Longines Luhmühlen, Germany
YASMIN INGHAM has given the British Olympic selectors something to think about with a superb double podium performance in Germany.
This year's Luhmühlen CCI4*-S Meẞmer Trophy, which attracted 67 entries, was a particularly significant competition as the final event before the announcement of the British eventing team for Paris. Yasmin topped the class with 13-year-old gelding Banzai Du Loir, owned by Janette Chinn and The Sue Davies Fund.
"It was a very important weekend for me and there was a lot of pressure involved," said Yasmin. “All of us here had the goal of being selected for an Olympic Games. I wanted to make sure that I was doing everything I possibly could to put myself and Banzai in the best place for that.”
She did that by delivering a textbook clear in the showjumping on Sunday, with nothing to add to her twophase score of 29.3. When overnight leader Michael Jung knocked the last part of the treble and picked up 0.8 of a time-penalty aboard Fischerchipmunk FRH, he made way for Yasmin and Banzai to take the honours.
Mike Etherington-Smith’s twisty track, which produced 43 jumping clears and only two inside the 6min 56sec optimum time, provided the perfect setting for world champions Yasmin and Banzai to show their prowess again. They jumped clear, adding 1.2 time-penalties to their dressage.
“We got a little close to the brush in the water [fence 19ab], but it was just because he has such a huge stride,” explained Yasmin. “He has a lot of presence in the dressage, in the cross-country he’s brave and fast, and in the showjumping he’s very agile. He holds the ability to basically come out on top – or nearly – in each phase, and that’s what makes a great event horse.
“I feel lucky that I’m able to ride such an athlete.”
Yasmin added “there are many British riders and horses that could win gold in Paris”.
This story is from the June 20, 2024 edition of Horse & Hound.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June 20, 2024 edition of Horse & Hound.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Gemirande provides 24-carat magic
Venetia Williams sparkles again in the December Gold Cup and jockey brothers dead-heat
‘Happy hunting, everyone'
“The season for talks, dinners and parties has finally arrived for Tessa Waugh, whose distress about the snags of middle age fades away with some rousing festive spirits
'Monaco deserved this victory
Seemingly destined always to play the bridesmaid’s role, Harrie Smolders’ great partner Monaco finally tops an incidentpacked Rolex grand prix
'It had to end sometime'
The closure of beloved Hampshire saddlery Calcutt Sons is a loss to the hunting and wider equestrian worlds, as Octavia Pollock reports
'You couldn't want for more
The Ludlow's peaceful country makes for a day in \"hunting paradise\"
The greatest gift of all
Christmas is fast approaching and while we all like a bit of tinsel, the festive season is also a perfect time for giving to a horse charity. Niki Hinman finds out some of the options
Winter him well
A horse's winter routine can differ dramatically from his summer structure but what’s the knock-on effect? Ellie Hughes asks vets how to optimise routine management for the season
Neat feet
Excellent hoof care is a year-round concern but the winter months present their own problems. Richard Stephenson MRCVS explains the seasonal challenges afoot and how to stay one step ahead
In bygone days
Modern vets have much scientific knowledge behind them, but what about their forebears? Kieran O’Brien MRCVS opens up the world of Victorian vets in London
'When I joined the Pony Club it was just two boys and 48 girls'
Pepsi Kohler on being delightfully outnumbered by girls in the Pony Club, a leg-up from a royal and the H&H advert that changed his life
