Watch out for Wachman

A 20-year-old Irishman scores his biggest win so far in the show's concluding grand prix and another London debutant stands leading rider with three wins

- PIPPA ROOME and ELEANOR JONES

HOW many competitors win both a young rider medal and one of the world's most prestigious grands prix in the same year? Ireland's Tom Wachman, 20, achieved the second leg of this extraordinary double when he took the Turkish Airlines grand prix on the closing night of London International, becoming the class's youngest ever winner.

"It means a lot to win this it's obviously a very prestigious, historic show. I got a personal invitation from the show, so I'm very grateful," said Tom (see also "12 to watch in 2026", p34).

"There's a big team around me - I'm sitting up top, but it's more down to them than me so I'm lucky." Tom piloted the 12-yearold Do It Easy to victory in a five-horse jump-off. Do It Easy belongs to Coolmore Showjumping, and Tom is from a family steeped in the thoroughbred side of equestrianism as his grandfather, John Magnier, is the owner of the enormous Coolmore breeding and racing operation.

Tom said: "Do It Easy is a very versatile horse. You can do a grand prix or a speed class.

Any day you want him, he's so reliable. He's been my second horse all year, behind Tabasco De Toxandria Z, so for him to get a win like today is brilliant.