James Smith of Lynnbank, Kirkcudbright was joint-second in The Puissance on his mount Tyson Uno, a 10-year-old Dutch-bred bay gelding.
The 24-year-old show jumper achieved clear rounds as the height of the fences was raised but knocked one down at two metres 20 centimetres.
However, he was delighted with his high placing against strong international competition in the prestigious event.
Smith first competed at the Horse of the Year Show in 2005 when he won in the pony classes.
He said: “We were close and I’m pleased with how we got on. We were up to two metres 10 but knocked the big red fence down at two metres 20 which the winner successfully jumped.”
The Scot achieved a third place in The Puissance with his entry Balibu and second place in the Challenge Cup with the same horse.
Smith was also well placed with newcomer Bolton Gate Ben gaining fifth in a 1.55 and sixth in 1.45 competitions.
He will be in action again with different horses this weekend at the ‘Premier Show’ at Aintree International Equestrian Centre.
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