All Change on the Bramham CCI3* Leaderboard Friday Morning

Kitty King and Persimmon slot into 2nd place Friday morning CCI3* at Equi-Trek Bramham International Horse Trials. Photo by Samantha Clark. Kitty King and Persimmon slot into 2nd place Friday morning CCI3* at Equi-Trek Bramham International Horse Trials. Photo by Samantha Clark.

First to go at 9am sharp Friday morning Flora Harris cemented her good form on the flat this year with a stunning test on Bayano to set a commanding lead with a score of 36.8; Bayano did a similarly good test at Tattersalls a few weeks ago and then re-routed here after an early run-out, but Flora also did a lovely test at Badminton on her grey horse Amazing VIII before that. Keep up with all Bramham live scores here

A few horses later Arianna Schivo represented Italy on the big, loose-moving, forward going Quefira De L’Ormeau, an 11 year old Selle Francais mare, which was a complete treat to watch and really highlighted the contrast between trying to contain the tense horses, and being able to ride a test without worrying about nerves.

Tina Cook and Star Witness at Bramham CCI3* Photo by Samantha Clark

Tina Cook and Star Witness at Bramham CCI3*. Photo by Samantha Clark.

Tina Cook, the ultimate professional rode Star Witness with all the experience we’d expect from her and produced a very nice test until almost at the very end she turned down the centre line early to halt, forgetting the last extended and medium canter; when the judge beeped the horn she immediately remembered her mistake and wrung her hands, shook her head and it was obvious she was kicking herself afterwards.

Kitty King made absolutely no errors on the impressive Persimmon. From her entry and square, still and quite long halt at the beginning she made it clear that this was going to be a test to be reckoned with, and so it was. Persimmon is bulging with muscles and clearly at peak fitness but Kitty was accurate, took her time, rode forward, kept him up when he wanted to go a little deep and showed off Persimmon’s lovely paces and correct schooling to his very best advantage.

Kitty has already enjoyed some success, but without wanting to jinx her, especially on the Friday of a Three Day Event, I think I’m one of very many who feel there’s a lot more to come.

Caroline Martin and Nacho work a little on the flat ahead of their U25 CCI3* test at Bramham

Caroline Martin and Nacho work a little on the flat ahead of their U25 CCI3* test at Bramham. Photo by Samantha Clark.

We still have a packed afternoon of dressage to come, and of course the U25 dressage gets underway soon. Caroline Martin does her test at 12:10 GB time, and Quantum Solace worked well this morning under the eagle eyes of ‘Head Coach’ Buck Davidson!

The wifi is working wonderfully today, the sun is shining and Bramham is possibly the best event in the world! Seriously, I don’t think any other event works harder to keep everyone happy, they work tirelessly on the ground, first and foremost but all the little things too.  Go Equi-Trek Bramham Horse Trials and Go Eventing!

Bramham: WebsiteScheduleLive ScoresEN’s Coverage@samanthalclarkTwitterInstagram