Scotland’s James Smith began his Horse of the Year Show campaign with an impressive victory – and he could end it by becoming a father for the first time.
James, who is based in Dumfries, won The evoke Stakes speed class on Juno Rose 23, clocking a time of 56.99 seconds to continue Scottish success at HOYS 2026 following Samantha Wiseman’s stunning win in the Redpost Equestrian Senior Foxhunter Championship on Thursday night.
Last-to-go Joe Trunkfield, riding Darjeeling Desir, finished just 38 hundredths of a second behind as runner-up, with Thomas Pritchard completing the podium places on Angot HH Z.
And James then revealed that his partner is due to give birth on Saturday, aware that the call from home could come at any time.
“I might not be competing on the weekend!” James said. “My girlfriend hasn’t had the baby yet, but it is due on Saturday.”
In the meantime, he was able to reflect on an eye-catching display in the Andrews Bowen International Arena, adding: “We were drawn quite early, and I knew there were a lot of fast combinations still to go.
“Joe obviously went very close, but we just managed to stay out in front. It is always a great atmosphere at this show, and the horse feels fresh and good – ready to go – after we missed a couple of months in the summer when I broke my foot.
“It was a frustrating injury and not horse-related – I dropped something on my foot – and we only did a couple of indoor events before coming here. But she is fighting fit.”
ENDS
For more information on Horse of the Year Show 2026, please contact:
Horse of the Year Show Press Office, Grandstand Media Ltd.
Tel: 02476 858205
Email: press@hoys.co.uk
Image: 1st Class Images