Equestrianism: Williams surprised by one-two

Guy Williams had the distinction of filling the first two places in yesterday's Two Phase Challenge on the opening day of the Royal International Horse Show.

Having held a long lead on 10-year-old Loro Piana Hamlet, Williams was the only one to defeat his own time when winning on seven-year-old Skip Two Ramiro. "I've finished first and second in an outside ring here, but this is the first time I've done it in the international arena," the 32-year-old Williams said.

While others were preparing for the bigger classes here this week, the two horses that Williams partnered yesterday were due to go home immediately after the class. Williams, who has ridden in one Nations Cup - at Prague "a long time ago" - is now hoping for more chances to jump in British teams.

Michael Whitaker, a regular team member for a couple of decades, had his first contest since 1999 on the 12-year-old mare, Fleur, which was satisfactory apart from a single error going into the final double.

"She felt very good, but there were a few little misunderstandings that we'll have to sort out," Whitaker said. "You have to go along with her and not bully her."

Tim Stockdale, whose Parcival is sidelined with a stifle injury, looked to have established a good understanding with his new mount, Fresh Direct Jerome, who until recently was partnered by Ireland's Cameron Hanley. He was delighted with a stylish clear round, albeit unhurried, on the 12-year-old bay who has only been with him for a few days.

Peter Charles also rode his new mount, Magic Max, who had caused such a stir when bought by Lord Harris of Peckham for a reputed £1m and given to the Irishman to ride. The horse, who had been considered a live prospect for the British team at next month's European Championships at Donaueschingen in Germany, has been suffering from a poisoned foot, so Charles had not had time to "fiddle about with him" as much as he would have wished before incurring four faults over the first half of the course.

The only other time Magic Max competed in the main arena here was with his previous rider, Keith Shore. "He stopped at the first fence and I fell off him," Shore had told Charles.

Though yesterday's contest was officially a national class, overseas riders who are members of the British Show Jumping Association were able to take part. The international contests get into full swing today, when Brazil's Rodrigo Pessoa, the 1998 world champion, will be among those contesting the British Grand Prix.

ROYAL INTERNATIONAL HORSE SHOW (Hickstead, Sussex): Royal International Two Phase Challenge: 1 Skip Two Ramiro (G Williams) clear, 37.76sec; 2 Loro Piana Hamlet (G Williams) clear, 37.94; 3 Touche (J Popely) clear, 38.66.