SLOUGH-based rider Lauren Roach recently fought off stiff competition to win the HorseQuest UK Sapphire Championhips.

The competition was a part of the Blue Chip Winter Show Jumping Championships at Hartpury College, Gloucestershire.

Roach, 13, rode Westcoast Express, an eight-year-old mare owned by Kerry Grimster and bred by Paul Kelly.

The young star delivered an impressive double clear and achieved the fastest jump off time to secure a win.

Roach and Westcoast Express earned their place at the Championships after qualifying at the Addington Manor Equestrian Centre, Buckinghamshire.

An overjoyed Roach said: “It feels amazing. I was a bit nervous as it was a really fast jump off.” Grimster added: “We had a great Pony of the Year show with a first a second place.

“We decided not to compete in the Sparkle class and instead concentrate on the HorseQuest Sapphire, and luckily it’s paid off.” The Blue Chip Winter Championships gives riders of all levels the chance to experience the thrill of competing in true event conditions.

HorseQuest is the leading equine sales site in the UK and has sponsored the Novice Championships for the past three years.

HorseQuest managing director, Alison Roeves, said: “We enjoy sponsoring the Sapphire Championships at the Blue Chip Championships.

“We feel it gives riders the chance on compete on the big stage.

“The standard of riding in the Sapphire Championships has improved year on year and I would like to congratulate Lauren on her fantastic win.” **PICK up a copy of The Observer, out every Friday, for all the latest sports news and action** **FOLLOW The Observer on Twitter at @Observer_sports**