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THE four-year-old semi-finals saw a win for Jo Cooper’s impressive James Bond 2 (pictured, above), ridden by Becky Moody. They scored 8.24 under judges Suzanne Bearup and Ferdi Eilberg.

“He’s known as ‘Q’ at home and he’s awesome,” said Becky of the KWPN stallion who is by Desperado, out of a Fidertanz mare. “Jo bought him in November, so he’s quite a new ride for me. He’s got a great temperament and, for a stallion, a good engine.

He’s my favourite horse today because the other one [Jack Diamond, who took third] ditched me in the warm-up!”

Rob Barker and Charlotte Dujardin’s five-year-old River Rise Isabella booked a ticket to the nationals with a winning score of 8.66, under judges Eike Ebert and Stephen Clarke.

“Charlotte bought her as a three-year-old,” said Rob. She’s phenomenal to ride and felt amazing. She doesn’t have any weak paces so now I’ve just got to get more ringcraft experience in place.”

Charlotte won the six-year-olds with her own and Carl Hester’s Hawtins San Floriana. The mare is by San Amour x Florestan, and won the Shearwater four-year-old title in 2016 and the five-year-old title last year.

“I’m really excited about her as she’s got so much talent,” said Charlotte. “As soon as I spotted her, I pleaded with her breeder, Judith Davis, to sell her.”