Nicol gives a Winning performance

Carron Nicol leads over a tough grand prix course, while a daring turn pays off for a competitive Joe Trunkfield

- SUZANNE JONES

LATE-DECISION entries paid off for Carron Nicol as she landed the clipmyhorse.tv grand prix on Nistria VD Winning Z.

“I only came to support my son Leo Lamb – he cajoled me into coming but I’m glad he did,” said Carron, who praised Nistria. “She gives her all every time.”

Twenty-six started and early riders struggled with course designer David Cole’s track of technical lines and tight time, and a clear wasn’t evident until halfway. Eight eventually accessed the jump-off.

Carron secured victory from second draw, taking advantage of this mare’s careful scope and brain to win by 0.42sec despite second-placed Kerry Brennan’s later challenge on Wellington M.

“I never jump Nistria at home. Her last show was in Vilamoura a month ago – where she was consistently placed or won – so I gave her a run round an earlier 1.20m [which she also won],” said Carron.

“I’d only brought her back into work four weeks before Portugal and she was enormous – she’s been on a diet ever since but she tries her hardest to win.”

Carron bought the Nonstop x Cassini I nine-year-old from Belgium’s Karel Cox three years ago, as she is related to her former top ride Mr Visto, now with the USA’s Lauren Tisbo: “Nistria’s mother Kora VI is Mr Visto’s grandmother. She was sharp at first but she’s beautiful to ride now.”

Louise Saywell netted the top two places in the winter 1.35m, winning with the Zento x Numero Uno 11-year-old Edgarrento and taking second on Keeley Durham’s home-bred Arko x Randi 10-year-old Arakan. It marked Louise’s first show back with these two since August.