JAY Halim became the first rider to claim the Andrews Bowen £1,000 Championship bonus after winning the Blue Chip Grand Prix at the Winter Championships in Hartpury.

The prize, now in its eighth year of existence, was created to reward Blue Chip Pro Challenge riders who place in the top three and win the Grand Prix.

And after a sensational display over successive days, Burford-based Halim and 10-year-old bay gelding Bart VI took home the prize, following up a second place the night before with triumph in the Grand Prix.

Burford-based Halim guided bay gelding Bart VI to victory, taking daring risks and a gallop to the last to wipe two seconds from their time, coming home with top spot in just 36.16 seconds.

“This is amazing,” Halim said.

“I came here to win, but to actually do it – I’m overwhelmed.”