There’s a host of sensational international entries for the Royal Windsor 2024, including a thrilling line-up of eight of the world’s top 10 showjumpers.
The Show will prove crucial in providing Britain’s top combinations with one of their final chances to impress selectors on home soil ahead of this year’s Paris Olympics – and gives an opportunity to size up 2024’s favourites for the medals table.
Show Jumping
CSI5* Show Jumping action commences with the Pearl Stakes on Friday 3 May, and concludes on Sunday 5th May with the €500k Rolex Grand Prix, providing a magnificent three days of international Show Jumping in one of the most exclusive showgrounds in the World.
Heading up the impressive line-up is Great Britain’s Ben Maher. Maher, who is currently ranked World No.2, and is a past winner of the prestigious Rolex Grand Prix, having won in 2021 with his incredible chestnut gelding Explosion W. The reigning individual Olympic Champion will be hoping to go one better than his 2022 second placing in the same class.
Maher will face stiff competition throughout the week however, including from the young British rider Harry Charles. Charles, who is one of the country’s most exciting up-and-coming Show Jumpers, has already had a 5* win at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida this year. Joining Maher and Charles will be Scott Brash – the highly decorated rider who was part of the bronze medal team at the 2022 FEI World Championships, and who brings with him three of his most talented horses.
In total, 11 British riders will be contesting the CSI5* Show Jumping, including Royal Windsor’s Show Ambassadors, Joseph Stockdale and Jack Whitaker. Making it a true family affair, Whitaker’s uncle, and cousin – John and Robert Whitaker will also be competing. John Whitaker, who at the remarkable age of 68 is still competing at the top level of the sport, continues to demonstrate all the skill and knowledge required to challenge for the top placings at the Show.
Another fan favourite to be making an appearance at the Show is Matthew Sampson. Sampson finished last year on a high when he was named ‘Leading Rider’ at London International Horse Show. Other notable British entries include Championship team regular Tim Gredley, and young rider Oliver Fletcher.
Alongside the British contingent, Switzerland will also have a strong representation at the Show, with the World Nos. 3 and 4 – Steve Guerdat and Martin Fuchs – both travelling to Royal Windsor. Former Rolex Grand Prix winner Guerdat will know exactly what it takes to claim victory in the famous Castle Arena having achieved this feat in 2018. His compatriot Fuchs will be snapping at his heels however, looking to repeat the success of his win in both this class as well as The Defender Challenge Stakes at the 2023 Show.
Joining the highly competitive field is America’s Kent Farrington (World No. 6), who also returns to Windsor looking for a second Rolex title, following his 2017 win. He will be up against fellow national Laura Kraut – both riders are known for their competitive spirit and were part of the gold medal winning team at the Pan American Games last summer. Canada’s Tiffany Foster is another rider making the long trip across the Atlantic Ocean and will be the sole Canadian representative at Royal Windsor this year.
Heading to Windsor in top form is Ireland’s Daniel Coyle. The Irishman has gone from strength to strength over the past 12 months – and has continued his winning form from last year’s London International Horse Show (where he won the prestigious London Grand Prix) with a number of impressive 5* victories including in Leipzig and Ocala. Coyle will be joined by four other countrymen including the in-form Bertram Allen, Darragh Kenny, and the Breen brothers.
From across the channel, the competition promises to be strong. Julien Epaillard, known as one of the fastest riders in the world, and current World No.5 heads to Windsor alongside compatriot Simon Delestre (current World No.7). With both riders’ strong records keeping them well at the top of leaderboards, they’ll be providing an insight into the Paris Olympics’ home team’s chances this summer.
Elsewhere, other riders of note attend Windsor with impressive resumés, and are not to be ruled out from victories, including Belgium’s Gregory Wathelet (winner of the Manama Rose Show Stakes in 2023, as well as the Rolex Grand Prix in 2022), Harrie Smolders (current World No.9), and the Netherland’s Maikel van der Vleuten. Snapping at their heels, Austria’s Max Kühner (World No.8) and Brazil’s Yuri Masur both come to Windsor with their A game – ready to battle it out at this crucial show.
Dressage
The Defender CDI4* Dressage returns to the Show with the Grand Prix taking place on Wednesday 1 May, and the Freestyle to Music on Thursday 2 May. In total 13 combinations will contest these prestigious classes, which bring this amazing sport home to the Private Grounds of Windsor Castle.
Prior to the competitive rounds, visitors will be treated to a “Guinea Pig Test” from Britain’s Richard Davison. Riding the Grand Prix test wearing a headset and providing his own commentary, the four-time Olympian will talk the crowd through the test in real time, giving invaluable insight and knowledge to dressage fans.
The British contingent is led by Gareth Hughes, who was part of the gold medal winning team at the FEI European Championships last summer. Hughes, who has amassed numerous national and international titles over the last 10 years, this year rides Classic Goldstrike, a chestnut gelding by Tango. Hughes takes the reins from his talented daughter Ruby, who regularly rides the 13-year-old; last year claiming team bronze in the FEI Junior European Championships.
At 61-years of age, Emile Faurie will bring his experience to the famous Castle Arena aboard Bellevue – the horse he rode to fifth last year. Fan-favourite Lewis Carrier and his long-time partner Diego V have continued to impress following their third place in last year’s Royal Windsor competition, including placing seventh in their debut at London International Horse Show in December – and will be looking to come out on top on their second attempt. Elsewhere, look out for Jayden Brown, who was part of Australia’s FEI World Championship team and will be making his first appearance at the Show, as will Finland’s Anu Sironen.
Driving
The International Carriage Driving will also see some of the best in the World go head-to-head over three days of intense action, as the sport returns to Windsor Castle’s Home Park Private.
Entries for the Horse Four-In-Hand (CAIO4*) are headed up by World No.1, Boyd Exell. Already a 12-time winner at Royal Windsor, he has continued to dominate with recent wins at Exloo – however, Exell will face stiff competition from the experienced Ijsbrand Chardon. The Dutch driver, who placed third in the FEI Driving World Cup™ Final in February will be looking to continue his current form, and will be well-placed to put the pressure on. Fellow Dutch national, Koos de Ronde, a five-time National Champion is another who is sure to be challenging for the title.
Elsewhere, keep eyes on America’s Chester Weber – the country’s most celebrated driver has won on every occasion that he has competed this year and is sure to be one to watch in Windsor. The driver will be hoping to put last year’s disappointment behind him, after his team were eliminated from second place for missing a gate in the Marathon. Another driver who will be looking for a place on the podium is Switzerland’s Jérôme Voutaz, who will be hoping to improve on last year’s sixth place.
Home favourite Daniel Naprous will be warmly backed by the Windsor crowds across all three phases of the event, whilst Belgium’s’ Dries Degrieck, who was victorious in the FEI World Cup™ Qualifier in Leizpig, will be hoping to claim his first title at the Show.
The CAI3* Driving will be led by Britian’s Tara Wilkinson with Cruze, who placed third in the competition last year. Wilkinson will be joined by five other drivers from Great Britian, with Austria’s Franz Feichtinger the sole international entry.
A full list of entries can be found here.
