ALCESTER rider Victoria Wraight has qualified for the Horse of the Year show.

The 42-year-old booked her place in October's equestrian extravaganza after a strong performance at the South Essex Insurance Broker’s (SEIB) Search for a Star 2014 qualifier, which was held at Vale View Equestrian Centre in Leicestershire.

Riding her horse, You Heartbreaker, she fought off stiff competition from other riders in the hack class to gain second place.

You Heartbreaker, known as Roo, is owned and ridden by Wraight, who bought the 10 year old bay gelding from a dealer 18 months ago.

"I had a cob that I hunted, but we could not do much else so when he died I wanted something I could go out and have fun with," commented Wraight.

“He is an ex-show jumper who had jumped Newcomers and foxhunter.

"He has about £1000 British Showjumping winnings and I believe he was ridden by Nicol Pavitt."

The pair were also second in the riding horse class at Addington Grass Roots recently.

Wraight, who works full time as a Sales Administrator for Bristol Street Motors, added: “He is very laid back, so he should cope with HOYS fine."

They will compete at The South Essex Insurance Brokers Search for a Star Championship finals at the Horse of the Year Show between October 8 and 12 at the Birmingham NEC.