Hartpury, United Kingdom — December 2025 — British showjumper Leo Lamb closed out the 2025 indoor season in style after claiming a decisive victory in the Hartpury Winter Classic Grand Prix. Riding the talented nine-year-old gelding Las Palmas VG, Lamb delivered a confident double-clear performance to win the prestigious 1.40m class at Hartpury University, one of the UK’s leading equestrian competition venues.
The Hartpury Winter Classic Grand Prix is widely regarded as a key end-of-year fixture on the British showjumping calendar, attracting top riders from across the country. This year’s Grand Prix featured a strong field of 31 horse-and-rider combinations, all aiming to finish the season with a major win.
A High-Quality Grand Prix Field at Hartpury
The first round presented a technical and time-sensitive challenge, with carefully built lines testing accuracy, scope, and rideability. From the original starting field, 14 combinations produced clear rounds, earning qualification for a competitive jump-off.
As the jump-off unfolded, the pressure intensified. Riders were forced to push for speed while maintaining control over tight turns and delicate distances—conditions that often separate podium finishes from costly mistakes. Leo Lamb entered the arena with a clear plan, allowing Las Palmas VG to maintain rhythm and balance throughout the shortened course.
A Winning Jump-Off Performance
Lamb’s jump-off ride proved to be the benchmark of the class. Using efficient lines and forward yet controlled pace, the pair crossed the finish line in 38.00 seconds, fault-free. The round combined sharp turns with smooth approaches, showcasing the developing partnership between rider and horse.
Despite several strong efforts from later competitors, Lamb’s time held firm, securing him the Hartpury Winter Classic Grand Prix title and confirming the combination’s growing consistency at this level.
Close Competition on the Podium
The Grand Prix was decided by narrow margins. Ryan Page finished second aboard BP Ko Jax, stopping the clock just fractions behind the winner. Third place went to Jackson Reed Stephenson with Obelia VD Bisschop, who also delivered a double-clear performance.
The tight times across the top three underlined the depth of talent on display and the high standard of riding throughout the class.
Strategic Preparation Pays Off
Lamb’s success at Hartpury was the result of careful planning throughout the week. Earlier in the show, he claimed victory in the 1.35m Open with Las Palmas VG, before managing the gelding’s workload to ensure peak condition for the Grand Prix finale.
Since taking over the ride midway through the 2025 season, Lamb and Las Palmas VG have steadily progressed together. While the gelding is known for his relaxed temperament at home, he consistently shows heightened focus and competitiveness in the arena—an essential quality for Grand Prix success.
Las Palmas VG: A Horse to Watch
At just nine years old, Las Palmas VG is entering a crucial stage of development. The gelding combines scope, careful jumping technique, and a calm mindset, making him well-suited for top-level national competition. His performance at the Hartpury Winter Classic confirmed his readiness for consistent Grand Prix appearances and hinted at further progression in the seasons ahead.
Co-owned by Leo Lamb and Mark Bellinger, Las Palmas VG represents a carefully produced showjumper with long-term potential.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Season
With the Hartpury Winter Classic Grand Prix title secured, Lamb now turns his attention toward the 2026 campaign. Plans include continued development at home alongside appearances on the international circuit, where early-season competitions will help build momentum for the year ahead.
The Hartpury victory not only provides confidence but also strengthens Lamb’s position among Britain’s emerging Grand Prix riders, highlighting the effectiveness of his current string of horses.
A Standout Finish to the Indoor Season
Winning the Hartpury Winter Classic Grand Prix is a significant achievement for any rider, and for Leo Lamb, it marks a defining moment at the close of the 2025 indoor season. In front of a knowledgeable audience at one of Britain’s premier equestrian venues, Lamb and Las Palmas VG delivered a performance defined by precision, strategy, and composure.
As attention shifts toward the new competitive year, this Grand Prix victory stands as a clear statement of intent—signaling that Leo Lamb and Las Palmas VG are a partnership firmly on the rise in British showjumping.
