Para carriage driver Emily Ham, from Brecon, has strengthened her chances of selection for the upcoming World Championships in Germany with another impressive performance - this time at Sandringham.

Hot on the heels of her third-place finish at the Chepstow selection trials, Emily climbed a place higher at the second Team GBR qualifier, finishing runner-up overall behind Britain’s most experienced international paradriver.

Despite a two-hour delay to her dressage round after a serious competitor accident near the arena, Emily and her 24-year-old Welsh cob Alfie bounced back in style. The pair powered through the marathon phase to take second place, before delivering the only double-clear round in a demanding cones course to secure second overall.

“It was baking hot throughout the event - something I’m not accustomed to living high in the Brecon Beacons,” said Emily. “I was extremely proud of Alfie, who was a real professional in stressful circumstances. At 24, he’s got years of experience and we’ve built a strong partnership of mutual trust. He loves the sport and gave me a wonderful drive.”

Emily’s latest result puts her firmly in contention for individual selection and keeps her on track for a coveted team place at the FEI Para Driving World Championships in Lähden this September.

She also paid tribute to those supporting her journey, adding: "I’d like to sincerely thank the Sports Foundation for the Disabled for helping with my competition costs at Sandringham.

"I’m also hugely grateful to Tristar Horseboxes, who are supporting me at the upcoming Certius Championships at Chepstow, and to Brecon’s Castle Hotel for generously donating a stay-away prize for our squad’s fundraising auction.”

"Support means such a lot to the paradrivers and makes a real difference," added Emily. "We are all determined to perform our very best on the international stage!"