Nicola Wilson enjoys ‘magical’ win at Bramham

Nicola Wilson has won the BETA CIC3* at Bramham Horse Trialsfor the first time, riding her home-produced mare Annie Clover.

Special victory

It was a special victory was Nicola – not just because she was riding her parent’s horse – but also due to the fact she was competing in her home county of Yorkshire.

“It’s so exciting to be here at Bramham and then to win a local event is magical,” said Nicola. “I’ve been riding Annie since she was a four-year-old and she is owned by my parents, so it really has been a wonderful week for my whole family and all the support team.”

Inexperienced

Nicola was lying in second place behind Pippa Funnell going into the final phase, after both jumped clear in the showjumping. Pippa was ridingBilly The Biz, on whom she finished third individually atHoughton Hall and second as part of the nations cup team.

Despite his recent good form the horse is still relatively inexperienced at this level, so Pippa took him steady on the cross-country to incur four time faults.

First four star

Nicola was inside the time allowed following a great run, which saw her move into first place on 37.4pen, while Pippa dropped down to second on38.7pen.

Annie Clover had the competitive edge having competed in her first four star at the World Equestrian Games last August, when Nicola rode as an individual. Since then the pair came eighth in Kentuckyin April, but hadn’t competed since then.

Nicola was also fourth at Bramham with Watermill Vision, finishing on their dressage score of 43.1pen. New Zealand’s Caroline Powell was third riding Onwards And Upwards on 39pen.