THE Fletcher brothers, from Faringdon, maintained their stranglehold on titles at the National Championships.

William won the under 21 accolade at Stoneleigh, Warwickshire, ensuring the crown stayed in the family for a third successive year.

William also scooped the title in 2017, with sibling Oliver having won the honour 12 months ago.

Not to be outdone, Oliver was also a champion, taking the under 16 event to defend his crown.

William, 20, held his nerve after being forced to take part in a

jump-off to settle the first prize.

Riding Emmerton II, owned by Judy Peploe, the duo were the last to go, knowing they needed a rapid clear round.

But they came up trumps, the delighted rider saying: “He’s not usually a quick horse, he’s more of a big jumper, but this is the first time I’ve let the handbrake off, and it was worth it.”

Oliver defended his title with a quick time in the jump-off to see off his rivals aboard Julia Hammond’s Horst Van de Mispelaere.

“He’s a very quick and careful horse,” he said.

“If you gallop to a jump she will jump it. I am very grateful to Julia for letting me have the ride on him.”

There was further success for Oxfordshire when Louise King won the Senior 90cm Championship.

Aboard Handel’s Vienna, the Kidlington rider stormed into the lead with a double clear in 32.47 seconds.

There were just three clear rounds out of 13 starters and two double clears in the jump off.