Nick Skelton is on top form in Chantilly Grand Prix
Nick Skelton continued his fabulous form ahead of the Games, winning more than £11,000 in the Equidia Life Chantilly Grand Prix (22 July), with Carlo.
Nick was one of 11 riders to post a clear in the first round, but set the bar at 37.63sec and clear in the second – a target no one else could hit.
Frenchman Patrice Delaveau and Ornella Mail were second and Ireland’s Denis Lynch and Lantinus 3 – his Olympic mount until he was deselected by Horse Sport Ireland – third.
The grand prix was the last international 5-star before the Olympics and Nick was pleased with his win.
He also rode his Olympic mount, Big Star, in a couple of smaller classes earlier in the show, notching up two faultless rounds.
Nick said: “It is a great thing to finish on a victory before the Games – it means I’m riding well and the horses are in great shape.
“I rode Big Star in two small classes to keep him in the competition rhythm. He needed some courses without any stakes.”
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“I have a very good horse, I know what he is capable of even if he is a little young and lacks experience.
“London will be another day, another competition and when the Games are finished we will go on to the next competition.”
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A self-confessed newshound, farmer’s daughter and journalist of many years' experience, Charlotte worked on regional papers before joining H&H in 2007. A regular rider, she visited Ireland in 2010 to investigate the fate of Irish horses through the recession, to much acclaim, and reported from the FEI General Assembly in Rio de Janeiro in 2011. She left Horse & Hound in March 2013.