Reigning European eventing champion and Olympic gold medallist Laura Collett returns to Hickstead next week for the Ashby Underwriting Eventers’ Challenge (Thursday 23 July).
Laura brings two rides for the arena eventing showcase class, the 13-year-old mare Bling, who finished 14th at Badminton and 10th at Burghley; and the nine-year-old Romany Cricket, who recently won at Aston Le Walls International. It will be the first time Laura has competed in the class since 2022.
Last year’s winner Gemma Stevens returns with winning ride Cooley Park Muze. They’ve been on excellent form this season, winning at four-star level at Thoresby International, and finishing in the top six in all of their international runs so far.
Runners-up to Gemma 12 months ago were Alexander Bragg and Ardeo Premier, who are returning for another crack at the title. Alex is another former winner, having won the class in 2024 on Quindiva, and he has been on strong form in Hickstead's showjumping classes too this summer, with a second place in the Agria Derby Trial and a sixth place in the Al Shira’aa Derby with the grey mare Hegglelane Houston.
Other top names to look out for include Kirsty Chabert and her Bicton International winner Classic VI, as well as Kitty King (Cristal Fontaine), David Doel (Miss Morningstar BB and Cobalt De Dugny), Tom Rowland (Quintilius), Will Rawlin (Casta Diva) and Felicity Collins (RSH Contend’or).
The international challengers include France’s Gaspard Maksud, who brings Just Perfect and Spirit’s Gemini, while New Zealand is represented by Nick Brooks (Lucky Jo Jo) and Bundy Philpot (Henton First Lady).
“The Ashby Underwriting Eventers’ Challenge is one of the most popular classes at Hickstead, and we’ve got a good line-up of riders for this year’s competition,” said Hickstead Director Lizzie Bunn.
“We’re delighted that Laura Collett is returning to Hickstead with two rides, while last year’s winners Gemma Stevens and Cooley Park Muze will surely be the favourites to win again – they produced a polished performance to take this title in 2025 and they clocked up another Hickstead victory in the Douglas Bunn 1.35m Memorial Challenge in September, so they know exactly what it takes to win in the International Arena. But there are plenty of other strong contenders who’ll be aiming to give Gemma a run for her money!”
