Nicole Lockhead Anderson triumphs again at Hickstead
Saturday 22 June 2024
.jpg "Nicole Lockhead Anderson triumphs again at Hickstead")
Scotland’s young star Nicole Lockhead Anderson began Saturday at the Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby Meeting just as she finished Friday: with victory in the famous International Arena.
Saturday morning’s success came with one of her own stars of the future, the athletic Chasalino PS, who she rides for owner Thomas Williams. Together, the new partnership triumphed over their 21 competitors in the Billy Stud Auction British Five-Year-Old Jumping Championship. Their time of 30.79sec was less than a tenth of a second ahead of runners up Ronnie Jones and SLH Fantastico.
“He's an amazing horse – he's so careful,” said Nicole. “I'm very grateful to ride him. He's been clear every day this week, so he's very consistent.”
Nicole picked up the ride on Chasalino at the start of the year, and used a trip to Spain’s Sunshine Tour to get to know him. Now, Hickstead is a welcome step up and an introduction to the big leagues of showjumping for the talented young horse.
“He just seems to get better and better,” she said. “He's never been in an atmosphere like here – it’s such a big ring and he seemed to handle it really well. I think Spain is a great place to start them, and then when they come to Hickstead, there's no arena like it. I think if they can cope with the atmosphere and the occasion then you know they’ve definitely got a chance of making it. He jumped amazingly, and I’m really pleased with him.”
The Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby Meeting runs from 20-23 June at Hickstead in West Sussex. Tickets are available at the gate or can be booked online at www.hickstead.co.uk. All the action from the International Arena will be livestreamed on ClipMyHorse.TV and Hickstead.TV.
Image credit: Boots and Hooves Photography
