ADAM Valks from Potto, near Stokesley, gave a brilliant performance to win the John Whittaker International Winter JA Classic qualifier at the Stainsby Grange Junior Premier Show.

Adam came out tops after producing the only triple clear round in the six-pony jump-off riding the 12-year-old Irish bred grey gelding Mister Polo Bear.

The 15-year-old was highly delighted to win. He is trained by his mother, Janet, who runs the Potto Equestrian Centre, and now goes forward to the prestigious final at The Royal Show, Warwickshire in July.

Pippa Allen of Stainsby Grange was also on top form, winning the Winter 128cm second round riding David Miller's outstanding winner Silver Wonder. Her nearest rival was Laren Edwards on Echowold with a good third place going to Helen Smallwood riding the 27-year-old Metric, which qualified at Solihull.

Helen, from Trimdon, is trained by her mother Kate and also took the 128cm class on Sunday ahead of Pippa on Stainsby Starburst. Pippa, trained by her parents, Paula and Peter, has three ponies in the 128cm final at Hickstead in Silver Wonder, Corra Lass and Stainsby Starburst.

She also rides the New Zealand-bred Strawberry Fair II in the 138cm finals at Hickstead.

Alice Douglas, 10, will be making her debut at The Royal International after having an unlucky fence down in the first round with the five-year-old Laithehill Gallant and goes forward to the 128cm section.

Alice's elder sister, Emily, is through to the 138cm final with Just Rhona after taking her ticket at College.

Laura Neilson from Loftus put in a good challenge in the 138cm second round to take fourth place with the nine-year-old Tantasaige Sandy behind Strawberry Fair.

Laura, trained by Peter Allen, was a top winner at Rowallan in the 1m Grand Prix and just missed qualifying with her other pony Grey Guy by one place at other venues.

Melissa Gair from Bowes Equestrian Centre was sixth with the 12-year-old Bowes Charlie Brown and will be making her debut at Hickstead, although Charlie Brown competed three years ago with Laura Hutt.

Daniel Nielson from Loftus had a good weekend by winning the 1.20m open riding Micklow Madness.

Daniel, a student at Freeborough College, Loftus, won a BSJA scholarship at the end of the year. He also won a good Newcomers class riding Destiny Lady.

The sponsors and competitors congratulated the organisers and the course builders Walter Taylor and Brian Candler.

* Racing Week returns next week.