Equestrianism: Stockdale roared on to rousing triumph

Tim Stockdale had the final word at the Horse of the Year Show when he combined speed and accuracy on Colin Garratt's attractive grey gelding, Fresh Direct Parcival, to collect the £7,500 first prize in last night's closing Grand Prix. Last to go in the 12-horse jump-off, Stockdale delighted the capacity crowd who roared their encouragement as he took a rousing gallop to the final fence.

"It's my most satisfying result so far, winning in front of a home crowd," Stockdale said.

Until then, Billy Twomey had been heading for his second win of the weekend on the lovely mare, Anastasia III, who eventually filled second place ­ just ahead of Nick Skelton whose mount, Arko III, had continued to look like a future superstar when producing a flawless clear round in his biggest test so far.

Earlier Francois Mathy gave the continental riders their first success of the show when he rode Ivoor to win the Zinc Management Speed Horse of the Year, in which he and Patrick McEntee took the top two places for Belgium. Mathy had won the equivalent contest on Shurlands Governor six years ago, at about the same time that he aquired 12-year-old Ivoor.

The show was then staged at Wembley, but (like most of the other riders here) Mathy prefers the new venue. "I was impressed by the crowds here, the atmosphere was really nice," he said. He also appreciated the spacious practice ring after the cramped conditions at Wembley.

Andrew Davies was best of the British when finishing third on his long-standing partner, Captain Wellington, with whom he was reserve for the 2000 Olympic Games and the 2001 European Championships.