Hertfordshire event and dressage rider Daisy Coakley won a national title after emerging victorious in the Winter Dressage Championships.

Riding Cleopatra II, Judy Firmston-Williams’ seven-year-old KWPN mare, she posted 75.50% for top spot in the Spillers Medium Restricted Music Freestyle Championship on the opening day of the competition.

Coakley, 21, who combines a successful eventing career as well as dressage, piloted the powerful dark bay mare to victory in Gloucester with an emotive routine to dramatic film music.

After grabbing her fifth national title, the rider said: "It feels a bit surreal, but we came here well prepared."

Sarrett-based Coakley reserved special praise for her trainer Ali Berman, whom she labelled ‘the floor plan mastermind’ for his contribution to her choreography. Coakley keeps good company, also training with British team rider Gareth Hughes, who boasts more than 30 national titles himself.