WISBECH equestrian Alice Newling was once again rubbing shoulders with the finest riders in the country when she competed in the Burnham Market International Horse Trials at the weekend. The event was a Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) World Quali

WISBECH equestrian Alice Newling was once again rubbing shoulders with the finest riders in the country when she competed in the Burnham Market International Horse Trials at the weekend.

The event was a Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) World Qualifier and so attracted a world-class field that included the likes of World and European Champion and BBC Sports Personality of the Year, Zara Phillips, Andrew Hoy and William Fox-Pitt.

Alice, 18, who works at the Burnham Market Centre, was one of several talented Cambridgeshire riders competing at various levels.

She got her challenge under way in the pre-novice section, riding her own horse Tsarina II against stiff opposition.

International riders Piggy French, Jo Chipperfield and Matthew Wright featured in a strong field.

In the dressage, Alice rode to a good score of 35.2 but slipped down the field following a disappointing show jumping section, in which she picked up 12 penalty points.

However, Alice recovered to ride a clear round in the cross country and finished 20th, just ahead of fellow Cambridgeshire competitors Emily Laughton (21st), Chloe Ashby (22nd), Claire Atherton (24th) and Caroline Kluckow (28th).

The class was won by Jo Chipperfield on My Last One with Team Great Britain rider Piggy French second on ODT Market Banter.

Alice once again faced tough opposition in her second class, the CIC** section. Riding Diagon Alley, Alice was part of a 66-strong field that included Team Great Britain riders Piggy French, Daisy Dick, Oliver Townend and Jeanette Brakewell.

And despite the quality field, she rode well to score 110 and finish in a good 48th position.

Other Cambridgeshire riders involved were Guy Herbert (25th), Danielle Jackson (38th) and Emily Leslie (57th). The section was won by Sarah Cohen riding Trebetherick with Piggy French second on Cast Away II.