Albion's sponsored rider, European gold medallist and world no 2 Laura Bechtolsheimer has become supreme national champion for the third time.

Laura and 16 year old gelding Andretti H (Aarking x Cerrin) were crowned 2011 Dressage Deluxe National Champions for the second year running on a score of 76.80%. In a close fought battle, Laura finally clinched the title with an impressive technical freestyle, which included tricky one-handed, one and two time changes, “It was going so well, I decided to throw in a bit of show-boating!” Laura explained

Performing to their tried and tested, up-beat reggae soundtrack, Laura and Andretti H entertained the crowds and impressed the judges. “It was great fun today,” Laura told British Dressage. “I had a great time and I’m glad other people enjoyed it.”

Despite her recent European gold medal success, Laura is never one to rest on her laurels and always has one eye on London 2012, “To come back here as champion one year down the line, I was more nervous to keep my place. There’s pressure in front of a home crowd, you want to perform your best. We mustn’t be complacent about keeping the horses fit and well for next year. To be national champion of a country that is the current European gold medallist is brilliant!”