Heading home via the main arena and les champignons (c’est magique, maybe). Photo via CrossCountryApp.
Eventing’s going large in France for the second time this summer and there’s no doubt that the home crowd at Pau will deliver all of the joyous celebration of our awesome sport that we saw rampage round the grounds of the Palace of Versailles. Expect rambunctious cheers for every single horse and rider combination out on course, ascending into all-out rowdiness for the French competitors, and a party atmosphere all day long. Allez! Allez! Allez eventing!
We’re live at final CCI5* cross country day of what’s been a massive season thus far and I’ll be bringing you updates of all the action from Pierre Michelet’s track as it unfolds throughout the day. With over 70 horses set to leave the start box, we’re in for a full day of sport. Bring. It. On.
In true cross country day tradition, there has been a lot of chatter about the weather and subsequently the going out on course. Basically, it’s been raining, the ground is soggy and there’s very much the feeling that it’ll be influential in today’s proceedings. There have already been a number of changes made to the course since yesterday, which we’ll get to grips with as we go round.
It’s an 11:30am CET start / 5:30am ET today with Britain’s Oliver Townend kicking things off with the first of his three rides En Taro des Vernier.
But before all the excitement gets underway, a little housekeeping.
The field is stacked that’s for sure, but here are a few notable highlights and their start times:
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If you’re cheering for the US today, Boyd Martin and Will Coleman are your go to guys. Here’s when to expect to see them on course:
Boyd Martin’s bounced back from his tumble at Maryland, hopped on a plane and is at Pau with fan favorite and Olympic top 10 finisher Fedarman B – they’ll be out on track at 5:43am ET.
Boyd’s also brought exciting 5* debutant Miss Lulu Herself – they’re set to leave the start box at 10:43am ET.
Will Coleman and his World Championships horse and Aachen winner Off the Record head out at 9:19am ET.
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Last year’s champs Ros Canter and Izilot DHI are back for another go at Pau and once again, they’re in the lead after the dressage phase – can they do the double? We’ll find out at 10:45am ET.
Kentucky winners Oliver Townend and Cooley Rosalent are hoping to bookend their season with 5* victories. They’re in 2nd as things stand – will it all come up rosie for Rosie? They’ll be last out on course at 11:12am ET.
In joint 2nd with Oliver and Rosie going into cross country, Emily King and Valmy Biats are here off the back of a great 4th place finish at Badminton in the spring. Valmy hails from rainy North Wales and loves the mud, making him perhaps the best-suited horse in the field given the current, soggy, conditions. They start at 10:04am ET.
Shadow Man did it for Down Under at the Olympics and brought home a silver medal for Chris Burton; he’s back with Ben Hobday for this trip to France and due on course at 8:39am ET.
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Clarke Johnstone sits in 5th with his Olympic ride Menlo Park coming into today. They’re due to go at 6:46am ET.
Tim Price had to settle for 2nd at Maryland last week; he’s here with Jarillo for the gelding’s first 5*. Catch them at 10:09am ET.
Badminton queen Caroline Powell was a popular 5* winner in the spring; she’s at Pau double-handed with High Time stepping up to the level off the back of a brilliant runner-up finish at Blair Castle and CBI Aldo taking 7th spot in the prestigious 4*-S for 8- and 9-year-olds at Blenheim last month. She’s first out of the box with High Time at 6:10am ET and will have her second run as the penultimate rider of the day at 11:07am ET.
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At 17 Toronto d’Aurois is one of the oldest horses in the field and is contesting his ninth 5*. Arthur Duffort will partner this experienced gelding at 8:16am ET.
Another super experienced pairing, Cedric Lyard and Unum De’Or will be whipping up the French crowd as they take to the track at 9:55am ET.
Arthur Marx and Church’ile sure gave the home fans something to cheer after a snapped stirrup put paid to their quest last year, but they paraded their way round as though they’d won the whole dang thing to the delight of the hyped-up spectators. They’ll get their turn at 6:55am ET, hopefully with both feet firmly in the stirrups this time around.
I could go through the whole field as highlights because, well they’re at 5* and therefore bloomin’ brilliant, but basically I would be here all day and miss the cross country itself ,so here’s the full list of ride times for your perusal.
If you just can’t get enough info about this year’s competitors, then you’re in need of EN’s epic Form Guide, which you’ll find right here.
