LOUISE HARWOOD proved the star at the Land Rover Gatcombe Horse Trials over the weekend with a trio of victories, writes Rebecca Rhodes.

Harwood, from Eardisley in Herefordshire, saw off all the opposition to win the Advanced Intermediate class on Whitson and the pair now head to Badminton in May.

Louise also won the Open Intermediate section L on Jenga and the Novice section D on Bechfa Medrod.

Cherington-based Zara Tindall had a busy weekend riding five horses including her London 2012 Olympic team silver medal winner High Kingdom, who finished eighth in the Advanced Intermediate class.

They are currently on the wait list for Badminton.

Zara was also second in the Intermediate Novice section G with BGS Class Affair and was beaten by just 0.3 of a penalty in Novice section B with Rum Expectations.

They were pipped to the post by Danielle Dunn from Cricklade riding Polar Fox.

Danni, 24, will be competing at Badminton for the first time this year with Zocarla BLH and was recently selected by the Horse Trials Support Group to be one of their 2017 scholars.

Taking third place in this section was Ireland’s Jonty Evans from Shipton Oliffe with John The Bull.

Beanie Sturgis and her mount Lebowski who are also Badminton-bound, won Open Intermediate section K.

Beanie organises Dauntsey Park Horse Trials which take place at her Great Somerford home in July and September.

New Zealand riders took second, third and fourth in this class. Dan Jocelyn, who is based in Oaksey, with Dassett Cool Touch finished runner-up, while Tim Price took third and fourth with Xavier Faer and Bango.

Dassett Cool Touch and Bango are also heading to Badminton.

Gatcombe regular Harry Meade from West Littleton rode seven horses over the two days. All finished in the top 20 and he gained a win in Novice section A with Red Kite.

Close on Harry’s heels in this class was Sara Squires from Chepstow, riding Ramexicos Man. Sara and her stallion Sula Blue were fifth in the Advanced Intermediate class.

It was a successful weekend for Michael Jackson from Northleach, second in Open Intermediate section L with Leighland Pearl, third in Novice section D with Ballyheights, fifth in Open Novice section F with PSH Blue Tango and fifth in the Open Intermediate section K with Hilldown Prophet.

International riders took the top three places in Novice section C. Andrew Nicholson winning with As Is and fellow New Zealander Dan Jocelyn second on Fjury.

Tiana Coudray from the USA was third on Cancaras Girl.