27,500 Spectators Gather For Inaugural Event

The sun shone on the inaugural Scone Palace International Horse Trials, welcoming 27,500 people to a thrilling four days of elite and grassroots sport.

Team GB Olympian Laura Collett and her horse London 52 became the first winners of The Malcolm Group CCI4*-S class in a thrilling win over her Paris Olympics gold medal-winning team-mate, Ros Canter.

Laura commented, “I’ve been blown away by the event here at Scone Palace; everything has been phenomenal, which is a huge relief as this is Dan’s last run before the European Championships. It’s been the best preparation for him, and he loved performing in front of the enormous crowd.”

Ros Canter and Izilot DHI picked up second place, and behind them in third was another of Britain’s stars, Emily King, with Valmy Biats.

Scotland’s leading event rider Wills Oakden ensured the Perthshire locals were represented on the winner’s podium as he headed the CCI1* with David Kenwright’s Greystone Midnight Harmony.

Wills said: “I’ve had a fantastic weekend; I can’t thank the organising team and the Mansfield family enough for their hospitality. To have an event of this stature in our area is terrific. The volume of people who have come through the gates has been incredible. I hope everyone comes back next year.”

In addition to the 27,500 spectators, the event welcomed 1700 horses and their teams, 140 trade stands, 50 catering businesses, and 220 volunteers. 

Event director Alec Lochore said: "We’ve had a lot of very positive feedback. We’ve learnt an enormous amount about the venue, and there are many positives and, of course, some tweaks that will be made. It takes time to understand a new event site, and I’m immensely proud of what the whole team has delivered.

“The Mansfield family, who own Scone Palace, has taken a massive leap of faith in taking on the mantle of what was an enormously popular event at Blair Castle and by investing in producing something really special here at Scone Palace.”

William Stormont, owner of Scone Estates commented, “We are thrilled with the success of the inaugural Scone Palace International Horse Trials. Delivering a Scottish-based international event in 2025 was a major undertaking, and I am delighted to say it has been a resounding success.

“The standard of competition has been exceptional. Across four days, world-class riders and grassroots competitors came together to showcase a dazzling display of horsemanship and exceptional sporting action.

“I would like to extend my sincere thanks to our colleagues at Perth Racecourse and Scone Palace, to the dedicated judging and commentary teams, and the 220 volunteers without whom this event would not have been possible. Their commitment and hard work have been outstanding.

“Early feedback from competitors, exhibitors and spectators has been overwhelmingly positive, and planning for 2026 is already underway. We look forward to welcoming everyone back next year.”

Action from all three phases of the international eventing classes can be watched on playback on ClipMyHorse.TV.