WILTSHIRE teenager Jessica Mendoza finished runner-up to in-form Cheshire rival Emily Ward in the JJ Junior Jumping Stakes at the London International Horse Show at Olympia.
Tockenham rider Mendoza, 16, was edged out in a jump-off on horse Tixylix, who she was riding for the final time.
Mendoza won the class in 2009 and 2010 on Tixylix and last year aboard Razorlite but Ward completed a notable double, the 13-year-old having become the youngest winner of the Team Murka and World Class Programme U23 British Championship earlier last week.
She delivered another outstanding performance riding King Mac, clocking a jump-off time of 25.48 seconds to triumph by almost two seconds from Mendoza and Tixylix.
Harry Charles finished third with Murka’s Moneymaker III.
Mendoza, who was fifth in the British Championship event on Classic Highfly, said on Twitter: “Finished second at Olympia on Tixylix.
“So pleased she jumped incredible. This was my last show on her I’m going to miss her so much, she has been such an amazing pony for me.’’
MORE SPORTS NEWS & PICTURES IN THURSDAY'S GAZETTE & HERALD
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here