Royal Windsor Endurance 2025: A Tough Day at the Castle
- Bella Fricker
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 7 hours ago
This year’s Royal Windsor Endurance Ride proved to be as challenging as it was prestigious, with firm ground and warm conditions making for a demanding day across all classes. Of the 108 starters, just 30 completed — a striking 27% completion rate that reflects the severity of the conditions. Nowhere was this more apparent than in the CEI2*, where only 7 of the 52 combinations crossed the finish line.
CEI1* 100km: Stellar Debuts and Birthday Magic
There was heartbreak for Nicola Thorne and Wallonia, who had been tipped as the fastest British pair but were sadly eliminated for lameness at VG2. Promising youngster SJ Wadeeda and rider Kate Atkinson also retired after VG1.
But the day belonged to Stephanie Cole and her Arab x Welsh mare Raven, who impressed everyone by finishing 6th at 17.2kmph in their FEI debut. Even more impressive? Raven’s fastest loop was her final loop at 18.4kmph, proving Steph had judged her race to perfection.
“I didn't set out to go fast,” said Steph, “but Raven tells me what pace she’s comfortable with. I trust her. We only decided to go six weeks ago – my son is due spinal surgery and I thought this might be my only chance for a while. I’m so glad I took it! Plus – it’s Raven’s 9th birthday today, so it’s extra special.”
Also turning heads was Nikki Malcolm with OSO Spiralling Wind, finishing 5th at 19.1kmph, a fantastic result for the Australian import.
International success came for Cecilia Linberg (riding for Sweden) and HS Jacinto, finishing their first FEI with a strong 10th place at 14.5kmph. Just behind was Antonia Milner-Matthews and Sameera, rounding out the leaderboard in 11th at 14.1kmph.
“I had a bit of a stressful leadup to my - and Jacinto's - FEI debut” said Cecilia. “He was overwhelmed by the venue at the pre ride vetting. But on the day, he settled well, coped with the buzzy atmosphere and gave me the super steady ride that I had planned for his first attempt at this distance.”
The class was won in spectacular style by French rider Lea Vandekerchkhove aboard Balkan Biliska AA at a blistering 24kmph for F3 Stables, who also secured 2nd and 4th.
CEI2* 120km: Ruthless Ground, Ruthless Racing
With 45 eliminations out of 52 starters, the CEI2* class was particularly brutal. Amongst the unlucky were Georgina Vaughan and Vlacq Elladora, eliminated at VG1 after a stumble on the rutted ground.
There was also disappointment for Yawl Hill’s Sally Mcilwane and Kirsty Wiscombe, both eliminated for lameness at VG3.
The victory went to Saud Mubarak Salem Sabt of Bahrain, who led from start to finish on Geronimo Du Sauveterr, averaging 24.4kmph over the 120km course.
Top British rider in the 2* was Sophie Moorhouse, who brought Henham Silver Dixie home in 5th at 17.7kmph on the mare’s first attempt at 120km — a smart, consistent ride.
We asked Sophie about her ride:
“Our main goal was simply to complete the ride - this was Dixie’s first time competing in Europe, and her first 120km. Windsor is a tough race, so I knew it would be a challenge. That said, she gave it her all, and we achieved exactly what we set out to do. Finishing 5th was the perfect bonus..”
Victoria Davies finished 7th with Cumbria Showtyme, her experienced 15-year-old gelding.
CEI3* 160km: A Royal Challenge
The 3* class was no less gruelling, and saw Harry Ingram and Globe Art Girl eliminated at VG3 for lameness, despite a carefully ridden race.
Victory went to Saif Almazrouei riding for MRM on the Australian-bred Bullio Quasillo, finishing at an average of 21.8kmph.
Conclusion: A Test of True Endurance
From personal milestones like FEI debuts to the heartbreak of eliminations, the 2025 Windsor Ride showcased everything that makes endurance riding both magical and merciless.
For those who completed, the results were hard-earned. For those who didn’t, the camaraderie and care within the endurance community remain a source of strength. And for everyone, this year’s event was a reminder of the responsibility we all share in safeguarding the welfare of our horses, both on and off the course.
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