PIPPA Allen was delighted to win the 128cm championship at the Royal Highland Show, Ingliston, Edinburgh at the weekend.

Pippa, who is the daughter of Paula and Peter Allen, proprietors of Stainsby Grange Equestrian Centre, Thornaby, is in her first season of affiliated competition.

She was riding Mary Reveley's Cappagh Misty, pipping last year's Wembley-winning mount Corra Lass, ridden by Emma Ball with Loftus rider Daniel Nielson taking fourth and fifth with Micklow Rapidash and Sligo Lucky.

Daniel took the 12yrs and under class at the pre-warm up Highland Jubilee Show at Lanark and both are going to the Home International in Cavan next week. Daniel also won the pre-Highland championship with Micklow Rapidash and was runner-up with Sligo Lucky and took the Royal Highland 138cm championship with Guinness Special.

James Reveley was runner-up with Double Dominic and was second in the pre-Highland championship with Spirit of Boadicea.

James was in action the previous week at Lough Farm, Carlisle and had a second and two thirds with Boadicea and a third with Dominic.

Lough Farm also produced a good win for Cealidhh Jackson riding Christine Neilson's Carra Lucky Strike to take the 1m Open. Redcar's Stephanie Robinson riding Janet Valk's Esselle took the Foxhunter 1.10m Open while Janet's son Adam was a 128/138cm handicap with Royal Declan and runner-up in the 1m Open.

* COUNTY Durham and Cleveland riders have been given British Show Jumping Association authorisation to take part in the Irish Home Pony International next weekend( July 5-7).

Adam Valks from Barnard Castle on Royal Declan will be taking part in the 138cms section. Competing against him will be two Saltburn riders - Daniel Neilson on Guiness Special and Jamie Reveley on Spirit of Bodecia.

Daniel will ride his other mount, Sligo Lucky, in the 128cms section.

AN eight-year-old skewbald gelding has qualifyed for three major shows this year.

Eight-year-old Merrigan is taking Clare Martin of Stainton Village to the Horse of the Year Show after his success at the Royal Highland Show .

He was ridden by Penny Thompson of Staindrop but also won the in-hand coloured horse class, shown by his owner.

Merrigan qualified at Beamish for the Royal International Horse show at Hickstead in July and for the in hand and ridden classes at Ponies UK at Peterborough in August.