COMPETITORS and spectators were bathed in sunshine at the South of England Show in Ardingly, West Sussex, on June 11, when 17-year-old Northallerton rider Alex Gill won the Speedi-Beet HOYS Grade C qualifier on Billy Olive.

After a stiff first round of competition, 23 combinations went clear to earn a place in the jump-off. Eight went on to achieve a double clear, meaning the clock would prove pivotal in the allocation of qualification places.

Alex and Billy Olive, an eight-year-old bay mare owned by Billy Stud, came out on top after crossing the finish line with that double clear in just 39.84 seconds, 0.14 seconds faster than his nearest rival.