REYBRIDGE rider David Doel headed the CIC2* class at Nunney International Horse Trials, riding Patsy Mason’s 12-year-old gelding Mr Hiho.

More than 900 competitors took part in the Kingairloch Highland Estate-sponsored event, which was held at Southfield House, near Frome.

Doel took over the ride on Mr Hiho in March and admitted he was “on the edge” in the dressage where they scored 36.9, putting them in second position behind Lower Stanton St Quintin Olympic hopeful Kitty King on Vendredi Biats.

But a pole down for King in the showjumping dropped her down to second, leaving Doel and Mr Hiho the victors.

“It all came together on the day,” he said.

“It was a very fair track with enough questions. It’s our fourth outing together and it is the first time I’ve really tested him and I put the foot to the metal cross country.

"He’s such a poser and really loved the showjumping where there is plenty of atmosphere. He loves being the centre of attention.”

The 12-year-old had plenty of good from under his belt having won Burnham Market CCI3* and the CCI2* at Ballindenisk.

“He was with Emily King, who produced him beautifully, but he grew into a Ferrari and became very strong, so we moved him to Oliver Townend.

"The five-hour drive to his yard meant I couldn’t see him very often. David is just an hour from where I live so it has worked perfectly,” explained owner Patsy Mason.

The pair will next be in action in the CIC2* at the Barbury International Trials later this month.

King, who also took third on Billy Bounce, said: “The addition of the extra loop worked really well and gave the course more flow. It was a good track and the going was the best I have ever seen.

"Billy Bounce probably jumped the best he ever has and Biats wasn’t quite with it in the showjumping.

"He lacked a bit of concentration and we took out a fence but he did a really good dressage test and was very good across country.”

Badgerstown-based New Zealander Sir Mark Todd on NZB Campino won the the open intermediate class.