Racing: Jonelle Price wins back-to-back titles in Oxfordshire

Jonelle Price and Cloud Dancer II led from the first day in the eight and nine years category. Photo / Getty Images

New Zealand eventer Jonelle Price has become the first rider to win back-to-back titles in the three star class at the Blenheim Palace horse trials in Oxfordshire.

Price and Cloud Dancer II led from the first day in the eight and nine years category, adding just 8.8 cross country penalty points to finish on 42, with France's Astier Nicolas and Spes Addit Or second on 44.4.

"It is nice to do something back-to-back," world No 4 rider Price said.

"To win on a different horse, I think is really great."

She won last year aboard Faerie Dianimo, and was quick to add that the two horses are quite different.

"This one is a very different type of horse and I said on day one, just how fast we could go today (on the cross country) was the question, but he has so much quality in the first phase. Horses for courses . . .

"If we plan sensibly, I think he has a future in the sport."

The horse now heads to another three star event at Boekelo, in The Netherlands, where New Zealand will aim to qualify for the Rio Olympic Games.

Price's husband Tim was 10th on Xavier Faer with 53 points, while Caroline Powell and Up Up and Away was 18th on 59.9 and Dan Jocelyn 20th on 60.5.