I’ll be bringing you news of all of the goings on throughout the day, but if you want to watch along, the only way to view all of the competition live and on demand is via a subscription to Pau TV.
Whilst we await today’s action, a quick catch-up with what went down in the dressage:
1️⃣ 🇬🇧 Not so much of a surprise, if we’re honest, heading up the chasing pack and in the lead overnight is Ros Canter with Izilot DHI on a score of 19.
2️⃣ 🇬🇧 5.6 points behind is Emily King with Valmy Biats on 24.6.
2️⃣ 🇬🇧 Sharing second spot is Oliver Townend with Kentucky winner Cooley Rosalent, also on 24.6.
3️⃣ 🇬🇧 And just 1.2 points behind them, rounding out the top three as things stand is Tom McEwen with Brookfield Quality on 25.8.
▶️ Read all about it in EN’s classic round-up reports: [Thursday] [Friday]
▶️ Click here for the full scoreboard.
And when you’re done with all that, feast your eyes on all of EN’s Pau content and mosey on along to our IG account for even more @goeventing.
❗ Remember ❗ Refresh, refresh, refresh if you want to keep up with live updates. If you’re reading this after the event, scroll ⬇️ and read ⬆️.
Just one more thing before we get down to the nitty gritty of the day’s sport, and that’s to leave this right here:
(Click here to view the video.)
You’re totally welcome.
For the last time this season (*boo! 👻*) let’s go 5* eventing!
Les 5 Étoiles de Pau (France): [Website] [Entries] [Timing & Scoring] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage]
Our coverage of Pau is brought to you by our incredible supporters, Kentucky Performance Products, your one-stop shop for science-backed nutritional products to keep your horse feeling their best at all times. They’ll even get on the phone with you to help you formulate a solid supplementation plan for your horse’s individual needs! We’d really appreciate your support of KPP, as they’re champions for our sport and beyond and are wonderful people to boot. Check them out here.
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11:30am
And so the last 5* cross country day of the season draws to a close and what a day it’s been. Action, excitement, riding masterclasses, epic spectators loving every second, and a whole lotta super talented horses doing what they do best. Oh Pau, it’s been a blast.
Here’s a quick look at how today’s action has impacted the leaderboard:
1️⃣ 🇬🇧 Leapfrogging the leaderboard and taking top spot is Caroline Harris with D. Day on a score of 40.3.
2️⃣ 🇬🇧 0.3 of a point (not even a second in the show jumping ring) behind is Ros Canter with Izilot DHI on 40.6.
3️⃣ 🇬🇧 And 2.4 (a few seconds but not a pole) behind them, rounding out the top three as things stand is Tom McEwen with Brookfield Quality on 43.
Click here for the full scoreboard.
Eyes on EN for Tilly’s full round-up report – coming soon.
Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow… the final 5* winner of the 2024 season will be crowned. The show jumping will start at 3pm CET / 9am ET. Don’t forget, the only way to watch live is via a subscription to Pau TV.
If you need more, like, right now, click here for all the Pau content you can handle.
What a day. What a sport. Go eventing!
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11:20am
Oliver and Rosie have the course to themselves now as they finish out cross country day at Pau.
He’s picking the best of the ground as he makes his way around the track. They’re galloping really strongly and Cooley seems to be relishing her job out there. They’re foot perfect over the log on the mound at 21 that’s not jumped particularly well all day and then go on to skip through the combination at 22AB. They come through the penultimate water at 24AB, more clean and clear jumping through there. They make the loop round to come back through the water at 26AB and Oliver really sets Rosie up through there and she stretches over those really wide fences. The second he lands, he’s off, pushing forwards and galloping on.
Nearly there now…
They look to be quick as they come to the combination at 29 and take that as good as any. Now crouch and go. Steady for the big MIM clipped oxer, safely over. Now push for home.
They come into the main arena to tumultuous cheers. They’re smooth round the corner and pop the two mushroom fences. They come round to the final fence and take it in their stride.
Another fabulous round for this super, super exciting young mare. There was never any question and Oliver put no pressure on her. Time penalties, sure, but a brilliant round.
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11:16am
🇬🇧 LAST HORSE OUT ON COURSE: Oliver Townend and Cooley Rosalent
Dressage Score: 24.6
Place: 2nd=
And here we go. Last up, 2nd after dressage, a chance of going into the lead.
