STOCKTON rider Sophia Cuthbert won the major veteran riders' championships on her own 13-year-old bay mare Walty L at the Dodson and Horrell National Amateur and Veteran Championships held at Aintree Equestrian Centre in Liverpool.

The championships are one of the highlights of the national showjumping calendar and six national titles were up for grabs over five days of competition.

Amateur riders and horses competed in finals across four different heights of fences – 0.85cm, 0.95cm, 1.05m and 1.10m – while the veteran riders' championships were spilt into minor and major categories.

The initial starting field of 14 in the major category was whittled down to four and a competitive jump-off followed, with three going on to secure a double clear. Sophia and Walty L took the jump-off head on and secured their double clear in 38.07sec.

After her win, Sophia said: “Before the jump-off, I said to myself that I would really like to win this championship, so I sat up, kicked on and Walty L really tried her heart out for me. She gave me her best.

“I’ve had her for four years now and she does a bit of everything. Showjumping wise, she’s been consistent all year and we’ve produced a lot of double clears, including in the national team jumping final at the national championships, where we helped the team to second place.”

Sam Horrell, CEO at Dodson and Horrell, said: “The national amateur and veteran championships are a fantastic event to be part of. We have been lucky enough to have supported it for a number of years and see it go from strength to strength. It’s great to see so many returning competitors and our congratulations go to all the championship winners.

"The event would not be such a success without the excellent organising team at Aintree Equestrian Centre, British Showjumping and of course all the competitors, friends and families. We look forward to seeing you all again next year.”

For a full list of results and further information about the championships, visit www.aintreeequestriancentre.co.uk.