YOUNG British talent Bella Innes Ker pulled off the first big victory of her career in the CCI3* class at the SsangYong Blenheim Palace Horse Trials.

Riding the 14-year-old mare Carolyn, who belongs to her mother, the Duchess of Roxburghe, Bella took the lead after the dressage stage and held on to it, despite lowering one fence in yesterday’s show jumping.

“This really is a dream come true,” said the 24-year-old. “Carolyn has done her best all week. It’s all down to her – she’s one in a million.”

Second was William Fox-Pitt, who finished on a score of 28.7, just 0.3 of a penalty behind Bella, with Alexander Bragg taking third.

Laura Collett triumphed in the CIC3* for eight and nine-year-old horses, finishing first on London 52, owned by Karen Bartlett and Keith Scott, and third on Diana Chappell’s Dacapo.