As the prizes for the London Grand Prix were handed out, Matthew Sampson also had to come forward as he was rewarded as the Leading Rider at the London International Horse Show 2023 for his outstanding results.
Sampson had a very successful week, with the victory of the CSI5*-W 1.45m Christmas Pudding Stakes aboard of MGC Candy Girl (Sligo Candy Boy) as the highlight of his performances. Together with the ten years old mare, the Brit also became third in the 1.45m Mistletoe Speed Stakes as well as fourth in the 1.50m Santa Stakes.
Together with his other mount and top horse of the week, Ebolensky (Clinton), his best results might have been his sixth place in the CSI5* 1.60m Longines FEI Jumping World Cup! In the 1.50m Agria Lifetime Equine Snowflake Stakes, the grey gelding delivered the second spot.
With these accomplishments, Sampson gathered a total of 51 points throughout the event, making him the Leading Rider of 2023. Dutch Rider Jur Vrieling came in second with a total of 45 points, leavin Max Kühner (AUT) on third with 44 points.