Gary Werth, from Braintree, is on his way to Wembley, having won the opening Horse and Hound Foxhunter second round qualifying competition at the Forest Edge Equestrian Centre in Norfolk.

His victory came aboard Koralla, an eight year old Dutch bred mare, bought from fellow South African rider David McPherson 18 months ago in conjunction with owner John Howard, for whom Gary has been riding since moving over to England three years ago.

There were one of only two of the 17 partnerships to go clear in the first round to guarantee them a place in the final to be held at the Horse of the Year Show in September as well as the Festival of Show Jumping.

Gary made his trip worthwhile by adding this to his victory in the preceding speed class as well as heading both the small open and 1.30m competitions on Panama Avoca.

A director at Cambridge United Football Club, owner John Howard commented afterwards "I am delighted for Gary and his wife Louise. Their hard work and attention to detail is second to none.

''However, the horse may have to be sold prior to Wembley as obviously the books have to be balanced at some stage. It's great that Gary's talent is being recognised in this country."

Felsted's Rebecca Ockendon-Day took the £650 runners-up prize aboard Clover Chief in the Mitsubishi Canter qualifier on the opening day at the South of England County show at Ardingly in Sussex.

They set an early standard from second draw in this one round competition over a 1.45m course where the fastest clear wins.

Rebecca now travels to France where she has been invited to compete at shows in Lons le Saunier and Vichy.

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