georges Gold 

Winner: Gareth Hughes and Morricone III, 74.510% 

Olympian and multi-championship medal winning rider Gareth Hughes returned to the Winter Championships after a 19-year hiatus, making his first visit to the new-era NAF Five event a winning one. Teaming up with Flamboyant Dressage Stud’s gorgeous stallion Morricone III, Gareth rode to success in the feature class of the day, claiming the Magic Prix St Georges Freestyle Gold with 74.510%.  

In front of Leanne Wall (H), Nick Burton (C) and Richard Baldwin (B), the duo placed an impressive four percent ahead of the field after showing a high-quality test in the NAF arena.  

“He’s not very experienced at this level,” Gareth explained about his ride, who’s only done a handful of Prix St Georges tests to date, “I actually got here on a wild card! I did the Regionals in January, he was still quite green then; two weeks ago he went to Hartpury and did really well at the CDI. The biggest difference with here and what I’m really proud of him for, was that he tried so hard not to make a mistake – and we didn’t. He was a little nervous and looky but he tried really hard to stay with me.” 

“He’s beautiful, he’s got that really good balance of high quality in the collection and the extension. So with a mistake free test we got some great marks, I’m super proud.” 

“It took a few months for us to get going and we’re still getting to know each other,” the Warwickshire-based rider continued speaking about his partnership with the simply stunning stallion, who joined the Hughes stable under a year ago. “I see no reason why he’s not going to be a star of the future. I hope next year he'll be ready for the Grand Prix, but he shows all the attributes we want; and when they look like that it helps!” 

Gareth last made an appearance at the Winter Championships in 2007, when the show was hosted at Solihull Riding Club in the West Midlands – and it was a winning appearance all those years ago too, earning the Elementary title with Timleij. Reflecting on what the championships looks like now, Gareth said: “I’ve been here a couple of times to help people, but basically I haven’t been to this show for nearly 20 years. You come now and there are horses everywhere! The quality of the horses right from Prelim through the levels is amazing. I watched this morning’s Prelim and it’s very exciting for the future.” 

In second place was Claire Abel and GF Sezuki (Sezuan x Sherlock Holmes) on 70.588%, just ahead of Bryony Goodwin with David and Serena Pincus’ Sheepcote Just Daisy in third place with 70.539%. 

Petplan Prix St Georges Bronze 

Winner: Freya Baldwin and Hoghton Maverick, 68.481% 

Lancashire-based Freya Baldwin took the win in the Petplan Prix St Georges Bronze class on 68.481% aboard Raine Harthern’s 9-year-old Oldenberg gelding Hoghton Maverick (Fürstenball x Dante Weltino).  

When talking about her win, Freya said: “It was a total shock, I wasn’t expecting it he was such a good boy. We are still both new to this level… it's just amazing”.  

Having finished third last year at the Petplan Winter Championships at Advanced Medium level, the pairing completed their first Prix St Georges in December and finished third at the Aintree Area Festival to qualify for the championships.  

Speaking about Hoghton Maverick, known as William at home, Freya said: “He loves his work and he’s got a really good attitude. He can be a bit spooky, but generally he’s really lovely to work with.” Freya has had William since he was a three-year-old and broke him in herself, originally with the intention of showing, but the pair switched to dressage after a couple of years. 

“His changes are always a real highlight,” she continued reflecting on their test, “I’ve been working really hard on the walk as he can get a bit tight in the ring but it was okay today, not perfect but definitely okay!” 

Technically Freya had a passenger along for the ride today too! With a baby on board, she's planning on taking a step back in the near future before returning to the championship arena and working her way through the levels.  

Second place was Jenna Roddy riding her own 14-year-old gelding, Tim 68.481%. Third place was taken by Jennifer Harkness on her own 13-year-old Desperado-sired gelding Inouk on 66.921%.  

Petplan Prix St Georges Silver 

Winner: Carmen Gammie and Lets Make an Opera M, 67.010%  

Aberdeenshire’s Carmen Gammie earned an emotional win in the Petplan Prix St Georges Silver Area Festival Championship, taking the title with her own Lets Make an Opera M on a score of 67.010%.  

“I was really pleased with him,” Carmen said, “it’s actually only his fifth time competing at the level, so we’ve only just moved up to Prix St Georges, so it was a bit green in places, but I was really pleased with lots of it.” 

“I’d said that my only aim for today was to ride the best test I could ride so I did actually cry after. I’ve trained him up myself, so it feels really special to ride him in a tailcoat at a championship, so it’s been a big deal, I’m really pleased with him.” 

