Equestrianism: Tait double on Ready Teddy

BLYTH TAIT and his winning Olympic partner, Ready Teddy, had their second victory in successive weekends when they won yesterday's Land Rover Advanced Intermediate section of the Gatcombe Horse Trials.

The New Zealander, who had won on Ready Teddy at Lincoln the previous Sunday, finished one point ahead of Mary King and the sprightly 15-year- old King William, who cruised round the cross- country course in his usual effortless style.

Ready Teddy's only serious misdemeanour this year occurred when he was out in the field. The kick that he delivered there to Chesterfield, Tait's partner in the Olympic team event, will prevent the horse from competing at Badminton in May. Ready Teddy will therefore go to the great event in Gloucestershire with a different stable companion, Aspyring.

Tait had achieved the best dressage score on Sam Barr's Welton Envoy, who was back in action after a year's lay-off, but he rode the 11-year- old at a more judicious pace across country to finish in 10th place.

Anne-Marie Evans, who gained a commanding seven-point win in the Open Intermediate section on Dutch Treat, appreciated the course which was designed by the Princess Royal. "As always, it rode beautifully," she said.