'Super happy' Zara Tindall wins first major championship in nearly 20 years


Zara Tindall rode Class Affair to victory on Saturday, although the daughter of Princess Anne wasn't supported in the crowd by members of her family


Zara Tindall, smiling, rides a brown horse in equestrian gear at an event.© Kelvin Bruce/James Whatling
Matthew Moore
Matthew MooreSenior Evening Writer
8 minutes ago
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Zara Tindall has given mum Princess Anne a birthday to remember, with the Princess Royal's daughter claiming gold while competing at the Hartpury International Horse Trials and the British Championships.

Zara, who was riding the 17-year-old Class Affair, claimed gold at the British Championships, winning a prize pot of £5,000. However, despite the royal's victory, she wasn't able to celebrate with her family, who weren't there to cheer her on.

An onlooker confirmed to HELLO! that no royals were seen at the event, but they added that the mother-of-three was having a "whale of a time". The onlooker said: "Zara was in a crazy mood, she seemed super happy, smiling as she jumped over the jumps, even going 'Whee', she was smiling and beaming, kissing the horse."

On her achievement, they added: "She's taken this horse, who is on the downward trend, and taken him to glory in the British Open championships."

Zara's gold is the first major title she has won since 2007, when she took home a team victory at the 2007 European Eventing Championship. Her last individual win came in 2006, when she competed at the 2006 World Equestrian Games, on both occasions, she was riding her horse Toytown.

Zara Tindall, smiling, rides a brown horse in a competition, wearing a helmet and riding gear.© Kelvin Bruce/James Whatling
Zara was thrilled as she took the win

The 2006 World Equestrian Games where she won the individual medal was held at the same venue as the were held, and Zara made an appearance there earlier this week.

Zara Tindall in a black polo shirt kisses a brown horse on the nose.© Kelvin Bruce/James Whatling
The royal was so overjoyed she kissed her horse

Zara was seen at the event's opening ceremony, and the 45-year-old looked effortless as she joined Princess Catharina-Amalia of the Netherlands and Queen Mary of Denmark.

Zara Tindall riding a brown horse, holding a stick, wearing a helmet and gloves.© Kelvin Bruce/James Whatling
Zara rode Class Affair

The royal turned heads in a sleeveless black tailored ensemble featuring a structured V-neckline and lapel detailing. She amped up the glamour with chic translucent tortoiseshell sunglasses from FINLAY, subtle gold hoop earrings and a chain-strap crossbody bag, while styling her blonde hair in a fresh, pin-straight chin-length bob.

Zara Tindall riding a brown horse over a hurdle in a competition.© Kelvin Bruce/James Whatling
Sadly, the royal wasn't cheered on by her family

Zara's most-recent public appearance

Before heading to the FEI World Championships, Zara's last public appearance was at Wimbledon at the start of last month.

She was joined by her husband, Mike Tindall, and the royal wore a gorgeous dress that featured puff sleeves and a V-neckline. The royal wore her sunglasses to watch the action and showcased her beautiful blonde bob with picture-perfect curls.

Zara Tindall watching the action on centre court on day ten of the 2026 Wimbledon Championships © PA Images via Getty Images
Zara was last seen at Wimbledon

Her rugby star husband also scrubbed up well in a white blazer and blue shirt, ensuring they co-ordinated perfectly.

During the match, Zara was also seen laughing with Geri Halliwell-Horner and her husband, former Red Bull Racing team principal, Christian Horner. The trio were seen exchanging jokes, before their attention shifted back to the tennis match.

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