TARA Carroll’s 18th birthday celebrations started a few hours earlier than expected after she landed her first CNCJ* win aboard Joan Hayden’s Classic Piper. As the show jumping became the decider, Carroll edged ahead of the two dressage leaders, and despite knocking a pole herself, won on a completion mark of 42.0. With two rails on the floor, Maria Cairns (Sahara Breeze) filled second, while, tipping three, first phase winners Peter Dillon (Thistledown Nordic Clover) had to settle for third.

Carroll is trained by Michael McNally, and explained that he was influential in acquiring the 14-year-old Classic Piper for her to ride. “He knew I was looking, and felt that he would be perfect for me,” she said.