Rosie sets off brilliantly. She’s keen, her ears are pricked and she looks up for this.
There’s a tiny, tiny moment as she slightly leaves a leg going into the water at 8A but Oliver’s balance is second to none and they don’t even falter. They’re fabulous through the water at 13AB, smooth and fluid and very, very confident. Rosie looks to be happy traveling on the muddy ground and gets a great shot at the table at 14.
Meanwhile, Robbie has completed carrying that 20. Things seem to have really picked up for them following those early penalties though and although he looks a little disappointed, this is clearly a quality cross country horse.
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11:11am
🇳🇿 PENULTIMATE HORSE OUT ON COURSE: Caroline Powell and CBI Aldo
Dressage Score: 32.8
Place: 37th
Caroline’s back out on course for her second trip round. We catch up with her at the first water at 8ABC. This young horse has a little look as he goes in there and ah, he picks up a 20 at the brush shoulder coming out, fence 9. Caroline continues on though, wanting to bank valuable experience with this horse who’s still in the early stages of his top level career. But Caroline’s obviously not feeling it and she pulls up before the second water at 11. A positive experience is everything and Caroline’s made a good call for her horse’s future.
Meanwhile Robbie’s clear through to fence 29 although we haven’t seen him on screen.
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11:08am
🇮🇪 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Robbie Kearns and Chance Encounter
Dressage Score: 36.2
Place: 56th
Unfortunately we pick up Robbie as he comes to a halt at 8C, the step out of the water. He was really quick through there and it just didn’t work out for him. He comes round and continues on. They quickly settle back into their rhythm and have a great ride through the water at 13AB.
Meanwhile, Aimee Penny has picked up her second 5* completion of the day in what’s been a very strong showing for her.
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11:04am
🇮🇪 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Dominic Furnell and Ivanhoe
Dressage Score: 46.5
Place: 73rd
We catch up with Dominic as he takes the long route between the step out of the water at 8 and 9 rather than taking on the related distance straight. They’re looking a little sticky at the start of their round. Oh dear, we then see him getting wet as he parts company with Ivanhoe at 13A. They didn’t look to be traveling forward, really. We see Dominic on his feet and Ivanhoe galloping round.
Meanwhile, Aimee has put that 20 right behind her and we see Gazelle jump the B element at the water at 26 as elegantly as, well, a gazelle.
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10:59am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Aimee Penny and PSH Gazelle
Dressage Score: 36.7
Place: 60th
We’re into the final five horse and rider combinations now.
Oh dear, we first see Aimee as she runs out of gas through the first water and picks up a 20 at the brush shoulder at 9. It’s related but separately numbered to 8ABC and she just didn’t have the impulsion to make it over there. They continue on though.
We rejoin Luc and Viens at the final water where the crowd are suitably, and Frenchly, loud and encouraging. Oh goodness, Viens stumbles after jumping massively over 29B (the A element was taken out) and then is so very honest over 29C. What a horse and what luck for Luc there. The crowd go wild as they come into the main arena. They take on les champignons at 32 and then fly the last. Luc punches the air, nearly slips out of the side door in his excitement. He was quick and clear and what a phenomenal cross country horse this is. Superb stuff from the French combination much to the delight of the home crowd.
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10:53am
🇫🇷 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Luc Chateau and Viens du Mont
Dressage Score: 45
Place: 71st
We pick up Luc as he gallops towards fence 15. He gets an enormous jump over the bullfinch at A and really manages the turn into B so well. They gallop on.
Meanwhile, we rejoin Ros and Isaac who are perfect through the combination at 29. They give the massive oxer at 30 heaps of room. They turn for the main arena and what a round this has been. A huge cheer for them as they come round for the mushrooms at 32 and then onto the last. They’re through the finish. What a lovely horse this is, although there is news – Ros has slipped into 2nd and Caroline Harris and D. Day hold onto their spot at clubhouse leaders.
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10:44am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Ros Canter and Izilot DHI
Dressage Score: 19
Place: 1st
Here they are, the dressage leaders.
