A victory won through trust

Nina de Haas scores her first three-day event win and credits trainer Andrew Heffernan, whose pupils shine all week

- LUCY ELDER

RISING star Nina de Haas landed her first long-format win in style, with a spotless performance in the Rathbones CCI3*-L aboard charming grey Ballylaffin Juno.

This was a victory won through trust. The pair gelled quickly when Nina took on the ride from boss Andrew Heffernan two years ago, but gaining the strength of partnership that she now has with David Schofield's 12-yearold gelding has taken time.

"To finish on top is something I never expected," said Nina, 25, a British-based Dutch rider, who credited Andrew for his help.

"I feel like now we are really building a partnership and really know each other.

This year, I've just felt he's got braver and braver every cross-country round. He would jump anything for me now." The pair's first-phase score of 26.3 put them in a competitive position, which they solidified with their double jumping clear.

"I was really determined to make the time [across country], and because I rode for the time and positively, it also made all the lines ride really well," said Nina, who stopped the clock with room to spare, even with a long route at the Rathbones Complex corner combination (9abc).

"He's careful, brave, quick and smart. He's quite cool in his head and has a good brain, but I think most of all, he has a big heart and wants to do it." Britain's Brier Dunn enjoyed a milestone result with her own Caherconree Rocky, climbing from 15th after dressage to scoop the runner-up spot on their first-phase score of 29.8.

"He gave me everything," said Brier, thanking trainer Lindsay Middleton for her role in their success.

"I've ridden him since he was a four-year-old. As with all these good event horses, it's not been the easiest. Some days he comes out and he's fantastic.