THIRSK rider Carole Dennis captured the final of the Derby House intermediate owner/rider series on Goulton Storm.

The pair came out on top from 21 starters in a fiercely-fought section at Henbury Hall in Cheshire.

"The cross-country course was much more technical than it was the last time I was here seven years ago," said Carole, who was devastated when her top horse Beckett II died at Auchinleck a few weeks earlier.

"The win was a real morale-booster, especially as I took the direct route over fence 18, a tricky double which caught a lot of riders out."

The pair started on a good dressage score, picked up a few time penalties across country, then went clear show jumping.

Carole qualified the eight-year-old Goulton Storm at both Hexham and Aske earlier in the year. She bought the mare locally two years ago and has now upgraded to advanced level.

She added: "I really enjoyed the cross-country and the horse went very well. To win a major championship like this is great.

"The mare just gets better with each outing and is constantly improving in all three phases."

Meanwhile, Darlington's Lucy Bell suffered a reversal of fortune to finish second in the final of the novice owner/rider series.

The winners, Alex Postolowsky and the diminutive Diplomatic Jack, were second to Lucy on Miss Inca in the qualifier for the final at Belton Park.

Lucy said: "The cross-country at Henbury Hall was quite challenging, but Miss Inca coped well and I am thoroughly enjoying this season and our good run."

The Leeds University student has owned 11-year-old Miss Inca for three years and the pair secured sponsorship earlier this year from TopSpec Equine, who supply the horse's feed.

Miss Inca and Lucy finished third in the national under-21 dressage championships and have now moved up to intermediate level in eventing