last updated on June 12, 2006 01:00

Britain’s Maria Eilberg rode Two Sox into sixth place in the grand prix kür at Outdoor Gelderland CDI in Holland, behind world-class riders such as the winner Edward Gal (Lingh) and second-placed Anky van Grunsven (Krack C).

Maria was first to go with the 12-year-old 16.2hh German-bred gelding, who is owned by her father Ferdi. She rode to a medley of Queen music she chose with Ferdi’s help.

Ferdi said: “At this stage in Maria’s career it is all about pushing your standards higher by riding among such high-calibre riders. The electric atmosphere and noise from the stands got to Two Sox in the grand prix. His tension in the first half of the test cost Maria dearly [they were 16th].”

Maria was also in the prize money in the small tour with the 13-year-old 16.1hh Dutch-bred gelding Topscore, finishing fifth in both the prix st georges and intermediaire I freestyle, where she was also first to go.

Ferdi rode Ann Willetts’ 13-year-old 16.3hh German-bred gelding Teutone Z to finish 10th in the grand prix and eighth in the grand prix special.

For full results, click www.outdoorgelderland.nl.