Nicole Pavitt wins CSI3* Grand Prix in France
Wednesday 18 May 2016
Nicole Pavitt couldn’t have been happier when she won the CSI 3* Grand Prix in Bethune, France earlier this week with Shahenaz, the 11 year-old grey mare owned by Prince Sultan Saud. Jumping clear in a time that was just 1/10th of a second faster than Anthony Condon for Ireland with the Hales’ homebred Aristio Z saw her secure a brilliant win for GB with this super talented mare.
It was a huge field of 46 riders that came forward in the first round with only 11 managing to achieve a clear and qualify across the testing 1.50m course. Nicole was joined by fellow British riders within this group of 11 in the form of sister Louise Pavitt with Unex Chamberlain, Jessie Drea with Mullaghdrin Touch The Stars and Douglas Duffin with Quidam BZ.
Renowned as a fast rider, Nicole’s jump off didn’t disappoint when she posted an incredibly speedy clear in a time of 49.63 seconds; a time that proved unbeatable. Anthony in 2nd place stopped the clock in 49.73 seconds whilst hot on his heels was Alexis Deroubaix with Timon d’Aure for France with a time of 50.28 seconds. 4th place went to Thierry Goffinet and Artuur JH with a time of 50.70 seconds whilst Douglas Duffin and Jessie Drea took 5th and 6th place respectively with their times of 51.09 and 51.88 seconds having jumped clear and finishing with a zero penalty score. Louise had an unlucky 4 penalties to finish 9th.