The Mainland Coachwork Junior Rider leaderboard was one of the tightest series heading into the series final, with any of the top seven having the opportunity to finish on top. Matisse Masterson led the way, but not by much, and after sadly having to scratch from the Series Final, she had a nervous wait on the sidelines.

 

Matisse Masterson rides Jay-Z GNZ, Copyright Photo: KAMPIC / Kerry Marshall

 

It wasn’t until the final horse had completed the jump off that Matisse could breathe a sigh of relief, the title was hers! Jessica Hore came very close, as a win in the final would have seen her also win the series, but it wasn’t to be, and she finished in second place in both instead.     

 

Here’s what a thrilled and relieved Matisse had to say:

 

“I’m incredibly grateful to have won the ESNZ Leaderboard Junior Rider Series for the second year running. It wasn’t something I expected, especially given how disrupted my season was.

It truly was a whirlwind. The shutdown of Woodhill Sands — where I regularly compete for series points — was a major setback, followed by another disappointment with HOY being cancelled.

On top of that, Jay-Z and I had a serious fall after a warm-up in February when he slipped. I suffered multiple fractures in my hand, and it was later discovered that he had sustained a muscle tear as well. This forced us to take a six-week break from competition”.

 

Matisse Masterson rides Jay-Z GNZ, Copyright Photo: KAMPIC / Kerry Marshall

 

“We came back strong and managed to gain more points, but just before series finals, Jay-Z didn’t feel quite right. It was a tough call to make, especially being at the top of the leaderboard, but his welfare and happiness will always come first. In the end, that decision didn’t cost us — and I was honoured to still be awarded the win. We were fortunate to secure several premier double-point wins throughout the season, which helped us build and maintain our lead.

We’re both recovering well now and will be back jumping soon. Jay-Z is feeling better than ever, and I’m really looking forward to getting back into it over winter.

Having now aged out of Junior Rider, I’ll compete in the Young Rider division for the 2026/27 season with Jay-Z. I’m also looking forward to getting my younger horses out and about”.

 Congratulations Matisse, back to back title holder of the Mainland Coachwork Junior Rider Series.

 

26 May 2026

The Jumping Team