Eight different classes made up the Hunter Thoroughbred Breeders Association Scone Horse Trials, with heights ranging from EVA45 up to CNC?Three Star.

Hunter Valley rider Hazel Shannon came fifth in the feature Coolmore Stud CNC?Three Star class, while former Scone local Gordon Bishop finished sixth.

Olympian Shane Rose also competed in the class, riding three horses in an effort to gain first place.

However, Christine Bates took out the top prize aboard Adelaide Hill, with Rose claiming the next three placings.

Scone Horse Trials president Blair Richardson said the largest country event in the nation would not be possible without continuing contributions.

“We are getting a lot of good support from our local stud farms,” he said.

“Coolmore is the main supporter but others are really starting to come on board.”

Richardson said the event was becoming stronger each year thanks to new additions.

“We recognise the thoroughbreds within our sport and it’s becoming a bigger part of this event,” he said.

“Hopefully the trials will continue to grow in the coming years.”

In other classes, the EVO80 had the biggest number of competitors and was split into five divisions, including two junior categories.

The Two Rivers Wines EVA80 was won by Gordon Bishop riding Advantage Hill.

Local riders Stevie-Jane Shakoff and Tracey Boyle also placed second and seventh.

The Kuro Kin Wagyu EVA80 was claimed by Tayla McGilvray, with locals Shakoff and Siobhan Walker coming second and seventh.

Shakoff went one better in the Hunted Gourmet EVA80, winning the class while riding Dyrring Park Sylvester.

A strong tournament won her  the Richardson Eventing Prize for best performed local rider.

Two hotly-contested EVA80 junior classes saw several local riders compete for the title.

The Upper Hunter Shire Council class was dominated by local talent, with Bessie Traylen taking first place and Jackson Mitchell finishing second.

The final event in the EVA80 section, the Promection Plus Mini junior class, was won by Stephanie Penrose riding Under The Thumb.

Meanwhile, the Bates CNC?One Star was won by Hunter Valley rider Emma Bishop.

Hazel Shannon rounded out a successful tournament by winning the Mitavite EVA105 class.

The same format was run for this year’s event but several new fences were introduced to the cross country course.

One such fence, aptly named the Coolmore Leap, was included for the Two Star and Three Star classes.

Constructed at maximum dimensions, it provided for spectacular viewing as competitors flew over it.

Organisers said the event offered a chance to mingle with officials, sponsors and riders and compete against past, present and future Olympians.

The next event will again be held at Gundy in September.