SWINDON-based rider Tom McEwen said it was a joy to ride at Blenheim Palace Horse Trials as he secured three top-25 finishes over the weekend.

The 24-year-old, who is based out of Mark Todd’s Badgerstown yard, jumped clear in the show jumping stage on Sunday in Oxfordshire on all three of his rides to set him up nicely going into the winter break.

In the CCI***, Mcewen’s two rides - Hunter Valley II and Toledo De Kerser - were separated by just two places, with the former lifting to 20th place on the final day, and bright prospect Toldeo coming in 22nd.

“I had a brilliant ride earlier on my eight-year-old (Toledo) in the CCI and I think it is literally just behind this one now - they are quite evenly paired,” said McEwen, after going clear on Hunter Valley.

“I had a bit of knowledge of the course and I hadn’t ridden this one for long.

“He jumped brilliantly and I have got nothing to worry about - he has been lovely.

“I didn’t push them too hard in the cross country because I didn’t know how they would last the distance, but I am really excited about their future.”

McEwen also went in the CIC*** 8/9YO event on Joyride, where he secured his best finish of the weekend as the pair only picked up 5.2 time penalties in the cross country to place them 17th.

The young British rider is looking forward to a winter working with his young horses and will aim them at Bramham Horse Trials next June.

“It has been a fantastic weekend at Blenheim,” added McEwen.

“I have had three double-clears over the two classes and they are all young horses and they are all improving and it is a case of looking forward to next year.

“Blenheim is such a fantastic place and the ground has been immaculate.

“It is nice finishing a bit earlier, because it means I can have a bit of a break and I can come back from winter a bit earlier and really get ready for next year.

“I will be aiming them towards Bramham and the second three-day, where they can be competitive and head along those lines.”