The long-term partnership know each other inside out and have built a lovely bond of trust and care: “I’ve had him for five years, I bought him as a five-year-old from Whitehill Stud and I’ve trained him up from Preliminary to Prix St George myself. We thought we were going to lose him when he was seven because he had a really bad virus and he spent a week in intensive care, so we thought we weren’t ever going to see him again when we dropped him off to the hospital. It feels extra special that he’s come through it, and he’s clearly really enjoying himself with his behavior in the prize giving, I’m really proud of him.” 

The duo also aren’t unfamiliar to success having won the SPILLERS Medium Freestyle Championship at this show twelve months ago: “It was a big step up in a year from Medium to PSG, but he seems to be enjoying himself. I hadn’t expected to do so well today so that’s put a bit of a spanner in the works with my plans for this year! But I want to consolidate the PSG work a bit more because we had a few big mistakes today which were probably my fault, I think I’ve got to take responsibility for those. But I think I want to carry on competing at PSG and try an Inter I this year and just keep enjoying the training.” 

Just a fraction separated the remaining podium places, with Lynne Mason and Donner Trois taking second with 65.049%, whilst Tabitha Leicester and Eires Rock earned the third place rosette with 65%.  

Petplan Medium Bronze

Winner: Greg Dickens and Brutus G, 70% 

Worcestershire’s Greg Dickens earned a first title win in the final class of the day at Addington, riding Brutus G to a fantastic 70% in the Petplan Medium Bronze Area Festival Championship.  

Greg was proud of the fact that his horse overcame nerves to do even better than expect, as he said, “he’s here with a stable mate for the first time and everything got a bit on top of him yesterday. So the fact he managed to control himself and be a pro when it mattered is a testament to the horse. I’m so pleased with him.”  

Speaking about his test on board the 16-year-old bay gelding, Greg said: “The fact I got down the centre line in any kind of order is probably the main highlight! His mediums were really good, his centre lines and simple changes, we were so pleased because he did everything about as good as he can do it at home and that’s all we can ever ask of them; that they perform at the test what they do at home. I’m so pleased with everything.” 

It’s a family affair for Greg, who was inspired to return to competition last year by his daughter Millie. The pair competed alongside one another at last year’s Championships, where Millie achieved a top-three finish in the Petplan Novice Bronze Under 21 Championships. This year, there’s still two Dickens flying the family flag, as Greg’s wife Sheryl is also here competing, and goes head-to-head with Greg in the Petplan Elementary Silver. 

In second place Sofia Mirza and Sheepcote Adios scored 69.555%, followed by Rachel Gallop scoring 68.055% with Quantum Hit.

PDS Saddles Elementary Freestyle Gold 

Winner: Dannie Morgan and Furst Lady III, 78.077% 

The highest score of the first day came in the final class on the card, as Dannie Morgan scored an enormous 78.077% to earn the PDS Saddles Elementary Freestyle Gold with Rose McMillan’s Furst Lady III.  

Speaking about the Furstenball-sired mare, Dannie enthused: “She’s a little pocket rocket! We call her Rasputia at home, after the film Norbit with Eddie Murphy – his wife is called Rasputia... she’s got a lot of attitude! I started calling her that as a nickname and it’s stuck! She’s spicy but mega talented and she’s gaining so much in strength. It was great to have a nice ride on her today; she was a little nervous here yesterday, but she’s never seen anything like this, and she was super tonight. I’m very happy for her and for her owners.” 

“She's got three strong gaits and an impressive trot, I tried to find a nice symetrical pattern that showed off her ability and tried to ride a nice way of going,” he continued, reflecting on his super freestyle test set to music from the Disney film Raya and the Dragon, “I actually stole it from my groom Lauren Burrows! She got a big score with it at the Regionals and I thought it might work for mine this week... we’ve got to share after all! I had one run through it at home and it paid off! Tony and Kelly at Equidance do our music and they always do a great job,” 

Dannie’s set for another busy week at the show with five horses competing across the week: “I always love this show, it’s a good one for me – I've had a lot of luck here. It’s always good to develop the young horse’s education here, and hopefully they’ve all got big futures ahead of them.” 

“It’s all credit to my team and owners too who allow me to do this,” Dannie concluded thanking his team for a great start to a busy week.  

Alice Oppenheimer was on the podium once again, with Headmore So Sapphire earning her second runner-up spot of the day on an impressive 75.192%; whilst Nikki Barker finished just a whisker away in third, notching up 75.064% with the AES-registered Danoa – a gelding out of Nikki’s wonderful mare Pasoa, and sired by her Grand Prix stallion Durable.  

FULL RESULTS

Photos: Kevin Sparrow