AUSTRALIAN Bill Levett won the prestigious CIC** at The Whatley Manor International Horse Trials held at Gatcombe Park.

Show-jumping in reverse order, Bill from Chipping Campden completed an impeccable round to secure the win on his wife Jenny’s Lassban Diamond Lift and take the Guzerat Trophy. Jenny and Bill will enjoy a night at Whatley Manor Hotel and Spa, courtesy of the title sponsor.

Runner-up was Chuffy Clarke with Winnetou M, the only combination to complete on their dressage score. Third place went to Willa Newton and Caja 20 and in fourth was New Zealand’s Jonathon Paget with Angus Blue.

Local rider Daisy Berkeley and Strike Smartly took fifth and Australian Paul Tapner from Highworth with Bonza King of Rogues were sixth, both went into the showjumping phase on their dressage scores, each then added four faults. Daisy also took third place in Open Novice section N on Ballinteskin Cooper S. Christian Landolt, owner of Whatley Manor was kept busy at the event and also found time to ride Toblerone NZPH to take seventh in this competitive class.

Coral Keen from Devizes riding Cascadelle won the CIC* class adding nothing to her dressage score of 45.5. In second place was Italian rider Vittoria Panizzon and Super Cillious. Vittoria, who is based near Moreton in Marsh, was also the winner of the Open Intermediate section F on Bonne Amie. Tom McEwen from Swindon took third on Royal Roxey and won the Open Intermediate section H on Staff Des Champs.

Judging the CIC classes were two top international judges, Marilyn Payne from the United States and Riccardo Bordoni from Italy.

Jonty Evans from Shipton Oliffe competed on three horses and took third place in 2 Intermediate classes with Alamo and Cuffesgrange Ars Royale.

Tetbury-based Becky Woolven took fourth place in Novice section J with Gortglas Earl Grey.

Roberto Scalisi from Idbury near Chipping Norton won the Open Novice section N with Goonhilly Down on an impressive score of 23.5.