WEST Somerset Community College student Rory Capel was a member of the the Devon and Somerset Pony Club mounted games team who produced a brilliant performance to finish third in the prestigious Prince Phillip Cup final at the Horse of the Year Show.

The qualifying rounds started off with 290 teams, from which just the top six made it to HOYS. This year is the Devon and Somerset’s fourth appearance and their best result to date, having come sixth in 1995, fifth in 1997, fourth in 2005 and now third in 2009.

The team – four of who are young enough to compete again next year – aim to make it one or preferably two places better next time.

The six qualifying teams took part in eight sessions over five days. The first three sessions had a new sponsor, the NFU. The Devon and Somerset won their first session and finished a close second to cup winners Sir Watkin Williams Wyn, who came from Wales.

The four qualifiers for the Prince Philip Cup final were decided on points by Sunday afternoon. The final, which was televised live on Sky Sports, was fast and close with the Devon and Somerset team winning several races, but an unlucky elimination prevented them from winning.

Devon and Somerset were the only team from the South West to compete.

The team – Scarlett Cooksley, 14, on Fenella; Tom McCanlis, 14, on Prince; Rory Capel, 13, on Danny; Sophy Crane, 14, on Sarah, Natasha Elder, 14, on Lucy, reserve rider Zoey Cape, and trainer Bella Capel – are grateful to those who have supported the team and made this trip possible.