The 2025 BDS Annual Show at Smith’s Lawn in Windsor Great Park was an event that had settled into itself after the move to a new location a few years previously.  The team behind the 2026 show are keen to build on that success and run a prestigious but inclusive event with something for everyone.

FINDING A NEW HOME

The move across the park was in response to the overhaul of Guards Polo Club pitches and the new road layout. Overall, for the driving this was an improvement on the old, long layout of four rings in a line, set against the road, with little room to warm up.  But there were a few issues with how well the new layout worked, not least in the flow of traffic and turnouts getting safely to and from the rings.

For the 60^th show in 2025 there was a slightly different, condensed layout.  The two rings – named Duke of Edinburgh and Sanders Watney – were placed on either side of a central catering and sponsors area.  This formed a hub for officials, sponsors and visitors who could watch both rings concurrently from one place.  It was also a fitting base for the Worshipful Company of Coachmakers contingent who enthusiastically support the show and make their annual award at lunchtime.   They enjoyed having own enclosure to entertain guests, which worked better than being parked along the side of an arena.

A TEAM EFFORT

Another change for the 2026 show is the team behind the event.  Now there is no individual ‘show director’ but a working group of volunteers in Christine Bassett, Joanne Dobson, Janet Goldsbrough and Jenny Crane, who are keen to state that they are sharing the load between them.

Derbyshire based Christine, who is also a member of the BDS Council and by day, a midwife, said that after the success of the 2025 show they have a great base on which to build.  Already the Hackney classes have a good entry, and there is a new class for Coloured horses and ponies sponsored by Dyno-Rod.  There will be a Prosecco bar and plenty of trade stands.  Another initiative has been to formally invite the BDS Vice-Presidents to attend the show as guests.

A SPECIAL EVENT

For BDS Chair, Neil Wray, Smith’s Lawn is the highlight of the summer.  ‘This is such a special event in the annual driving calendar.  Because of the iconic setting, it is a show that has something very special about it, and one that BDS members aspire to participate in.  The Concours d’Elegance drive in the afternoon, generously sponsored by Truckbusters again, is a unique opportunity to drive round and appreciate areas of the park not often seen.’

The entry for the drive is limited to 30 turnouts, and the winner receives the Elegant Carriage Trophy donated by the late Mr & Mrs Sanders Watney and a BDS Championship Sash. The highest placed unicorn receives the Golden Guinea Trophy donated by R J Parkington & Co.

GOLDEN OPPORTUNITIES

There is a chance to win a sought-after Horse of the Year Show qualifying ticket for the overall champion.  But if that champion has already qualified, the ticket passes to the reserve or third in line. Plus, there are lots of opportunities to qualify in all the categories for the Iceline Yorkshire Ltd. BDS Championships held at the end of the outdoor showing season in September at Addington.

What sets a show like Smith’s Lawn or any BDS Area show apart from other events is the variety and number of classes for all breeds, types and turnouts.  Exhibitors can enter several classes in a day which makes the hours of preparation, miles travelled and money spent worthwhile.  There are eight championships and each champion will receive a bottle of Pol Roger champagne.

At the end of the show, those eight champions plus the Concours drive winner are presented to a member of the Royal family in front of the Royal Box at the Guards Club, following a day of polo matches.  For many years, it was the late Queen who greeted the turnouts.  As former Patron of the BDS, the Prince Philip was also a presence at the show, visiting during the class judging and being involved in the Coachmakers’ presentation.  He would also lead the drive round the park with his Fells.

In more recent years, the successful competitors have been presented to HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh, herself a keen carriage driver.  Last year, it was Princess Anne’s daughter Zara Tindall who made the presentations, and she was delightful when engaging with the drivers.  In addition, all the competitors are invited to parade past the Royal Box and round the side of the polo pitches which is another memorable aspect of the show.

OFFICIALS & SPONSORS

This year’s judges are Joanne Hartland and Deborah Holt Atkinson, joined by Andrew Knight who has recently passed his probationary period.  For the Hackney classes, Michael Cooper is judging.  There will be team of willing stewards chaperoning the turnouts and keeping classes to time, which is vital with 30 classes to get through in the day.

Sponsors are an important part of the show too, and each class has an individual supporter.  Once again, the Fenix Training Trust is encouraging the next generation by sponsoring the Young Driver classes.  Many a past winner has gone onto great heights in driving, and this is one of the most popular classes at the show.  Divided into two sections, for ages 8-14 and 15-17, the champion receives the H Langdon Dowsett Trophy.

The BDS show at Smith’s Lawn is an iconic event with many traditions, including being able to spend the day ringside while enjoying a picnic with friends and watching the classes.  It’s anticipated that the 61^st show will be another memorable day.

Class entries close on 14^th June and there are still some slots available for ringside parking – for more information visit the BDS website.

Now all we need is the same good weather we enjoyed in 2025!