Seventy-seven CCI4* horses were presented before the Badminton ground jury and all 77 passed muster, including four North American pairs, on this dazzlingly bright British spring day.
One of whom unleashed a bit of “magic spray” in the spotlight, much to his rider’s slightly belated amusement.
Three horses were held but all passed upon reinspection: Jonelle Price’s mount Classic Moet (NZL), Tom Crisp’s mount Cooleys Luxury (GBR) and Simon Grieve’s mount Cornacrew (GBR).
Of course, all eyes were on last weekend’s Rolex champion Michael Jung and La Biosthetique Sam FBW. A win here at Badminton would give Michael the Rolex Grand Slam title.
What’s appropriate dress for the first weekend of May here in England? From fur capes to flannel shirts to sundresses and heels, anything went today.
A few pairs we thought looked especially sharp:
England has had a soggy spring and while the ground is still, to quote today’s announcer, a bit “juicy,” the sun seems to be helping out with some last minute mopping up of the place. The weather today was glorious and much appreciated by the spectators who turned out in droves to watch the jog.
A particularly big cheer went up from the crowd when Ben Hobday took the strip in acknowledgement of his hard-won return to the level after a battle with cancer. Looking fly, Ben!
Back on the Runway a year later!! Damn feels good!! #MulryModel #V8CobOntheJob… https://t.co/RER4Q3m9Fb
— Ben Hobday (@BenHobday) May 4, 2016
Dressage begins tomorrow with a test ride at 9:10 followed by the first dressage ride, Oliver Townend and Armada, at 9:30 a.m. local time.
Go Eventing.
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