They get off to a clean start and ‘Isaac’ has his ears pricked and focused on the fences. He’s traveling easily over the ground at the start of the course and really showing off his bold, smooth, enormous gallop. He has a little look into the water as he comes down the drop at 8A but doesn’t give it a second thought and progress really smoothly through the B and C elements. The horse gets a super jump over the wheelbarrow at 11A and then happily jumps the swan at B and then takes the loop back round to the water again. He has a little look coming out of there but Ros seems to have really got the measure of this spooky guy now and they gallop on. He has another look at the multicolored chess pieces on the hill by fence 12, but his ears are still on the flags and they’re absolutely flying. He runs away a little into the combination at 15 – that car camera took his attention there – and he slips on the turn to the B element. But Ros has everything in hand. They pop the log at the top of the mound at 21 and then are as pretty as a picture through the frame at 22A. They get the three strides to the corner rails at B and look confident as they continue on towards the final water. The crowd appreciate the quality they’re seeing as they take the two water combinations at 24AB and 26AB and head towards home.
Kirsty continues to have a great ride. Rocket’s really running and jumping for fun. She checks her watch after flying the flower wall at 27. We don’t get to see it sadly, but they finish clear.
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10:38am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Kirsty Chabert and Opposition Heraldik Girl
Dressage Score: 35.1
Place: 49th
Kirsty’s back out on course for the second time today and looks to be gunning for it after the debacle with the cameras earlier on. She pats ‘Rocket’ between the fences and they’re really traveling forwards boldly. Rocket shows some fancy footwork at the swan in the water at 11B and then comes back round to drop neatly into the water and over the other swan. They’re in a great rhythm so far and zipping along.
We finally get to see Tom and Quintilius as he comes to the combination at 29. The horse jumps brilliantly through there and Tom’s crouched low and hunting the finish flags. There’s no question as they give the big oxer at 30 plenty of air and then it’s back to the racing position and kicking on for the main arena. They take the final combination and then take the last out of their stride. Another horse finishing with plenty of gas still in the tank.
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10:32am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Tom Rowland and Quintilius
Dressage Score: 31.3
Place: 28th
We see Tom set off confidently before rejoining Ian, who looks to have settled into his round. They get a super shot through the final water combination at 26AB, wow this horse has a huge stride and so much scope, he basically steps over those massive jumps. He looks really well as he nears the end of his round. Ian holds for the four through the combination at 29 and they are smooth and quick through there. The clock turns red as he jumps the big oxer at 30 that’s caused quite a few 11 penalties today, but not so for this pair. They come into the arena and smoothly navigate the mushroom combination at 32. They take the last and the horse looks like he wants to go again. Superb riding from Ian and what a quality horse.
Meanwhile, Paolo is in the main arena and doing a great job of the combination in there at 32. They clear the last and he’s grinning. A great 5* finish for them.
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10:28am
🇮🇪 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Ian Cassells and Millridge Atlantis
Dressage Score: 28.5
Place: 12th
Just nine more to start now.
Update: If you were waiting to see Boyd Martin and Miss Lulu Herself, unfortunately he’s showing as withdrawn before cross country.
Ian looks to be finding the ground tricky, it’s really deteriorated throughout the day as expected. He’s gritting his teeth though and the horse is really responding to him. They get a fantastic jump over the table at 14.
We don’t see it on screen but Paolo’s showing as having had the MIM clip at 30, that’s 11 penalties for them and the technology doing its job multiple times today.
We just catch a glimpse of Patrick and Ikoon Lan finishing. A great ride from him and what a game horse he’s got.
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10:25am
🇮🇹 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Paolo Tolonia and ESI Bethany Bay
Dressage Score: 39.7
Place: 66th
The horse looks strong coming into the water at 11AB and Paolo has to really hold him. He gets the horse straight back and they continue through there well.
Patrick’s still riding forward as he comes to the final stages of his round. The horse is traveling so well. The ground gets to him as he comes into the combination at 29 and it’s a little tricky through there, but Patrick’s in balance and his horse is on his side and they make it through and head towards the main arena.
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10:15am
🇮🇪 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Patrick Whelan and Ikoon Lan
Dressage Score: 38.5
Place: 64th
Patrick’s really quick through the water at 8ABC, so brave and bold. He’s got his head down and has got stuck right into this track. The horse looks strong into the wheelbarrow at 11A and they look like a well-suited pair, real brave and up for the job. They come into the table at 14 really fast and make nothing of that. They have a very hairy moment at the combination at 15. They come in fast and bold to the A element and stumble and slide slightly as they come down the drop, subsequently creating a very squiggly line into the B element. The horse tries it’s absolute heart out to get between the flags, but there’s a definite question mark there.
