MARLBOROUGH-based Jonelle Price was on cloud nine as became the first rider to score back-to-back victories in the CIC*** for eight-and nine-year-old horses at the Blenheim Palace Horse Trials today.

The 34-year-old’s superb dressage and clear show jumping had given her a cushion of more than 10 time-penalties and that was extended when Jonty Evans, in second place, picked up time faults.

The New Zealander used up 8.8 of them on the eight-year-old, a horse she had anticipated might find the time a challenge on this undulating track.

“He’s a very different type to Faerie Dianamo (the 2014 winner) but it’s horses for courses,” said Price.

“He’s got so much quality in the dressage and jumping and he’s genuine and brave so I think he’s got a future in the sport.”

Meanwhile, it was a great day for Kitty King as she built on her fourth place finish at Blair Castle in the European Championships to clinch a third place in the CCI***.

The Lower Stanton St Quintin-based rider lifted herself two places and onto the podium after a clear final round in the show-jumping.

With Jonelle’s husband, Tim Price, knocking down one fence, that allowed King, and her horse to jump above him into third spot.

“This horse has come here and it was a really big test for him,” said King.

“The cross-country wasn’t the most technical of tracks that he has done, but it was a real stamina test for him.

“He is only eight, he is not a thoroughbred, and it was very hilly.

“I thought he might find it a bit of an effort and a bit too much for him at a young age, but he really got stuck in.

“He got a bit leg-weary, but he has jumped brilliantly today and I couldn’t be happier.”

Tim Price and Court Jester ended up coming fifth, with Flora Harris and Bayano lifting themselves up to eighth with a clear show jumping round.

Swindon-based Tom McEwen also went clear to lift himself up to 20th place on Hunter Valley II.