A successful SPC Holdings Ltd Burnham Market Horse Trials drew to a close in front of another big crowd on Saturday.

The previous day’s rain made the showjumping a little sticky but the going for the cross-country was excellent.

The international classes showcased some awe-inspiring talent from around the world as riders are still vying for possible Olympic qualification.

The CIC ** section A class was won by German rider Niklas Bschorer on Chris Bartle’s Ricardo Z bred gelding Ballyengland Rebel while our own Oliver Townend picked up second place on Black Tie II ahead of Ireland’s Sarah Ennis.

Section B was topped by the girls, with Jodie Amos riding Wise Crack into first place, ahead of Fiona Hobby and Norfolk’s Piggy French and Kiltealy Brief.

The CIC*** class ran on the same course and having already been around numerous times on other rides, Townend benefited from the experience and rode Pepper Anne into first place in Section C. He finished only 0.7 penalties ahead of Ruth Edge, who is a real dressage specialist and rode an excellent 37.5 test but picked up an unfortunate four faults in the show jumping. Third-placed Georgie Davies from Hertfordshire, riding Orlando, also rode a strong dressage but found the time tight on the cross country.

The international riders were once more out in force in Section D, with Australia, New Zealand, USA, Czech Republic, Germany, Sweden, Japan and Brazil all represented.

Australia’s Clayton Fredericks and Walterstown Don pipped last year’s winner French and DHI Topper W.

French, from North Elmham, said: “I like to bring my best horses here for a good early season run aiming towards something bigger later in the year. Next up for DHI Topper W is Chatsworth.”

Also in this section the crowd cheered on royal rider Zara Phillips and High Kingdom, who rode a strong double clear and picked up just a few time penalties to finish in fifth place.

Organiser Alec Lochore was pleased with the event and praised the Musketeer Event management team, lead by Di Wass. “It’s gone well. The competitors have ridden their good horses and gone fast which means they were confident with the course and the ground.”

On Friday more than 120 riders competed in the BE100 class, with Norfolk riders doing well. Gill Mason, of Sporle, came second in Section F riding her daughter Katherine’s horse, Greenvale Legacy (31.4 penalty marks).

Casey Parker came equal seventh in Section F on Wattasteele II (38.5), and Sharon Hunt came third in Section I on Quidams Rubin II (28.4).

Top places in the BE100 Sections E and G went to Tanya Kyle (26.5) and Mark Kyle (29.5) riding Paddys Two for Joy and Hannibal Von Kastanjenhof respectively.