DESPITE a serious fall three weeks ago at the Summer Solstice Ride at Ludlow which left him unable to ride, Malvern's Derek Francis is still enjoying success.

At the Cirencester Park F E I International Races, his horse Simba, ridden by Catriona Moon, won the one-day 100-mile race and also the Best Condition Award.

In the F E I 75-mile Junior Two Star event Francis' horse, Faladin, ridden by Layla Abduc Aziz Al Redha, had an exciting win, beating Prince Maktoum by one length. This horse also won Best Condition award and is qualified to compete in all international events except world championship. It is hoped he

will obtain his world championship

qualifications in his next event.

This was the first time in the history of the sport in this country that two horses owned by the same person had ever won two major races and two best condition awards in two events on the same day.

Frnacis' horse Siyah, ridden by Iona Rosley from Ireland, also finished eight in the F E I open 75-mile race.

His two six-year-old youngsters completed their qualifying events. Modesty Star, ridden and trained by Frankie Turley of Lynvale Equestrians, completed her final 30-mile event and now moves up from novice category to intermediate.

Prince Imperial, also trained by Miss Turley, completed his first 40-mile event in the intermediate category. Prince Imperial is also showing great ability in show jumping and eventing.

Derek is hoping that when he has recovered from his present injury he will be able to compete next year, when he will be celebrating his 80th birthday.

He is also a keen supporter of the Worldwide Fund for Nature and helps raise funds with his slide show talks that are proving increasingly popular with 12 shows booked at present for private organisations and a public show to take place at Ledbury Market Theatre on September 24.