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Andrew Nicholson wins RIHS Eventer’s Grand Prix

The fifth running of this popular competition drew more than 13,000 spectators to Hickstead, where Andrew Nicholson snatched victory from favourite Pippa Funnell.

Andrew set off in overdrive on the Carroll family’s Irish-bred Mallards Treat and with just one error, came home in a time that looked hard to beat.

Pippa Funnell was among the last rider to go on Anne Burnet’s TheTourmaline Rose, the grey mare on whom Pippa had won three of the four previous runnings of this unique class. However, a costly fourth mistake at the final of the 28 fences, made the difference between glory and third place.

Andrew Nicholson is a great fan of the class and was understandably delighted with his victory.

“Mallards Treat is a brave, careful horse and my plan was to up the pace from the start,” he said. “I actually find it more exciting than a four-star event, as problems come up so fast that you don’t have time to think.”

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