Record crowds at horse trials

With an electric atmosphere Michael Jackson, riding Direct Mission, began his round knowing one pole would have handed the title to rival Emilie Chandler.

But he finished clear, to a rapturous ovation, to take the number one slot in the CCI 1* section.

In the 2* category Ingrid Klimke finished as she had started three days before, on perfect form.

The delighted rider spoke with modesty after securing victory: “It has been a wonderful weekend, I’m so pleased with the way Tabasco has performed in all areas and very excited about next year.”

“I’m so glad we made the decision to come and thanks again to Chris Bartle for advising me.”

In the finals of the British Eventing Young Horse Championships, Kitty King riding Jane Murfett and Frank Inn’s ‘Persimmon’ was crowned six-year-old champion.

John-Paul Sheffield claimed the seven-year-old title on Jane Heerbeck’s ‘DHI Zatopek B’.

He said: “The Championships was my aim for this year and I’m so pleased to be in this position. It’s been a tough year at times to get this horse to this level but it’s a great result.”

Course designer and event director Stuart Buntine was proud of a successful four-day spectacle.

“We are so pleased with this year’s event, the course has worked as I had hoped, offering a mix of challenging and learning questions for horse and rider alike,” he said.

“The most important element is that everyone enjoys their experience here, whether they are on two legs or four.”

“We are so lucky to have the full support of Michael Foljambe who lets us take over his estate for the competition, without which this couldn’t be the event it is.”

For full results and information on next year’s event see the official website at www.osberton-horse.co.uk