Tim’s really given Jarillo a masterful ride and what an exciting young horse this is. Tim raises his arm in the air as he crosses the line and the crowd is really appreciative of the quality this combination have shown us.
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10:10am
🇳🇿 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Tim Price and Jarillo
Dressage Score: 27.2
Place: 9th
Jarillo’s really getting up in the air at the early part of the course, has he been having lessons with Tim’s other high flier (and Pau winner) Falco? They have a great shot through the first water at 8ABC and then again through the next water at 11AB. They come back round and pop through the water for the second time and over 13AB. Really smooth and looking great for this 5* debutant. Tim’s giving this horse a stellar ride and lots of pats to build his confidence as he makes his way round the track. They’re really smooth through the water at 24AB. The horse drops his legs a little on the table at 25 before coming back round to the water at 25AB, which they take very carefully and neatly. They’re heading towards home now, well over the time but clear on the horse’s first attempt at the level in what is clearly difficult going. Tim holds for the four in the combination at 29 and then sets up carefully for the oxer at 30. It’s a bit of a stretch and Tim looks back to check the pin hasn’t gone but all’s fine.
Emily’s picking out the best of the ground as she comes towards the log on the mound at 21. Valmy looks to be tiring a little as he comes to the final water. He taps the table at 23. Emily helps him out through the combination in the water at 26AB. She adds a stride through the combination at 29 and goes on four. She sets up for the big wide oxer at 30 and they’re almost home. We’re hearing that she had a MIM clip at 22B, so that’s 11 penalties for them. They canter into the main arena and pop quietly over the final combination at 32. Emily takes care of him over the last and they cross the finish.
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10:06am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Emily King and Valmy Biats
Dressage Score: 24.6
Place: 2nd=
Gasp, Valmy leaves a leg at the hanging log into the water at 8B but this pro pair don’t let it phase them for a second. They’re really bold through the combination at 10 and Valmy really does look to be enjoying the mud out there as he gallops along, as Emily predicted he would. There’s another hot second at the table at 12 but again, Valmy picks back up and makes nothing of the water at 13AB. There’s a grin on Emily’s face as they gallop away from there. This pair seem to be really traveling as they gallop along the racecourse.
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9:56am
🇫🇷 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Cedric Lyard and Unum de’Or
Dressage Score: 35.9
Place: 54th
Cedric’s riding forward into the wheelbarrow at 11A and Unum de’Or doesn’t get very high. But Cedric pushes on and they clear the swan at the B element in the water. They’re brilliant on their way back through the water for 13AB. They’re galloping along very comfortably and Cedric’s really letting the horse travel on a soft rein. They don’t give the combination at 15AB much space but they’re very economical through there and the horse has his ears pricked as he comes into the big ditch and brush at 20. Unum de’Or doesn’t look to be enjoying the heavy going and Cedric pulls up before fence 21.
Graftango goes to look into the ditch at 20 and the crowd goes ‘Oooo’, but Samantha’s driving forward and they make a truly impressive leap deserving of the crowd’s reaction. We see them come into the main arena and neatly pop through the combination at 32. They turn for the last and the horse looks full of running as he clears the last and comes through the finish. Huge smiles for Samantha and high fives for her team. Super.
Meanwhile Imo and San Solo have completed. It may have started off a little wild but this pair really settled into their job together and will have learned a lot.
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9:52am
🇦🇺 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Samantha Cesnik and Graftango
Dressage Score: 37.3
Place: 61st
Samantha gets straight into a good rhythm, as have most horses and riders today, and set off confidently. They take the long route at the first water at 8ABC as a few have recently. The horse looks good as he gallops on with his ears pricked. They rattle the table at 12 but think nothing of it as they continue on.
Imo and San Solo have surely got it together as they gallop along towards fence 20. Boy this horse loves his job, it’s just containing that enthusiasm and channelling it in a positive way. He’s galloping for fun as he leaps over the table at 24. Imo gives him a huge pat as he jumps out of the water at 26.
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9:47am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Imo Brook and San Solo
Dressage Score: 42.4
Place: 69th
Ooo, San Solo is very brave and Imo’s got an awful lot on her hands at the start of the course. They take the long route at the first water at 8. Things are looking a little hairy. They seem to be settling as they come to the second water at 11AB. Big pats for the horse as he clears the second swan at 13B.
