Zara inherits gold crown (From Stroud News and Journal)

Zara inherits gold crown

TEARS of joy flowed for Zara Phillips who proved she was a chip off the old family block by securing the individual title while helping Britain to a sixth successive European team gold at the Blenheim Petplan European Eventing Championship.

Zara, 24, was then crowned by the European champion from 34 years ago, HRH The Princess Royal-her mother.

On her senior team debut, Phillips was brought into the squad only four weeks ago when Pippa Funnell's Olympic bronze medallist, Primmore's Pride was injured.

However, Phillips underlined her growing reputation on her 12-year-old mount Toytown.

The combination had been third after the dressage, behind Germany's, Gatcombe- based Bettina Hoy and Funnell.

Nonetheless, they surged into the lead across country on Saturday. A faultless display in the show jumping saw Phillips take gold, leaving William Fox-Pitt and Tamarillo to take silver.

Phillips will now turn her attention to the World Equestrian Games in Aachen, Germany, next year and the Beijing Olympics in three year's time.