Ros Canter had a day to remember in Tryon as she claimed individual and team World Equestrian Games eventing gold to help Britain qualify for Tokyo 2020.
The 32-year-old from Lincolnshire on Allstar B faced a daunting challenge as the final rider on the British team who held a slender lead in the team event.
With an advantage of just four faults over Ireland, Canter produced a clear round to clinch gold and guarantee Britain a place in Tokyo.
Better was to follow when individual leader Ingrid Klimke clipped the final fence meaning that Canter could enjoy a double gold, much to her amazement.
Canter said: “I don't think it's sunk in. I can’t believe it; Allstar B was absolutely amazing, he was an absolute hero, I had an amazing experience in there. I kept saying [to myself] just let him do his job, and I’m so proud, he’s just phenomenal. There were quite a few tears when I found out which isn't normal for me.
“It’s just incredible for both for me and the whole support team behind Team GBR – it’s just the most incredible feeling. The team around us is just phenomenal. They make the dream come true really.”
The British team had kicked off the day with Gemma Tattersall on The Soul Syndicate’s Arctic Soul, followed by Tom McEwen on Toledo de Kerser.
The advantage dropped to just 0.2 of a penalty after Piggy French’s round on Billy the Red, meaning that it all came down to Canter.
But after Irish counterpart Sarah Ennis knocked an early fence down, Canter was able to begin her round with a little more breathing room, and took full advantage on her was to twin successes.
Sportsbeat 2018