ORGANISERS of a popular horse trials event have added an extra course to make up for a spring competition which was cancelled because of foot-and-mouth restrictions.

After a busy weekend, the challenging course at Witton Castle, near Bishop Auckland, County Durham, will be in action again in two weeks, on October 13 and 14, when some of the country's top riders are expected.

In the past three days more than 400 horsemen and women, including former Olympic star Karen Dixon, from Barnard Castle, have been competing at Witton in dressage, showjumping and cross country elements.

After a good dressage, Karen's Sydney 2000 horse Too Smart chalked up a disappointing 25 showjumping faults and was withdrawn from the Advanced class before the final stage.

But Karen's two nieces, Jacquetta and Chloe Straker came up trumps with success in Novice Section G. Jacquetta took first place with 40 points on her 11-year-old gelding, Salisbury, while her sister finished tenth on Walthwaite Firecracker.

The event raised money for St Teresa's Hospice, Darlington, and the Mark Davies Injured Riders' Fund.

Entries will be taken until next week for the extra event on October 13 and 14 which replaces one originally planned at Bishop Burton.

Contact the entries secretary at Park View, Forcett, Richmond, North Yorkshire, telephone (01325) 718259, fax 718352.