Death of a Showjumper: New Sky Documentary Uncovers Dark Secrets in Northern Ireland’s Equestrian World
Groundbreaking Documentary Sheds Light on Tragic Case
Sky Documentaries is set to premiere ‘Death of a Showjumper’ on September 7, 2025, a powerful series that lifts the lid on the dark side of a seemingly perfect world in the equestrian community.
The Tragic Story of Katie Simpson
The documentary focuses on Katie Simpson, a promising young horse-loving jockey from County Londonderry, Northern Ireland. When the 21-year-old died unexpectedly in 2020, the majority of the horse community initially accepted that she had taken her own life.
However, the case took an unexpected turn when a local journalist began questioning the official conclusion. The story devastated the horse community in Northern Ireland, exposing hypocrisy, secrets and violence beneath the surface of a seemingly perfect and privileged world. The journalist’s investigation was triggered by memories of a similar previous case, leading to suspicions about Katie’s sister’s partner, Jonathan Creswell, an influential champion showjumper, jockey and horse trainer.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
A Police Ombudsman report later found that the initial police investigation was “flawed” and “failed” the showjumper’s family. Creswell was subsequently charged with Katie’s rape and murder, with prosecutors alleging he had murdered Katie following an incident in which he had allegedly raped her a week before her death.
The case reached its dramatic conclusion when Creswell, aged 36, who went on trial in 2024, took his own life on the second day of the proceedings.
Documentary Impact
The three-part documentary, co-produced by Belfast-based company Walk on Air, promises to provide an unprecedented look into this tragic case, revealing the complex layers of relationships and power dynamics within Northern Ireland’s equestrian community. The series exposes how a seemingly perfect and privileged world harbored dark secrets and violence beneath its surface.