HIGHWORTH Eventer Paul Tapner enjoyed a comfortable win at Houghton Hall CIC*** last weekend on Stormhill Michael.

Paul faced opposition from a host of strong competitors at the International three-day event in Norfolk, including Lucinda Fredericks from Devizes, who finished fifth on Nysa de Petra.

Tapner entered the 12-year-old gelding along with homebred stallion Wickstead Didgeridoo, who achieved seventh place in the same class.

Other local riders to do well were Tom McEwen from Swindon and Danielle Dunn, a Cirencester College student. McEwen was seventh in the International Intermediate class on Private Rudolf, beating top riders such as Rodney Powell and Bill Levett. The pair finished second at Hambledon last month.

Danielle Dunn clinched 11th place on What A Catch II.

Marlborough-based Italian rider Alberto Giugni took four horses but was forced to retire both Pastel L’Anguillere and Easy; his other rides notched penalties cross country and he finished disappointingly well down the tables.

Pippa Funnell proved she is still a credible threat with two wins in the International Novice and Intermediate classes.

SHOWJUMPING STAR Johnathan Bowman won a hat-trick of prizes at Summerhouse Equestrian Senior BSJA on May 10.

The Cricklade man dominated the scoreboard at the affiliated competition held at the Equestrian Centre in Gloucester.

He took both first and second place in the British Novice with Cassinar and Balzac respectively. He also won the 1.15m Open on Stormhill Barndance, beating Paul Tapner who came fourth on Wickstead Didgeridoo.

Bowman then went on to win the 1.20m Open class on Miss Clover Imp Diva, once again beating Tapner. John completed his successful day with a fifth place in the Newcomers’ class on Archie of Darwood.