Borehamwood sisters Jodie and Ellie Hall-McAteer celebrated winning both the Children and Pony Grand Prix in Belgium.

A memorable performance by 16-year-old Jodie Hall-McAteer and Tixylix saw them claim a win by just 0.11 seconds in what proved to be a hotly contested jump-off. Jodie, who won an individual silver in addition to a team gold at last year’s Pony European Championships in Sweden with Tixylix, looks set to be just as successful this year.

Having just celebrated her 16th birthday this will be her last year on ponies and the commitment, focus and drive she showed left no-one in any doubt that she is hoping to have the chance to defend her title.

Jodie said: “Tixylix jumped amazingly and she was feeling great after a little break whilst I did my GCSEs after the viewing trials at Wales & West. “The courses on both days really suited her and also everything was quite upbeat. It has been a great show.”

Younger sister Ellie, 14, also made her presence felt in what was her first international appearance at this level.

Competing in the Children’s Nations Cup competition on Friday, where GB finished second, she came out fighting in the Grand Prix to claim the title as her own.

Riding the 15-year-old grey mare Dazzle, she produced a brilliant double clear to fight off the opposition in Opgblabeek.

The closest competition came from fellow team rider Sienna Charles, 13, with father Peter’s nine-year-old grey mare Chaitanya.

Lily Freeman-Atwood, 14, from Shrewsbury, with Topsin, made it a hat trick for Great Britain by taking third place.

Teenager Ellie said: “Dazzle has such a kind heart and she has given me loads of confidence. This is my biggest win ever and I’m so lucky to have her.”