LOCAL riders have made a big impression on the Blue Chip show jumping qualifiers securing the lion's share of the tickets on offer to the Hartpury College championships.

Maxine Enever from Liskeard made the most of final draw in the jump-off of the Joshua Jones Discovery qualifier, held at the Grange Equestrian Centre, where she emerged with the top ticket on her seven-year-old gelding Isaac II.

"This was Isaac's first indoor outing of the season and I couldn't be more pleased with him," said Maxine, who combines competing with producing her own youngsters and working for the Cotton family at Looe.

"I've been busy travelling to pony shows with Sammy (Cotton) during the summer and Isaac's been on the back burner. He's a lovely little horse and always tries his very best.

"With the outdoor season coming to a close I'll be able to put more mileage on his clock and hopefully more money on his card."

Maxine bought her son of Voltucky as a four-year-old and has enjoyed a variety of success on the chestnut including dressage and cross-country.

She said: "He loves it all. I'm now aiming for our double clears in order to contest next year's second rounds."

North Cornwall Pony Club member Elle Twentyman emerged with a double clear for the third placed ticket on her six-year-old charismatic gelding The Little Frenchman.

"We've been busy eventing this season and have just moved up to novice level," said 15-year-old Elle, who trains with Clare Rushworth.

The class came to a thrilling climax when Maxine and Isaac II showed their intention from fence one and immediately put the longstanding lead under threat.

"I was really chuffed with the way Isaac cut inside to the second fence," said Maxine, who broke the beam two seconds up on the clock.

"I trusted him through the double of uprights and let the handbrake off to the final fence and he really opened up for me. I couldn't be more thrilled."

Emily White and Ping Pong III outpaced their rivals with a calculated performance against the clock to clinch the Cool Calm & Collected Pony Winter Discovery qualifier.

"With so many in the jump-off I knew I had to keep a tight line to be in with a chance," said 15-year-old Emily, who lives at Fraddon and is a member of Cornwall's junior academy.

"I tried to maintain a good eye for a stride and cut in short to the second to last. It was quite a big oxer so I pushed Ping Pong as hard as I could to make sure of the back rail and galloped him to the last."

A bumper field took up the challenge set by Andy Palmer and with 36 young riders in a battle for one of the eight tickets on offer to the Blue Chip championships.

Amy Merrell from Scorrier opened the jump-off with a speedy clear from opening draw on the first of her two rides Lambertus.

The 13-year-old, from Scorrier, set sail from the first fence and keeping Lambertus close to the wings stopped the clock in 38.65 seconds for the seventh placed ticket.

With the target set, Emily made her move on Ping Pong posting an unbeatable time of 25.35 seconds.

"I really didn't think we were going that fast," said Emily, who bought the 15-year-old mare 12 months-ago.

With this qualifier building into a tremendous climax, Redvers Stokes from Sticker set off like a rocket on his talented grey SOS Top Scotty.

Throwing caution to the wind the 13-year-old opened up the Dutch-bred gelding and keeping a tight route and a strong rhythm the pair came tantalisingly close to the winning time for an eventual second place.

"I couldn't have asked any more of him," said Redvers, who trains with his mother Georgie and with Cornwall junior academy coach Claire Rushworth.

With the class coming to a close Amy Merrell came back with a brave bid on her young pony SOS Unicorn and couldn't hide her delight when she picked up the eighth placed ticket for two chances at Hartpury.

Longstanding leader, Emily White was relieved to watch the last rider in the class jump the final fence.

"I was sure someone was going to beat our time," said Emily. "I'm now hoping we hold our form for Hartpury."

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THE Cornwall Hunt Club Point to Point takes place on Sunday, December 11, at the Royal Cornwall Showground, Wadebridge.

The first race starts and noon and with a six race card to enjoy and with bookmakers on the course, visitors can look forward to a flutter.

There are also refreshments, a licensed bar, trade stands and stalls, all under cover in the large barn.

Entrance @ £10 for car and driver, £5 per passenger and children are free.