Inspiration

I DO like an inspirational quote, and Judy Murray provided a few new ones at the Aintree Grand Women’s Summit (news, p8) – including: “The minute you have anybody who is just happy to be there is the minute things can start to derail.” Slightly snappier was: “You’ve either won or you’ve learnt.”

The insight was an essential reminder of what it takes to succeed, and what support top athletes need.

Meanwhile, Oliver Townend continues to prove himself the antithesis to the notion you can’t win all the time, having picked up his third consecutive Kentucky victory, this time riding Ballaghmor Class (report, p36). Congratulations Oliver, and to all those competing overseas this weekend for the first time in a long time, including Charlotte Dujardin who dominated in Germany on Mount St John Freestyle and new star Gio (report, p44).

I make no apologies that I keep banging on about Tokyo – 12 weeks and counting – and this week’s issue is packed with results that bode well for all this year’s championships.

The added challenges of competing overseas right now were epitomised by Emile Faurie’s experience – he was bound for a CDI in Belgium last week and had to turn back from Calais (report, p45). It is no mean feat to venture off our island to compete in the best of years, and this has not been the best of years.

What and who has inspired you to push on as a competitor in your riding life? We would love to hear about the performances you’ve witnessed that motivated you to be better, or the advice or support you were given that transformed your performance – write to us at hhletters@futurenet.com