CAROLINE Webley came close to a derby double at the Cheltenham Horse Show, one of the Midlands and South West's leading one-day shows.
The show jumper, from Bradley Green near Droitwich Spa, is a past winner of the open derby there and nearly regained her title this time.
She had two horses clear over a testing first round course, which included versions of the famous Hickstead Derby Bank and Devils Dyke, testing the horse's courage and training as well as making great viewing for spectators.
Webley opened the second round on the grey mare Arizona, riding for owner Joan Willetts, and produced a clear round that looked hard to beat.
Hampshire-based Australian rider Rowan Willis really rose to the challenge, however, riding the 11-year-old horse Niels and came home clear to beat Caroline's time by almost half-a-second and push her into second overall.
She was up on Willis' time on her second ride Attorney General but hit a pole off the narrow stile fence to drop to fifth spot.
Webley moved up to head the Alder King Introductory Derby over a lower 1.05m course for novice horses.
This was on her partner of just six weeks, the bay San Francisco II, who was attempting his first derby and was one of just three horses clear in the opening round.
"The course was causing problems all round, rather than at any particular fence," said Webley.
"I was last to go in the jump off and just beat the time set by under 21 international rider Georgie Strutton and Neathy de Riverland.
"Cheltenham is always a nice show and although it was very hot, the ground wasn't too bad as it had been watered and had a good covering."
She rounded off a great show with second spot in the newcomers class for horses that have won less than £300.
This was on the five-year-old chestnut mare Inquest, a full sister to Webley's ride Alibi III, who she recently qualified for the Foxhunter Championships at the 2006 Horse of the Year Show.
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