EQUESTRIAN Louisa Lockwood has enjoyed a triumphant weekend, riding progressive horse Tiger Shark to victory at the Mitsubishi Motors two-star Hartpury International three-day event.

The eight-year-old gelding, which Louisa has always thought had the potential to be a winning horse, came good in spectacular style.

Lying in 13th place after the dressage section, Tiger Shark belied his inexperience to storm around the venue's challenging cross country course with supreme confidence.

Jumping all of the straight routes with ease, the Winterboune Stoke rider became one of only two competitors to complete the course within the optimum time.

The performance lifted Lockwood's overnight placing to second and ensured that the event was hers to be won or lost on the final day.

Tiger Shark again rose to the challenge, turning in a foot-perfect performance in the showjumping - one of just four clear rounds.

The result left Australian rider Paul Tapner needing a clear round to take first place.

He was looking good until the final fence, which fell, sealing a last-gasp victory for Louisa and Tiger Shark - the first at that level for both horse and rider.

The horse, which is jointly owned by Louisa and Alison Hues, showed all the class and ability to be a real prospect for the future and Louisa has high hopes for his further progress.