Nicol gives a Winning performance

Carron Nicol leads over a tough grand prix course, while a daring turn pays off for a competitive Joe Trunkfield

- SUZANNE JONES

LATE-DECISION entries paid off for Carron Nicol as she landed the clipmyhorse.tv grand prix on Nistria VD Winning Z.

“I only came to support my son Leo Lamb – he cajoled me into coming but I’m glad he did,” said Carron, who praised Nistria. “She gives her all every time.”

Twenty-six started and early riders struggled with course designer David Cole’s track of technical lines and tight time, and a clear wasn’t evident until halfway. Eight eventually accessed the jump-off.

Carron secured victory from second draw, taking advantage of this mare’s careful scope and brain to win by 0.42sec despite second-placed Kerry Brennan’s later challenge on Wellington M.

“I never jump Nistria at home. Her last show was in Vilamoura a month ago – where she was consistently placed or won – so I gave her a run round an earlier 1.20m [which she also won],” said Carron.

“I’d only brought her back into work four weeks before Portugal and she was enormous – she’s been on a diet ever since but she tries her hardest to win.”

Carron bought the Nonstop x Cassini I nine-year-old from Belgium’s Karel Cox three years ago, as she is related to her former top ride Mr Visto, now with the USA’s Lauren Tisbo: “Nistria’s mother Kora VI is Mr Visto’s grandmother. She was sharp at first but she’s beautiful to ride now.”