Sport & Results
Gubby Leech and Royal Harvest Triumph After Injury Layoffs
Gubby Leech and Royal Harvest claimed victory at the Little Downham International in the Childéric Saddles CCI4*-S, Section D class. Both horse and rider were returning to competition after injury layoffs.
Equidara editorial team · 17 October 2026 · 1 min read
Gubby Leech and Royal Harvest have made a triumphant return to competition, securing a win after their respective injury layoffs. The pair clinched victory at the Little Downham International in the Childéric Saddles CCI4*-S, Section D class. As reported by Horse & Hound on October 16, 2026, they completed the class with a score of 47.4 penalties.
Fastest Cross-Country Round in the Field
According to Horse & Hound, Leech and his gelding didn't have a clear round in the show jumping, dropping one rail. On the cross-country, they incurred 7.6 time penalties. Despite this, the report highlights that the pair still managed to produce the fastest round in their section.
Leech described the cross-country course as quite twisty. He explained that his primary goal wasn't to achieve the fastest possible time, but rather to give Royal Harvest a positive ride and assess his horse's fitness and readiness after his time off.
Aiming for Badminton
According to Horse & Hound, Royal Harvest had sustained a complicated leg injury. Following his return to competition, preparing him for high-level events proved challenging, especially ensuring suitable ground conditions for each outing.
Adding to the challenges, Leech himself suffered an injury; the report states he broke his heel in a fall from Royal Harvest during training at home. Following their Little Downham victory, Leech plans a well-deserved winter break for the gelding. His ultimate goal is to return to Badminton with Royal Harvest, provided their preparation goes smoothly.
Sources
- ‘I’ve got my horse back’: five-star pair mark their comeback from injury with a win (Horse & Hound) (16.10.2026)
Written by Equidara editorial team. Last checked: 24 October 2026.
Fachlich geprüft von Melissa Hinze, Pferdezüchterin und Pferdehändlerin, Gründerin von Equidara.
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