On the whole the intermediate cross country seemed to ride pretty well this morning, although this will be a day poor Kim Seversen will want to forget. After Fantasy Impromptu fell at the trakhener at fence 10, she got up, brushed herself off, smiled, cursed mildy, and got a big hug of relief from Jim Cogdell. Unfortunately, Wiley Post, her second intermediate ride took a purler at the cheese wedge at fence 5. From what I could see from behind, it looked like he left a leg, turned over sideways and rolled on Kim. She sat on the ground for a while, and then limped into the ambulance, smiling wanly and obviously shaken. Wiley Post was being led back to the stables, and didn’t have any visible injuries, but may be sore for a few days. Kim is such a popular competitor, I know we all wish her the very best, and feel for her right now.
Rebecca Howard started the day off in tremendous form with a great ride on Roquefort, and David O Connor showed a clean pair of heels sprinting up the hill to keep tabs on her on the way round. Selena Hanlon counts strides out loud to every jump but didn’t miss one that I saw, so it definitely works. It was super to see Jan Byny back out on course, and Pawlow looked very happy skipping round the intermediate with Will Faudree. Clark Montgomery rode a smooth but speedy, and of course flawless (!) round on Stellor King, Sharon White also looked fantastic on Rafferty’s Rules.
Hannah Burnett & Harbour Pilot also looked good, so did Veronica for Karen O Connor and Cold Harbour for Boyd Martin. I really liked Buck’s horse, All the Aces, and Laine Ashker’s Rising Spirit was impressive. Walkabout looked strong the entire way round for Jennie Brannigan, leaping and bounding! Will Coleman rode two beautiful rounds. Must go back out for the advanced and 3*. Videos and photos to come, fingers crossed for safe rides this afernoon.
