I’ve made it to Heathrow; I’m not sure if the journey flew by because my mother was texting me live show-jumping scores from the first round, or because I really was flying, we do drive quite fast over here, that’s my excuse for a fistful of US speeding tickets. I’ve turned in my zoom-zoom little car with gears, I’m biting my lip (the stiff, upper variety), and I’m going to try and post as many of this morning’s photos as I can before I have to board.
Nick Gauntlett taking Elektron for a hack before the trot-up
There were quite a few horses going for gentle hacks around the park this morning before the jog, Colombo was one of them, and Duarte Seabra’s Fernhill Gloster Rebel looked very bright and strong, Duarte said Carol (Gee) told him not to risk taking the direct route at the double of corners even though they jumped them clear last year, and despite taking the long way there, and a “silly stop” they still only had 11 time faults. I’d say he was one of the fitter horses on course. I watched the trot-up with my former trainer, Young Rider and Junior Trainer Gill Watson, and we chatted with Lucinda Green about whether the horses on the whole were fit enough yesterday.
Overnight leader Mark Todd’s NZB Land Vision definitely looked extremely tired at the end, and Mark had to nurse him home using all his vast experience, but all the kiwi horses looked absolutely outstanding this morning, especially both of Caroline Powell’s; Lenamore positively floated down the runway, I’m not sure if his hooves even touched the gravel!
Andrew Nicholson and Avebury
Caroline Powell and Boston Two Tip
Overnight leader and legend Mark Todd and NZB Land Vision
Wild Lone was looking very pleased with himself after moving up most places after dressage for Harry Meade, and jumping clear with just a handful of time faults around his first four star.
Briefly the leader, but in 2nd place overnight, Marina Kohncke and Calma Schelly
Horse & Hound blogger, First Timer and clear xc, Ben Hobday and Uptons Who
Always stylin’ – Hawley Bennet-Awad
Buck had a new suit today, but the same lucky red & yellow spotty socks!
Last year’s winner Paul Tapner with this year’s rider Kilfinnie
Selena and Colombo, another great Canadian partnershi
Duarte Seabra with a fresh Fernhill Gloster Rebel
Although Lucinda told me before the trot up that Prada was quiet this morning for the first time that she could remember, she was certainly full of herself at the trot-up, and almost too much to handle! Sadly, Lucinda will not be coming out to Rolex as she’ll be staying in England with her daughter Ellie, and competing locally next weekend, while Clayton rides Be My Guest in Kentucky.
Opposition Buzz, surely the most impressive cross country round all day yesterday? Still full of bounce this morning!
Mary King was last to trot up and did a nice extended trot down the runway to finish it up!
Must go and board my plane, there are a few more to get to later, but in the meantime enjoy the show-jumping, see you at Rolex, and go 4* eventing!
