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Yazmin Pinches herself following Grand Prix win
Yazmin Pinchen hailed “the biggest win of my career” after a superlative display saw her crowned Redrow Grand Prix champion at the Ashford Farm CSI**** Bolesworth International.
The 22-year-old Sussex rider delivered three clear rounds aboard the 12-year-old chestnut gelding Van De Vivaldi, which is owned by her mother Nancy, to power home and claim a £19,800 top prize.
Despite being the youngest rider among a 49-strong field, Pinchen displayed impressive composure as last to go in a four horse jump-off alongside Trevor Breen, John Whitaker and Keith Shore.
With the other riders having collected jump-off faults, Pinchen knew a clear round would be enough to claim one of British showjumping's most prestigious prizes, and she delivered in style.
And her career looks set to go from strength, with selection now confirmed in the Great Britain team that will contest next month's Nations Cup event in Falsterbo, Sweden.
Irish star Breen finished second on Oldtown KC, collecting £12,000, with Whitaker and Lord of Arabia third. Shore and Mystic Hurricane finished fourth.
“John Renwick has been helping me, and he just said to stick to my plan and focus on going clear,” said Pinchen. “I have got a bit of an issue with my adrenalin taking over sometimes!
“Going last in the jump-off was the best thing ever. There was a lot more pressure, but I knew I just had to go clear.
“Luckily for me, I have had experience of jumping a few Global Champions Tour events, and it has given me more confidence. I know my horses can do it, it's just all down to me being positive.
“This is the biggest win of my career. The horse is such a sweetheart, really. I have had him for a long time, and I have got a really good relationship with him.
“I just want to keep going and proving to everyone that I can do it. It is just about carrying on and being consistent.”
Whitaker, 37 years Pinchen's senior, praised the skills of course builders Bob Ellis and Kelvin Bywater, whose track tested riders all the way through.
“The course caused its share of problems all the way around, which is good, and the sign of good course-builders. It was a tough test,” he said.
There was also an impressive display by Britain's world number one Scott Brash, who produced some majestic riding with Hello Forever to finish fifth, guiding the horse through two rounds of jumping with brilliant precision and accuracy.
But it was not to be for most of a star-studded international field, including defending Bolesworth grand prix champion William Whitaker or an in-form Robert Whitaker, who had three fences down aboard Catwalk IV.