DAWN HARTLEY was happy to hand the praise for Hickstead success to her horse.

And Diplomat 11 duly licked his lips - and lapped up his pint of mild ale!

"He usually has a Guinness but we'd run out," smiled Dawn.

Success came in the prestigious Hickstead Derby Meet - the final furlong for a nationwide showjumping competition which began with 38,000 entries.

Dawn, of Ellesmere Street, Tyldesley, was delighted to reach Hickstead. She was flabbergasted to then beat off most of her rivals to finish fourth.

"I can't believe how well we have done," said Dawn, 21. "My horse was the only novice there. The rest were Grade A."

But Diplomat, an eight-year-old gelding, showed real class in that champagne company.

He was one of only four to jump clear, earning a coveted place in the jump-off against high-class opposition.

Sadly, the duo from Astley's Higher Green Horse & Pony Club at Nook Farm then collected eight faults. "The only thing that let us down was experience," added Dawn.

"But reaching Hickstead was our glory. I would have been happy to finish last. I had hoped a for a Top 10 finish. Fourth was unbelievable in that class of competition.

"It was like a Mini racing against a Ferrari."

Dawn began riding again only four months ago.

But already she has a thirst for more success as she tours the UK for jumping competitions.

"I'm hoping to do well in the Queen Elizabeth qualifiers, but I'm desperate for a sponsor.

"Meanwhile, I want to teach youngsters."

And Diplomat? He is ready for his next beer.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.