Alex is beaming as he crosses the finish line. What a ride he’s given that horse, and wow, the horse responded to every question. Awesome.
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9:44am
🇳🇿 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Ginny Thomasen and Capitaine de Hus Z
Dressage Score: 34.9
Place: 48th
Oh dear, we first see Ginny as she has a drive-by at 10B and Ginny immediately puts her hand up. An early 20 in these conditions, smart decision. Always another day.
Alex and Chiko are neat through the water at 24 and then put in a big jump over the table at 23. Chiko really stretches over both elements in the water at 26 and they gallop on towards the main arena and home. Alex has really ridden bravely and brilliantly. He sets up for the oxer at 30 and can smell the finish flags.
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9:39am
🇨🇳 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Alex Hua Tian and Chicko
Dressage Score: 28.9
Place: 13th
We see Alex through the first water at 8ABC. Alex looks serious and Chicko is ears pricked and listening to his rider. They’re neat through the combination at the second water at 11AB and then come round very smoothly, navigating the loop and going smoothly back through the water for 13AB. Boy, he’s a lovely, lovely classy rider giving us all a masterclass.
Katie Magee is through the finish and has had a great round, really quite quick for today’s competition.
Taylor’s up at the big oxer at 30 where the MIM clips do their job once again. That’s 11 for that. She motors on though and the clock’s only just in the red as they come into the main arena. The horse is still pulling as they cross the finish line. That’s been a fabulous round for them and a real shame about those 11 penalties.
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9:34am
🇳🇿 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Tayla Mason and Centennial
Dressage Score: 30
Place: 19th
Tyla’s got her head down from the get go and looks to mean business. She’s clear through to fence 14 and seem to be making light work of the track thus far. The horse slips a little between the A and B elements of fence 15 and Tayla uses all of her strength to hold the horse’s shoulder in to make the turn. They fly on through.
Katie drives into the massive ditch and brush at 20 and then kicks on. They’re steady through the last water at 26AB.
Meanwhile, Yas and Rehy DJ have finished as easily as they started. An excellent and smooth round for them, and quick all things considered.
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9:31am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Katie Magee and Treworra
Dressage Score: 35.3
Place: 51st
Katie gets off to a sensibly steady start and picks up a good rhythm. We see her through the water at 8 and making a good job of it.
We catch up with Yas as she flies the table at 23, still going supremely well. They make their way neatly through the water at 24AB and then come back round over the table at 25 before re-entering the water for 26AB. This horse really is covering the ground as he comes to the combination at 29 and make the four strides through there very easily. This horse looks very comfortable and well within himself.
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9:25am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Yasmin Ingham and Rehy DJ
Dressage Score: 26.5
Place: 6th
Yas and ‘Piglet’ make light work of the water at 8 and make the distance to the brush shoulder at 9 just after the step out of the water look very simple. They’re in a great rhythm and really traveling between and through the fences. They make their way through the water at 11 and then circle round to drop back into the water at 13A. So smooth and flowing, really a picture of harmony.
Will and ‘Timmy’ get a cracking jump over the ditch and brush at 20. They’re really galloping on and Timmy is full of run. Timmy doesn’t give the table at 25 much air but he’s being very economical. The dogs in the crowd there gave him a shout. They make their way through the combination at 29, still jumping quite low but wasting not a second. Will’s grimacing as he pushes into the big oxer at 30 and then gallop on into the main arena. The crowd’s cheering as he takes the combination at 32 and then turns into the final fence. They clear that neatly and cross the finish line. A great round for them.
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9:21am
🇺🇸 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Will Coleman and Off the Record
Dressage Score: 33.2
Place: 39th
We catch Will coming through the water at 8 and popping through there neatly and wasting no time. They absolutely fly the table at 14 and ‘Timmy’ looks to be enjoying himself out there.
Oh, we see Louis’ horse struggling at 23. He climbs over the table at 23 and then Louis tries for 24A but it’s not happening. He retires.
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9:16am
🇫🇷 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Louis Seychal and Bakar de l’Ocean LA
Dressage Score: 31.2
Place: 27th
Save of the day!!! Louis is bounced right out of the plate after the roll top table at 12. He’s right up the horse’s neck. But my goodness, what balance (and core strength) he shows as he rights himself and gallops on. Ah, it looks like his air vest’s gone off though. That’ll make for an uncomfortable ride.
