Whittington wins Blenheim Horse Trials

Whittington produced a superb clear round aboard Catherine Witt’s Easy Target in Sunday's showjumping, but last to go Fox-Pitt, riding Freddie Mac, brought one fence down to finish 3.2 penalties behind Sussex-based Whittington.

Britain took the first six places with Whittington and Fox-Pitt ahead of Jodie Amos who scored a career best third place on Wise Crack and Pippa Funnell taking fourth on Second Supreme. Whittington was also fifth with Fernhill Highlight, with Kitty King occupying sixth spot after riding Persimmon.

New Zealander Tim Price was best of the overseas riders, dropping from third to seventh with Ringwood Sky Boy.

It has been a long wait for international success for Francis, who 21 years ago became the first boy to win the Pony European Championships. Now 37, he has been placed second twice in major competitions this summer, at Barbury and Gatcombe (both times behind Andrew Nicholson on the triple Burghley winner Avebury), before this his first major international win.

"To jump over that last fence was a relief - this is the best result I have ever had," Whittington said afterwards

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

"We have a fantastic foundation to build on, my riding really improved over the winter, and it is realistic to think we can build on this if we work hard enough and aim for our goal, which is Rio [the 2016 Olympics]."

Francis will now return the 13-year-old “Smokie”, an Irish-bred grey gelding, to four-star level with Badminton the aim for next year, and also with an eye on the European Championships at Blair Castle and the Rio Olympics in 2016.

Fox-Pitt, who won Blenheim's three-star event in 2000, 2010, 2012 and 2013, may now target one of 2015's four-star competitions, the highest level of eventing, with Freddie Mac.

"It is always frustrating to have a fence down when you can't afford one," the 45-year-old said.

"But he has shown what a good horse he is and I think we can look forward to a four-star with him next spring. He is a horse with a big future and I am very excited about him."