LAURA Renwick raced to victory in the Sky Sports Speed Classic, finishing more than two seconds clear of her nearest rival.

Her mare Beluga swept round Kelvin Bywater’s 1.45m course, and though last-drawn Guy Williams looked to be fast, he wasn’t quick enough and had to settle for second place with Bijou van de Vijfheide.

Rather aptly for Ladies’ Day, all of the top four horses in this class were mares.

Renwick, from Little Totham, had been confident of her chances with Beluga.

She said: “She loves the International Arena and she’s won a few times here over the years, plus I thought she should win as she’s an out-and-out speed horse.

“She’s quick through the air and is fast away from a fence, and she can keep up the pace all the way around.

“She makes my job quite easy,” she added.

Longines Royal International is the only CHIO five-star showjumping event in Great Britain, and one of only three in the world, attracting some of the world’s top riders.

Alongside the international showjumping and national classes for amateurs and young horses, the six-day show features some of the biggest and most prestigious showing competitions in the country.

Riders have qualified at venues around the country.