Paul Barker, 25-year-old member of the famous show jumping Barker family - his uncle and brother rode at the 1960 and '64 Olympics - and riding in his first World Cup qualifier, finished best of the 11 British riders in third place on Temple Croesus, a ride he picked up when based with John Whitaker.

It was a case of girl power in the Accenture Young Show Jumper of the Year, a highlight at Olympia for under-21 riders, as 18-year-old Portia Howard and her father's Oscar lX triumphed in a two-way jump-off against Debbie Johnsey's daughter Gemma Plumley on Continue B. The two girls jumped the only clear rounds in the field of 19 finalists who have qualified for Olympia at competitions around the country. "I don't usually go that fast as he's a young horse, but this time thought I'd go for it," said a thrilled Portia, who produced a brilliant fast clear against Gemma's two fences down. Former winners of this prestigious competition include Paul Barker (twice), Robert Whitaker, Annette Lewis and Duncan Inglis.

Philippe Guerdan, 21, Switzerland's rising star, won the Shelly Ashman, BEIB & Equine Risk Take Your Own Line and Sweden's leading lady Malin Baryard the Accenture Stakes, while a packed house roared their approval of the exciting Accenture Christmas Puissance.