Francis Whittington claimed his biggest career win after holding off world No 1 William Fox-Pitt to land the Blenheim International Horse Trials CCI three-star title yesterday.

Sussex-based Whittington jumped a superb showjumping clear round with Easy Target, which meant that last-to-go Fox-Pitt could not afford a mistake aboard Freddie Mac.

But one fence down saw Fox-Pitt drop to second, 3.2 penalties behind 37-year-old Whittington, while Jodie Amos took third aboard Wise Crack.

Pippa Funnell (Second Supreme) was fourth, Whittington (Fernhill Highlight) fifth and Kitty King (Persimmon) sixth as British riders dominated.

The top six places were filled by Brits and only New Zealander duo Tim Price and Lucy Jackson, who is based at Thame, prevented a top-ten clean sweep.

“It is the best result I have ever had. I am over the moon – it’s wonderful,” Whittington said.

“I haven’t felt nervous before with him, but for sure when I went into the arena I was anxious to do the best I could for all the hard work everyone has put into us and the support they have given us.

“To jump over that last fence was a fantastic relief and this really feels like a fantastic deal.

“We have been working hard towards it. We knew he had the potential to come here and go extraordinarily well and it showed that the goals we set were achievable.

“We have a fantastic foundation to build on, my riding really improved over the winter, and it is realistic to think we can aim for our goal, which is Rio (2016).”

There was a thrilling finish to the CIC three-star class for eight and nine-year-old horses, with 0.3 penalties separating the top three riders after cross-country.

Wiltshire-based New Zealander Jonelle Price took the title on Faerie Dianimo after 4.4 time faults produced a finishing score of 47.6, narrowly ahead of her fellow Kiwi Andrew Nicholson, while Australian Paul Tapner took third aboard Indian Mill.

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