Dean proves untouchable

A Windsor debutante brushes aside some fierce opposition and a "quirky and feisty" chestnut mare follows in her sister's footsteps

THERE was success straight out of the starting blocks for US rising star Natalie Dean, who commenced her European tour with a win in the Defender under-25 jumping competition.

The competition was all for second place in this fivestrong jump-off, after Windsor debutante Natalie concluded the class from first draw with an untouchable round on her own 11-year-old mare, Dotcom D'Authuit.

"We were hoping I was going to get into the five-star, but hopefully I'll be able to jump that next year," said Natalie, who is training with Ben Maher.

"This is my first show in Europe and it's great to be here. I'm basing myself in England and we're planning to do shows in Europe and in England." Poles had fallen all round a well-built first-round track, with some of Britain's top young rider combinations put out of contention by just one fence down.

Natalie was joined in the jump-off by Francesca Young (Carrickview Libretto), Jake Myers (J Superstar), Lottie Tutt (Billy Olga) and Olivia Sponer (Bingo Du Chateau).

Harrison Hatteea (Come On Ferrari) was the only other rider to leave the fences standing, but didn't make the jump-off after adding a penalty for finishing just 0.05sec over the time allowed.

In the second phase, Jake and Olivia posted the next most competitive rounds, with J Superstar crossing the line 1.73sec behind Natalie's time. But Olivia in final draw came home 0.04sec faster on Joe Stockdale's former ride to slot into second place.