A line-up fit for a king

Royal Windsor's showjumping line-up is one of its best yet. H&H showjumping editor Jennifer Donald is excited for the action and shares why you should be too

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ANYONE lucky enough to be watching this year's showjumping at Royal Windsor is in for a treat. Whether you're an armchair viewer following via the live stream or you are fortunate enough to have a ringside seat, there's a lineup fit for a king as we welcome the reigning European and Olympic champions, the world's top three ranked showjumpers and a rich assortment of championship medallists and all-round legends (yes, John Whitaker, that's you). Here are the key names to look out for in the CSI5* classes and beyond.

WITH a jam-packed calendar taking our British showjumpers abroad for much of the year, a five-star show on home soil is a rare chance to see your favourites up close.

Windsor regular Scott Brash returns to Berkshire as the new world number one, reflecting the sensational form he's enjoyed over the past 12 months.

He's accompanied this year by British team-mates Matt Sampson - and his Canadian fianceée Kara Chad - Adrian Whiteway, Jodie Hall McAteer and Joe Stockdale. We've been thrilled to see Joe's top mare Cacharel on the comeback trail after injury and the 15-year-old makes a welcome return at Windsor.

"I think she's better than before," says Joe, who also takes centre stage on team stalwart Ebanking and Laska JDV. "Maybe it was having the break, but she's full on, ears pricked everywhere, she's loving it." Both the Charles and Whitaker families are out in force.

For 2024 Olympic gold medallist Harry Charles, Royal Windsor will be a home away from home with his wife Eve Jobs and sister Sienna also competing in the CSI5* classes. Harry has unfinished business in Sunday's feature class, the Rolex grand prix, after finishing third last year with Sherlock.