Despite giving birth 6 weeks before and only getting in the saddle less than 3 weeks before, Nicola waved the Sunny Park flag high at the 2012 Avis South African Derby. When Nicola entered the ring on Elpaso, Anthea Erasmus was in the lead on 4 penalties while the rest of the riders who had attempted the course had knocked up cricket scores.

Everyone was on the edge of their seats as Nicola flew round the course – not touching a pole. I think all of Sunny Park groaned when the last big oxer went down… So four faults and one time penalty meant Elpaso ended on a total score of 5 penalties. While we may have all been disappointed by that unlucky last pole, we can all agree that it is extremely impressive and El was the youngest horse in the field!

Con was next and had number 2 down, followed by the giant stile and a foot in the water, ending on 12 penalties with one time fault. Despite the penalties the pair definitely looked the part and the commentators could not stop complimenting Nicola for her cool headed temperament and phenomenal riding ability.

Nicole Horwood took the derby title after jumping an impressive clear, while Anthea and Jodie Pieters finished tie second and Nicola and Elpaso were awarded fourth place (of course technically, we’d like to argue that it was in fact third).

A HUGE well done to Nicola, El and Con as well as Ericha Harding, who kept both boys fit and working while Nicola was on maternity leave. Ericha, your hard work and dedication paid off. You’ll have your work cut out for you; a few of the Sunny Parkers have decided you need to work their horses before the big shows from now on!

Also a big thank you to our fabulous farrier, Mark Zorka, who keeps the boys’ feet in fabulous condition. He was also at the yard early on Wednesday morning before the vet check to make sure the horses were ready and wouldn’t have any hoof related issues. Thank you Mark!