NINETEEN combinations lined out in the six and seven-year-old Dengie Championship at Balmoral.

Victory stayed north as Olivia Roulston and Miss Valent won the lion’s share of the £1,000 on offer. This seven-year-old mare, who is owned and bred by Lisa Rosbotham, is by Valent (KWPN) out of John Henry-sired dam, Miss Siss (ISH).

Roulston said: “I am absolutely delighted to win the prestigious six/seven-year-old Dengie final at RUAS Balmoral on Lisa’s home-bred mare Miss Valent. She’s a super consistent little mare with a massive heart and always aims to please. A massive thank you for the support that Woods Rosbotham has given me over the past few years.”

One of six clears in the seven-way jump-off, she lodged the winning round in 39.04 seconds. Speed merchant against the clock, Paul Carberry and Cranny West’s went clear for second.

Runner-up in the five-year-olds last year at Balmoral, Dean Rogan and De L'Oiseliere (6yo), showed their hand again when they maintained a clean sheet in 43.38 for third.

Edward Little and the six-year-old HKS Sunny Jim crossed the line in 49.86 for eventual fourth. Ausra Valuckyte went clear with Check M Z (6yo) in 50.35 for fifth, ahead of Sean Kavanagh and Sea Party (6yo), clear in 55.23. A familiar name in the ISH studbook series, Kenneth Graham and Pacino Amiro (7yo), lodged a fast time of 45.73, but eight faults saw them finish seventh.

1.35m Grand Prix

Pro-am rider Vickie Anderson and Zack were popular winners of the Orthoderm Grand Prix.

Anderson has proved to be a force to be reckoned with on the national circuit and this year, claiming the pro-am section of The Showjumpers Club Spring Tour.

Of Zack, Anderson said: "He is a horse of a lifetime. It was our first time to Balmoral and we won’t forget it in a hurry. We qualified in Portmore in a competitive class. Zack loved the ground and the atmosphere. He’s in fantastic form and I am looking forward to the season ahead.”

One of just two double clears, Anderson wasted no time and came home almost four seconds faster than her closest rival in a time of 40.81.

The second double clear was delivered by Casey Phair and Metralis in 44.88 for second. Paul Carberry crossed the line with Brandon First Edition, carrying four faults in 37.93, for third. Also carrying four faults was Simon Scott and Jasmine Tide in a slower time of 40.18 for eventual fourth.

Fifth place was filled by Emma McEntee and Cinnickroodnood, four faults in a time of 41.19