Clarke Johnstone and Sparky Lad, a former racehorse owned by Tim Boland, won the inaugural arena Racing Company (ARC) Racehorse to Eventer Challenge at the Cornbury House Horse Trials, taking home £45,000. Sparky Lad, previously trained by Chris Waller, had a successful racing career with over 30 runs and earnings exceeding A$250,000. Johnstone praised the initiative for promoting ex-racehorses as talented eventing athletes and encouraged riders to explore racehorses for eventing potential.

The competition attracted 44 starters in its first year, with Ben Lee Liles and Finch Fancy finishing second, earning £2,000, and Alexander Tordoff with Jack Randall placing third. The event highlights the transition of racehorses into eventing careers and continues as part of the four-day Cornbury House Horse Trials.