Wellington CDI: Hester and Moody continue their winning ways

Britain’s brightest stars took centre stage at Wellington CDI as the Hampshire venue hosted three days of international action (6–8 June 2025), with Carl Hester claiming a Big Tour double and Becky Moody sealing a stunning treble.

CDI3*

Following a triumphant return to competition at Addington CDI last month after Paris, Carl Hester continued his successful campaign with Fiona Bigwood’s 15-year-old gelding Fame XX (Bordeaux 28 x Rhodium). The duo led the charge in the Big Tour with two outstanding performances in the Grand Prix and Grand Prix Special, scoring 77.044% and 77.638%.

“Very proud of him as he continues to give his all and improve with every test we do,” Carl said on social media, praising the gelding. “Thank you also to everyone at Wellington for putting on a super show.”

Andrew Gould claimed the runner-up spot in both Big Tour classes with Tatiana Milne-Skillman’s striking black stallion Indigro (Negro x Jazz). Fresh from their recent outing to Lier CDI, the pair continued their consistent form, posting a personal best of 72.195% in the Grand Prix and 71.447% in the Grand Prix Special as they now prepare for Aachen CDI at the end of the month.

Becky Moody made a winning start to her international Big Tour career with Jo Cooper’s 11-year-old stallion James Bond II (Desperado x Fidertanz), taking victory in the Grand Prix Freestyle. Their harmonious performance impressed the judging panel of Hans Voser (SUI-E), Nick Burton (GBR-H), Isabelle Judet (FRA-C), Pascal Strohbücker (GER-M) and Marietta Almasy (FRA-B), who awarded them 77.640%. Earlier in the week, the duo also placed sixth in the Grand Prix with a strong CDI debut score of 70.065%.

Sadie Smith and Swanmore Dantina (by Dante Weltino), another promising new combination on the international circuit, claimed second in the Grand Prix Freestyle behind Becky. The exciting duo scored 75.665% for their elegant performance, building on their earlier Grand Prix result where they placed third on 71.804%.

“Such a great show this week for our second CDI!” Sadie said on social media. “Some small blips but really pleased with us being so new to this level. It was really nice to feel such a great atmosphere at Wellington with everyone supporting each other.”

CDI1*

Adding to a successful show for the Sheffield rider, Becky Moody dominated the Small Tour classes, winning both the Prix St Georges and Intermediate I with her up-and-coming eight-year-old mare Magic Dream (Governor x Swarovski), scoring 72.696% and 70.833%.

Andrew Gould and Active Solaris followed with second place in the Intermediate I, whilst the third spot went to Sara Jane Lanning and Nicola Seale’s Hawtins Lirica (by Lemony’s Nicket).

Meanwhile, in the Prix St Georges, Jezz Palmer made a welcome return to the international arena with Emily Ivins’ Ketcher B, competing for the first time following a year off for the 10-year-old Negro-sired stallion due to injury. The pair impressed with a score of 70.098% to take second place ahead of Gareth Hughes, and later finished just outside the podium in the Intermediate I with 68.529% for fourth.

“I was so happy to have Max (Ketcher B) back in action… he absolutely smashed it,” Jezz said on social media, expressing his joy at returning to the white boards with his dancing partner. “I can’t thank his owner, Emily Ivins, enough for her unwavering belief in both Max and me, and everything she did for him during his rehab. Plenty of turnout and rest now for this very special stallion!”

CDIU25

Young talent was also on display in the CDIU25 classes. Theodora Livanos (GRE) and Robinvale proved dominant, claiming both the Intermediate II and Grand Prix 16–25 on scores of 68.921% and 68.462%. She also filled both runner-up spots with Sir Robinson.

Britain’s Charlotte Lutener enjoyed a strong showing with Full Fusion BS, placing third and fourth across the two tests. “We aimed for consistency with our tests and despite a couple of hiccups on my part, I’m proud of how Florence keeps developing and finding confidence at this level,” she said on Instagram, adding, “Thank you Wellington for a wonderful show!”

A huge well done to all the riders, horses and owners who took part, and thanks once again go to Wellington Riding and their team for hosting such a superb show.

Results – top three

Friday 6 June

CDI1* Prix St Georges
1.   Becky Moody and Magic Dream JB, 72.696% (GBR)
2.   Jezz Palmer and Ketcher B, 70.098% (GBR)
3.   Gareth Hughes and Mowgli-Olympia MC, 68.970% (GBR)
CDI3* Grand Prix
1.   Carl Hester and Fame XX, 77.044% (GBR)
2.   Andrew Gould and Indigro, 72.195% (GBR)
3.   Sadie Smith and Swanmore Dantina, 71.804% (GBR)

Saturday 7 June

CDI1* Intermediate I
1.   Becky Moody and Magic Dream JB, 70.833% (GBR)
2.   Andrew Gould and Active Solaris, 69.167% (GBR)
3.   Sara Jane Lanning and Hawtins Lirica, 68.627% (GBR)
CDI3* Grand Prix Freestyle
1.   Becky Moody and James Bond II, 77.640% (GBR)
2.   Sadie Smith and Swanmore Dantina, 75.665% (GBR)
3.   Lewis Carrier and Diego V, 73.895% (GBR)
CDI3* Grand Prix Special
1.   Carl Hester and Fame XX, 77.638% (GBR)
2.   Andrew Gould and Indigro, 71.447% (GBR)
3.   Laura Tomlinson and Issey, 70.468% (GBR)

Sunday 8 June

CDIU25 Intermediate II
1.   Theodora Livanos and Robinvale, 68.921% (GRE)
2.   Theodora Livanos and Sir Robinson, 67.549% (GRE)
3.   Charlotte Lutener and Full Fusion BS, 66.618% (GBR)
CDIU25 Grand Prix 16–25
1.   Theodora Livanos and Robinvale, 68.462% (GRE)
2.   Theodora Livanos and Sir Robinson, 68.119% (GRE)
3.   Tyla Schou and Dennis Deniro, 65.513% (AUS)

FULL RESULTS

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