IN a phenomenal year of sporting achievements, young Brit Yasmin Ingham added her name to that exclusive list of winners with a flawless performance aboard Paris 2024 prospect Banzai Du Loir.
“I knew we were both capable of doing it. But to pull it all together in all three phases, luck has to come into the equation – and luck was on my side,” said eventing’s newest heroine, who won on her leading dressage score of 25.2.
The 24-year-old is being modest. Luck will always have its place in horse sport, yet this result came down to skill and an ability to perform under pressure.
The pair led the world-class field from Thursday lunchtime to the final showjump on Sunday afternoon. And while Yasmin freely admitted that she did feel the weight of that expectation and what she had to lose, she seemed to take strength from it.
The Nouma D’Auzay gelding clocked the fastest time across country, coming home 17 seconds inside the optimum, to secure the lead going into the final phase.
As they cantered into the showjumping arena, last to go, the combination had four seconds in hand – no more. A single-pole separated first to 10th ahead of the final day and Di Boddy’s course was taking no prisoners. There had been just five fault-free rounds from 49 in the morning.
The packed stands were silent; the only noise was the snap of camera shutters, the clinking of the flagpole rigging and the rhythm of Banzai’s footfalls. As they landed over the final orange oxer, the crowd erupted and Yasmin pointed to her horse, channelling the praise towards her equine hero.
Esta historia es de la edición September 23, 2021 de Horse & Hound.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición September 23, 2021 de Horse & Hound.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
'Sorry, but I wasn't feeling it'
Fresh from the opening meet, Tessa Waugh hasn't quite yet been bitten by the hunting bug. Without the crisp autumnal air and cheek-pinching cold she hoped for, it's a sluggish start
New pair pull off a win
A former European Championships pony is on form with his new rider, while elsewhere former showjumpers and eventers take ribbons
Lording it over the rest
Horses who have returned from injury, a second generation homebred and a long format specialist score on the final weekend of the British season
Smith hits flying form
A \"her way or no way\" mare helps Zoe Smith to an impressive ribbon haul and a rider beats his own boss to the top spot
Jankorado hits the jackpot
Paul Sims is triumphant despite his interrupted jump-off preparation and a borrowed horse comes up trumps
Peanut
From \"dangerous, scary\" to hedge-hopping brilliance, hunting has been the making of this unstable but very lovable equine character
She's a corker
Communication, says long-standing and highly respected Belvoir master Lady Sarah McCorquodale, is the key to all, as Catherine Austen discovers
Access all areas Cavalier Centre
The Cavalier Centre is a fully accessible, state-of-the-art equestrian centre designed to improve lives through horse-based activities. Ellie May Forrester pays a visit
'Use it or lose it'
Not everyone wants to reach for the pipe and slippers at a certain age. Becky Murray speaks to some veteran horse-and-rider combos for their secrets of human and equine longevity
A new way forward
Worm control in horses is vital, but established methods will not remain effective for much longer. Tim Mair FRCVS explains why and how we need to change
