Sam Griffiths & Happy Times lead on a 40.2 after the first section of dressage. Photo by Kate Samuels.
A foggy and slightly chilly morning here at Burghley ushered in the start of dressage, which boasted quite a few spectators despite the dreary weather. Surprisingly, most of the horses have been quite well behaved, and while the atmosphere is very respectful and quiet, there are quite a lot of things to spook at and use as an excuse to misbehave. Sam Griffiths and Happy Times ultimately overcame the atmosphere to score 40.2 for the early lead.
The first group of eight combinations included two tests in the 40s; Sarah Bullimore and Valentino V scored a 49.5 right off the bat, followed by Piggy French and Westwood Mariner, who scored a 45.8 to lead after the first break. A newer ride for Piggy, she commented after her test that he was brought up through this level by Polly Stockton, and although he’s still “very much Polly’s ride,” she says he tries really hard for her. They were unfortunately eliminated last year at their first CCI4* attempt together here and are looking for some redemption this time around.
Piggy French & Westwood Mariner, currently in 2nd place on a 45.8. Photo by Kate Samuels.
The second group had some tense horses, and scores ranged from the high 50s all the way to into the seventies. The judges are Christian Landolt at E, Angela Tucker at C and Ernst Topp — who just judged at the World Equestrian Games — at M. Quite rightly so, they aren’t letting anything slip by and are particularly keen to note any tension. They are scoring consistently, however, and seem to be forgiving of the occasional bobble or break, as even Piggy’s horse cantered a bit going into her extended trot.
Sam Griffiths, who earlier this week predicted a possible second leg in his quest for The Grand Slam, completely dominated the morning dressage competition. Sam and Happy Times went in the ring and had a truly lovely test that combined obedience with expression and was the true picture of balance for a 40.2 to lead the way. After his win at Badminton with Paulank Brockagh, Sam is the only rider in the world who can hunt the Grand Slam, and he thinks that Happy Times might just be the horse to do it, having placed 12th here last year and 3rd in 2009.
Four-star first-timer Gina Ruck had a really lovely test with her own 12-year-old grey gelding, Rehy Too, for a score of 50.5, which places them firmly in fourth place. This horse was very expressive in his gaits and looked like he has the quality of a true dressage horse, and she’s got to be thrilled with this debut effort.
Gina Ruck & Rehy Too in their first CCI4* dressage test. Photo by Kate Samuels.
Each rider is being interviewed directly after their test, and some of the results of this are quite funny. Ben Hobday, who is riding “Winner Of The Biggest Feet” Mulry’s Error, certainly had the best quote of the day. Mulry is a rather large chap, as he is half Clydesdale and half Thoroughbred, and he looks like a tank. Ben quipped, “Yes, well, he looks like a four-by-four but he drives like a Ferarri,” and mentioned that he is very much looking forward to the cross-country phase.
We have three American riders coming in the afternoon group. Allison Springer and Arthur go at 2:16 p.m. BST (9:16 a.m. EST), followed by Meghan O’Donoghue and Pirate at 4:05 p.m. BST (11:05 a.m. EST), and last to go of the day is Marilyn Little and RF Demeter at 4:21 p.m. BST (11:21 a.m. EST).
Sam Griffiths with a smile for the interviewer. Photo by Kate Samuels.
Dressage recommences at 2 p.m. BST (9:00 EST) after our very long and luxurious lunch break, where I will be browsing the shops and stuffing my face with food. Check back later for more Burghley action.
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