NORTH Yorkshire based Rachel Proudley got day three off to a thrilling start with a memorable victory in the National 128cm Championship Final at the British Showjumping National Championships held at the NAEC Stoneleigh, Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire.

Riding the 15-year-old skewbald mare Painted Lady IV - a surprise Christmas present for Rachel from her family three years ago - she had a captivated audience gripped by her superb display. The pair are no strangers to the spotlight having won the 128cms Championship at HOYS last year.

Rachel has qualified for HOYS again this year with her horse Vayronn in the Horseware Bronze League and at just 12 years old she is likely to be one of the youngest riders in the class.

The first Championship of day four was the National Under 14 title taken by Hannah Barker aboard her beautiful 14 year old bay gelding Cartouche II. At just 12 years old, Hannah was delighted with her win and is pleased that given her age she will be able to come back to defend her title again next year.

Based in Northallerton, Hannah has only had Cartouche since October, yet in May this year they represented Great Britain as part of ‘Team NAF’ in the Children, Junior and Young Rider Nations Cup in Opglabbeek, Belgium.