The CSI5* DEfender Challenge STakes was ridden over two rounds this morning. In the shadows of Windsor Castle, Great-Britain's Matthew Sampson jumped to victory aboard his 11-year-old Mgh Candy Girl.
Matthew Sampson and his Irish-bred mare, Mgh Candy Girl (Sligo Candy Boy), clinched the victory by mere hundredths of a second difference. In this 1.50m class, the duo edged out American rider Laura Kraut to second place. Kraut followed with SF gelding Calgary Tame (Old Chap Tame) in second place.
Last to go, Harrie Smolders landed in third place. Only these three pairs produced clear rounds in both courses. Smolders completed the podium with Monaco N.O.P. (Cassini II).
With only one time fault, Max Kühner and EIC Julius Caesar (Couleur Rubin) finished in fourth place. In front of his home crowd, Harry Charles rounded off the top five with Bandit (Obos Quality).
Ph. © Royal Windsor Horse Show