MALVERN’S Bryan Smith secured a SEIB Winter Novice Qualifier win at Solihull Riding Club.

A starting field of 59 offered two qualification places for the championship final at the Royal International Horse Show at Hickstead, West Sussex, this summer.

Twenty-nine combinations claimed a place in the jump-off with just eight going on to produce a double clear.

On board Sarah Limbrick’s nine-year-old grey mare Tullagh Rose, Smith knew he had speed on his side after they produced a fast, accurate round to claim their place in the jump-off.

Keeping an eye on the clock, Smith and Tullagh Rose stormed into first place as they crossed the finish line with a double clear in 38.31 seconds.

Joseph Trunkfield took second riding Armoon in 38.66.