Equestrianism: Luckett beats the bucks as Marleen progresses by bounds

Marleen, a prolifically successful 11-year old mare, looks a handful to ride. She often bucks when the starting bell sounds but Luckett expects it of her and says that it never interferes with her jumping performance.

Their round was more than two seconds faster than their closest rival, Mark Armstrong, riding Rex. Belgium's Kristof Clerren on Cardso van de Helle was a close third. The remainder were much slower, with the next best placed, Geoff Billington on Cassius Clay, even collecting a time penalty.

Both Luckett and Billington are competing here on a "wild card" qualification and both are making the most of their opportunity. Luckett, born only minutes away from the National Exhibition Centre 47 years ago and still living nearby, is delighted to be riding at this top venue.

In the Grand Prix he hopes to ride Pjort, a horse of huge ability and probably his best prospect for international success. Today will be their greatest test to date.

To qualify for the Horse of the Year Show, then actually to compete is the ultimate ambition for most aspiring show exhibitors. From the jumping arena, to producing a show horse at its peak, or performing at dressage, in mounted-team games or a driving contest, it is high-tension, high-profile pressure. What could be in greater contrast than the extraordinary performance of the Frenchman Jean François Pignon, who surely provides the most memorable display of the equestrian year at this show.

Pignon's five horses, completely free, obey his wishes with apparently telepathic understanding to give a performance of sheer pleasure.