Nightstorm and the Grand Slam by Stacy Gregg

taking the rails in superb style and as he neatly cleared the treble, Issie felt her heart sink. Only three jumps to go and Andrew Pember-Reeves looked totally in control.
    â€œThis is looking very good indeed,” Mike Partridge breathed over the loudspeaker, “all clear at the third to last fence – only two more now to go…”
    Issie could feel the trophy slipping away. She told herself that it didn’t matter. Second place at Badminton was still better than her wildest dreams and…
    The clatter of falling rails shattered her thoughts. Mythic Realm had just smashed through the top two rails of the second to last fence!
    In the stands the crowd gasped in horror. Then, just moments later, there were cries of utter disbelief as Mythic Realm bounded on to take the next fence down too! Andrew Pember-Reeves looked devastated as he rode out of the arena. He had racked up eight faults and slipped right down the leaderboard all the way to fifth place.
    On the loudspeaker Mike Partridge summed up the situation. “Tragedy in the final moments for Andrew Pember-Reeves – and history in the making for young Isadora Brown! The seventeen-year-old from Chevalier Point takes home the winner’s laurels here at Badminton and that means she remains on track in her bid for the greatest prize of all – the Grand Slam!”
    â€œIssie!” Stella was gripping her arm so hard that Issie was worried she might cut off the circulation. “Issie! You’ve won it! You have to go back in there and do your victory lap!”
    Issie looked dumbfounded. “Tom?”
    Avery was wide-eyed. He tried to speak and was at a loss for words for a moment. Then he pulled himself together. “Come on,” he said, “I’ll give you a leg up. You need to get in there!”
    As they did their lap of the grandstand, Issie was certain that Victory knew the applause was for him. Showing off for the crowds, the brown gelding put on a burst of speed, galloping down the side of the arena, and Issie felt the hairs on the back of her neck standing up on end. It was the most incredible sensation – to be taking the winner’s lap at the Badminton Horse Trials!
    The prize-giving that followed was a grand ceremony as the Duke of Beaufort handed her the silver trophy featuring the three iconic horses, representing the three phases of eventing. The trophy was so heavy that when the photographer asked Issie to hold it aloft for a picture she struggled to lift it.
    As was customary, Victory’s owner, Tulia Disbrowe, was in the winner’s circle with them for the presentation. Issie had expected Tulia to accompany them back to the stables afterwards, but after congratulating Issie on her win Tulia had oddly excused herself the minute they left the arena.
    Victory was fed and watered and the team all gathered back at the horse truck – except for Tulia who was nowhere to be found and wasn’t answering her phone. “Where the blazes has she got to?” Avery said, trying her mobile yet again. “She should be here! That champagne needs to be opened…”
    As he said this, there was a knock at the door and a moment later Tulia Disbrowe entered.
    â€œTulia!” Avery opened his arms to welcome her in. “Excellent! We can start the party at last!”
    There was the pop of a cork and glasses were filled.
    â€œCongratulations, Issie!” Francoise said, raising her glass up in celebration. “Two in a row! Now you only have Burghley to go!”
    Stella was grinning from ear to ear. “I think I’m still in shock! That was the most brilliant clear round!”
    â€œTulia?” Avery said. “Would you like to say a few words?”
    â€œActually,” Tulia stepped forward. “I do have something to say.”
    She turned to Issie. “I want you to know that you did a fantastic job out there today – in fact, over the past three days. I