Riding Old Lodge’s very talented eight-year-old Golden Arrow II, Howley took the top ticket on offer in the Blue Chip qualifier at the end of a very competitive jump-off. Howley had previously ridden this German-bred gelding when he was based with Michael Whitaker and after being reunited earlier this year, he gained a win at REC events before his Arena UK victory.

“He’s been stepping up nicely over the last three weeks and will be travelling to Spain shortly,” said Howley, who also clinched third place riding Fiona Burgoyne’s Corelli.