Stephen Mercer from Alton, Hampshire headed a competitive SEIB Winter Novice Qualifier at Addington Manor Equestrian Centre in Buckinghamshire.
The class attracted a huge field of seventy-three starters and competition was fierce as they all battled it out for one of the two qualifying tickets on offer for the prestigious Championship which takes place at the Longines Royal International Horse Show in July.
Stephen took the class win on board his own six-year-old chestnut mare Mums The Word after the pair produced a double clear in 42.60 seconds. This saw them finish just 0.01 of a second ahead of the combination in second place.
Taking second place was Tara Mcdonald from Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire with her own 6 year-old bay gelding Fygo Von D’Ouwe Grint. Also jumping double clear, their time of 42.61 seconds ensured that they secured the second qualifying ticket.
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