Karen and Marilyn watch the first few rides through the second water in the Advanced before going to get their horses ready for the Intermediate and Two Star Division
The Second Water Feature, modelled on ESJ because it’s just not the same here without him and we all miss him and wish he was here.
Christa Gandolfo and Governaire – they’d had trouble at the corner just before this, and then went straight on instead of turning left, but came back and sorted themselves out, but probably not their best day.
Sara Kozumplik and one of my favourites, Tatton Winter, clear round his second advanced
Phillip Dutton and Atlas – thinking ahead to the next jump
Canadian Nicole Parkin’s experienced Lexus was perhaps the most impressive in this section and looked like he’d be a blast to ride, he made it all look very easy,
and look how much fun they’re both having! Having said that, I wish I’d managed to get a better picture of Leslie Law’s stunning Zenith ISF, he was also very eye-catching in this, only his second advanced run. I couldn’t help feel but what an advantage he has with Leslie as a jockey to give him nothing but confidence, and he certainly doesn’t want for ability. Leslie, like Phillip, turns in his head before he’s landed, it’s almost second nature for him, and a real lesson in cross country riding to watch – incredibly economical, always moving forward, it’s hard to see him make any real adjustments, he just picked up a great forward relentless rhythm and kept coming.
Doug Payne on Running Order looked great too, and had good rides on his other horses as well. I was recently asked by one of my horse-racing twitter friends “who is a rising star in the eventing world?” – to name just one and with no parameters is much harder than you’d think, and in the end I told her Doug. Of course I can think of lots, but to narrow it down and only select one…who would you pick?
Rock on Rose (Lusty) looked full of run at the end of the course, and I know Whitney was thrilled with her after their misunderstanding at the double of corners at Rocking Horse.
Werner Geven and Vandiver
Phillip catch riding The Apprentice for Buck
Buck was busy as usual all day helping various riders, walking courses, driving golf carts. He told me yesterday he had to get his collar bone re-xrayed and I presumed there must be a very good hospital here in Tallahassee, so when I saw him again later in the day I asked him if he’d been yet, and he replied no, no, he was waiting for the treating vet to arrive! I should have known! Full results are here, don’t forget to “spring forward” tonight, and we’ll have masses more Red Hills, well, trot-up and show-jumping anyway, for you tomorrow! Get a good night’s sleep and go eventing!
