SWINDON-BASED rider Georgina Tapner took victory on board Bugatti II in the Petplan Equine Medium Silver Championship in a very competitive class at Hartpury College on Wednesday.

Tapner, from Castle Eaton, was thrilled with Bugatti’s performance in an electrifying atmosphere with some exceptional partnerships competing for the title.

“I’m so happy with him. It was a bit daunting to start going first, but he stayed relaxed and gave me a great ride,” said Tapner.

“I really enjoyed riding the test. There were no mistakes; it was a clear round.”

The combination qualified through two rounds of competition having previously won their place at the championship at the Petplan Equine Area Festival Final in 2018.

The partnership clearly impressed the judges with a strong performance, achieving a winning score of 70.68 per cent.

The Petplan Equine Area Festivals provide riders from Preliminary to Intermediate II level with the chance to experience the thrill of competing in top competition style conditions.

A total of 24 Area Festivals took place all around the country in 2018 and eight Area Festival Finals where those contending the Championships qualified.

British Dressage chief executive Jason Brautigam said: “As another year goes by and we are back at the Petplan Equine Area Festival Championships, I am once again captivated by the dedication and commitment shown by competitors.

“This is the real grassroots of our sport and the standard reached is to be applauded. In 2018, even more people experienced the feeling of top class competition which the Area Festivals deliver – with the Championships at Hartpury College being the icing on the cake.

“We will be celebrating the 20th Anniversary of Petplan Equine’s support of the Area Festivals when the new series starts in May and we look forward to marking this landmark occasion.”