Olympic gold medallist Scott Brash admitted he felt on top of the world, after snatching victory in the Turkish Airlines Grand Prix on the final night of the Olympia International Horse Show.
The 34-year-old - who was part of the jumping team that claimed top spot at London 2012 - had never won the event in the English capital, but dazzled the home crowd with a stunning run on board 10-year-old Hello Vincent.
Brash was the last to go in the seven-horse jump-off and went clear in a time of 34.23s to finish ahead of Australia’s Edwina Tops-Alexander, who had gone clear with Identity Vitseroel in 35.05s.
There was further cause for British celebration as Holly Smith - who also earned the show’s overall leading rider accolade - completed the podium with Hearts Destiny thanks to a clear round 0.44s further back.
Following victory, Brash explained how the nature of the occasion meant such a victory harboured extra significance, while admitting the impressive performance of his relatively inexperienced horse could see him make an appearance at the Tokyo Games next summer.
He said: “To win the last Grand Prix of the season in front of a home crowd - there’s no better feeling than that.
“The crowd were incredibly noisy and it’s great that they really get behind us because it brings the best of out of us.
“I was fortunate to go last in the jump-off so I could see what the other guys had done, but I’m delighted with the way Vincent performed overall. He jumped really well.
“He’s really stepped up and come on a lot in the last couple of months. There’s a lot of water to pass under the bridge before the Olympics but he’s got it in him, for sure.”
Sportsbeat 2019