Double joy for Funnell as he takes top places

Mr Funnell won riding his horse Billy Congo and second place went to David Mcpherson riding Billy Bishop. Former Olympic rider John Whitaker, who lives near Huddersfield, was the first to congratulate him and Mr Funnell joked: “It’s always nice to come up here and beat Yorkshiremen.”

His last win at the Great Yorkshire was three years ago when he won the Cock o’ the North Championship with Cortaflex Mondriaan, who recently retired after a farewell parade at the Hickstead Derby.

“It’s a lovely ring to ride in and the crowd are always appreciative and they seem very knowledgeable,” said Mr Funnell, who is based in Dorking, Surrey, with his wife, event rider Pippa Funnell. He received his prize and trophy from the legendary Yorkshire showjumper, Harvey Smith.

The International Stairway proved to be a testing competition with only six riders out of 31 going clear to go through to the jump-off. Several people opted to retire without completing the course, including Geoff Billington. Other early casualties were Robert Whitaker with eight faults on Catwalk 1V and William Whitaker on 12 faults with Upperclass.

John Whitaker had four faults with Peppermill so did not make it into the jump-off but family honour was upheld as daughter Louise was on excellent form on Dazzle 11. She went clear and then had four faults in the jump-off but a fast time of 49.6 to finish fourth. Third place went to Keith Shore on Mystic Hurricane.

The fast and furious sport of scurry driving provided some extra excitement. A total of 12 pairs of ponies were raced against each other over a course of cones.

Today’s showjumping includes a new venture when leading riders team up with youngsters for the Yorkshire Dales Ice Cream Mini Major Whip Round. To end the day will be the Cock o’ the North Championship.