PAUL TAPNER, of Wickstead Farm in Highworth, sparked jubilant celebrations from his team when 2010 Badminton winner Inonothing finished runner-up at the Belton Horse Trials in Lincolnshire last weekend.

After suffering an injury at the World Equestrian Games in 2010, when he chipped a bone, Inonothing’s competitive future was hanging in the balance, but the impressive Belton performance completed a remarkable recovery back at advanced level.

It wasn’t quite enough to win the overall Grantham Cup CIC three-star event, which went to Leicestershire rider Sarah Cohen.

Membury’s Laura Collett and Rayef looked set to figure on the podium at least after leading the dressage section with an impressive score of 39 penalties and just four faults show jumping.

Unfortunately, due to a few costly mistakes in the cross country phase, Laura and Rayef dropped right out of the placings.

Collett did, however, finish sixth on her other mount Noble Bestman (otherwise known as Super Steve) from the 103 starters.

Laura also had pleasing rounds from Allora 3 – 11th in her first intermediate competition – and Brookfield Cult King, who was 20th in the novice.