A HORSE from Inwardleigh has been riding, not racing, to success in a national competition. 'Access Overseas,' a former racehorse belonging to Marilyn Cooper of Inwardleigh, came second in the national Racehorses to Riding Horses 2007 competition. Access Overseas, an 11 year old mare, competed in the combined discipline section organised by South Essex Insurance Brokers. The competition is for horses that have raced under 'rules' and aims to encourage people to retrain racehorses for a change of career when their racing days come to an end. The horse gains points by attending competitions throughout the year. Access Overseas won points primarily in show jumping and dressage but also had a healthy mix of showing and a hunter trail. She qualified for the David Broome Championship in Wales where she was placed in one competition and she also came fifth at the Westcountry Unaffiliated Championships held at the Grange Equestrian Centre, near Northlew. During her career as a racehorse, Access Overseas was trained for five years at Buckfastleigh with 1989 Grand National winner, Jimmy Frost. She raced a total of 26 times which included hurdles and a chase. With Jimmy Frost she won one race and earned more than £3,500 in prize money. She only failed to complete three of her races. Mrs Cooper said: 'I have owned her for two years now and she is a delightful little mare. She has been a very willing horse to train, proving to be versatile. 'She can be extremely lively at times and still often wants to go fast especially when jumping!' 'Thanks to competitions such as these and the organisations dedicated to retraining of racehorses, more people are discovering that many of these lovely horses can, in the right hands, have a future after racing and give much enjoyment.'