Coles breaks her curse with championship win

The Doncaster rider has endured a rocky relationship with the home of British showjumping but broke her Hickstead curse aboard Bloomfield Valhalla on her debut in the competition.

“We’ve always had a good time here but as a kid I hated it – I fell off every time,” she said.

“It’s the only show I ever get nervous at.

“But everyone wants to go into that ring. To be able to win in there and gallop around it is surreal. It’s party of history.

Coles has built up a string of accolades with seven-year-old gelding Bloomfield Valhalla, whom she bought from top show producer Jayne Ross last year.

Championship wins at Cheshire and Devon followed plus qualification for the Horse of the Year.

He was also crowned National Hunter Champion his his showing debut with Coles and has become very much a part of the family.

“He’s very cheeky and he just loves to have a nice time,” Coles said.

“His world revolves around Polos.

“He’s lovely to ride. He’s a proper horse that will take you over the country.”

The victory came on Coles’ first time competing at the Hickstead Derby Meeting and she is confident her curse is over.

“I think we’ve broken it now,” she said. “Although I might need a vodka before I go in there again.”