Stevens and March Secure Four-Star Victories at Scone Palace International

What Happened

The Scone Palace International Horse Trials in Perthshire, Scotland, concluded on September 1, 2026, with dominant performances by British riders Gemma Stevens and Piggy March in the event’s showcase classes.

In the Malcolm Group CCI4*-S, Gemma Stevens and Cooley Park Muze delivered a wire-to-wire victory. Entering the dressage arena as the final pair in a field of 100, Stevens posted a 28.4 to take a narrow lead. They maintained that position through Saturday’s show jumping and Sunday’s cross-country, finishing on their dressage score after a cross-country round that was 10 seconds under the optimum time. Stevens also secured third place with Chilli’s Jester and seventh with Chilli Morning IV.

In the CCI4*-L, Piggy March and Cooley Anything You Like claimed victory after moving up from fourth place following dressage. The pair was one of only three combinations to finish cross-country inside the optimum time, a feat that propelled them into the lead. A clear show jumping round on Sunday secured the win on a score of 32.2. Willa Newton and Hartacker, who led after dressage, finished in second place.

Why It Matters

The results at Scone Palace underscore the depth of the "Cooley" breeding and selection pipeline, as both four-star winners carried the prefix. For Stevens, the win validates Cooley Park Muze’s development as a top-tier athlete capable of maintaining speed and stamina at the upper levels.

For March, the victory marks her fifth career CCI4*-L title. Her comments regarding the horse’s power and gallop suggest that Cooley Anything You Like is being aimed at legendary five-star events like Badminton and Burghley. For riders and trainers, March’s success also highlighted the importance of tactical adjustments; she noted a modified warm-up routine was key to keeping her horse settled before the cross-country phase.

Additionally, the event served as a significant test for American rider Molly Duda and Jutopia, who were positioned in second place after the dressage phase of the CCI4*-L before the leaderboard was reshuffled by the cross-country course.

Discipline Context

These results have a direct impact on the international eventing standings and the "one to watch" lists for upcoming five-star seasons. The CCI4*-L is traditionally the proving ground for horses preparing for the highest level of the sport. The dominance of British riders on home soil continues a trend of strong performances in European international competition, while the varied success of international entries provides critical data for national federations monitoring rider performance abroad.

Quick Facts

• Governing Body: FEI / British Eventing
• Location: Scone Palace, Perthshire, Scotland
• CCI4*-S Winner: Gemma Stevens and Cooley Park Muze (28.4)
• CCI4*-L Winner: Piggy March and Cooley Anything You Like (32.2)
• Course Designer: Alec Lochore
• Notable Finishes: Tom McEwen took 2nd in the CCI4*-S; Willa Newton took 2nd in the CCI4*-L.

Competitors heading into the season can find show tack and riding equipment ahead of entries.