Comeback queens reign

Rehab work pays off for Anna Ross as she makes a winning return, while a pair of young riders' birthday wishes come true

- OSCAR WILLIAMS

Addington Premier League, Bucks

ANNA ROSS made it a winning return to competition, taking the grand prix on 71.15% with her 12-year-old mare Habouche. Anna has been out of action since she underwent surgery to repair the meniscus in her right knee in February.

"I've been doing masses and masses of rehab and to be honest, I've come back fitter and stronger than I've ever been," said Anna. "I have to shout out my personal trainer Jason at David Lloyd Exeter, who got me back riding again in just eight weeks."

While Anna was out, Habouche was also working on her fitness, hacking the Devon hills, and the combination was in fine fettle here, receiving several eights for their piaffe and passage work.

"The break has done us both good," added Anna. "I was delighted with her - she's such fun to ride.

"I was a bit daunted going to a Premier League as our first show back, but I love the venue and I'm so grateful to Katharine Perry [British Dressage south and east development officer] who does so much to keep it going."

Caroline Chew and Blue Hors Satchmo (Blue Hors Zack x Donnerhall) were a close second on 71.01%, while Louise Bell and the evergreen 18-year-old Into The Blue were clear winners in the grand prix freestyle on 70.95%.

Caroline will be representing Singapore at this summer's Paris Olympic Games and trains with Matt Frost, who was also in the ribbons here riding the striking Kerouac (Sezuan x Sorento), winning the advanced medium 96 on 72.93% and the prix st georges (PSG) freestyle on 69.33%. He also came a close second to Katie Bailey and Escomond in the advanced medium 98.