DSP Fighting Line seems to have got stronger as his round’s continued, he’ll be disappointed to find himself at the end, it looks like he wants to go round again. They make nothing of the mushrooms in the main arena at 32 and then clear the last and come through the finish. What an awesome round that was from both horse and rider. They go into 5th as things stand. Superb and well-deserved.
Oh dear, we see Wiktoria come to a grinding halt at the brush and rails at 20. That’s elimination after three refusals. They were never really traveling forwards and it definitely wasn’t their day today.
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9:11am
🇵🇱 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Wiktoria Knap and Quintus 134
Dressage Score: 34.4
Place: 45th
It’s a bit of a sticky jump for Wiktoria Knap over an early brush fence (didn’t catch which one, sorry). It’ll be hard work if things don’t start moving more forwards for them. They come to a halt at the wheelbarrow at 11A. The live scoreboard shows them as having continued on though, carrying 20 penalties.
We see Lea and Fighty make a massive leap over the table at 14 They’re very neat through the combination at 15 and waste no time there. Fighty’s ears are pricked as he eyes up the massive ditch and brush at 20 and takes a flier over there. He looks very pleased with himself as he pops the log on the top of the mound at 21. Fighty’s pulling as he comes into the final water and Lea has to ask him to hang on just a hot second.
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9:08am
🇦🇹 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Lea Siegl and DSP Fighting Line
Dressage Score: 29.5
Place: 16th
OK we’re back up and running.
Lea and ‘Fighy’ get off to a good start and are straight into a good rhythm. This pair know each other so well and are so well-suited.
Selina Milnes has finished after what was a great round, despite how tough it must have been being held on course.
Senne is at the flower wall at 27 and has a MIM clip penalty on his record at 22B, that’s 11 penalties picked up for them. That’s gone a few times today. He continues on and comes into the main arena and over the combination at 32. He turns for the last and cross the line. Senne looks thrilled. They also did a great job after being held.
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9am
🇧🇪 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Senne Vervaeck and Google van Alsingen
Dressage Score: 35.7
Place: 53rd
We see Senne clear through fence 12 before being pulled up as there’s a hold on course.
Selina is also being held.
OK, we’ve seen Benjamin Massey’s horse up on his feet. Again, as we have information, we’ll share it.
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8:55am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Selina Milnes and Cooley Snapchat
Dressage Score: 27.1
Place: 8th
We see Selina over the big log at 21 and they look to be having a good ride, although we haven’t seen a lot of it.
Benjamin’s horse takes the two massive skinny fences in the water at 26AB in his stride and heads for home. They don’t look quite as quick as earlier as they jump the combination at 29 and the horse really does look to have tired suddenly. Benjamin tries to encourage him over the big oxer at 30 but no, it’s not going to happen and we sadly see them fall there. Thank goodness that’s on a MIM clip and the fence collapses. A sad end to what had been a good looking round. We’ll update you on the horse and rider as we can.
Meanwhile, Alexander and Cool Jack are showing as complete and clear.
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8:50am
🇫🇷 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Benjamin Massie and Filaeo de Perle
Dressage Score: 31.1
Place: 26th
Benjamin gets off to a confident start on this lovely horse. They look really up for it and are very quickly into a great rhythm. The crowd cheers as they make their way through the water at 11. So far, so good for this pair. They look to be well within themselves. They get a great shot over the table at 14 and make their way along the racecourse towards the combination at 15. The horse looks to stumble slightly on the ground after the B element there, but Benjamin sits tight and kicks on. They waste no time at the brush and rails at 20, jumping for joy over there. This is all very fluid and secure and Benjamin must be getting a great feeling from this horse. The crowd’s shouting for him as he goes up the mound, over the big log at 21 and then back down the mound.
Sadly we haven’t seen Alexander and Cool Jack, but the live scoreboard shows them as clear through to the combination at 29 and almost home.
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8:45am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Alexander Tordoff and Cool Jack
Dressage Score: 42.7
Place: 70th
We pick up Alexander at the combination at 10. This is another grey horse with a very brown belly. Bath time later. They don’t look to be in a hurry but the horse is happy and obviously listening to Alex with his ears flicking back and to. They’re careful through the water at 11AB and then Jack pushes into the hanging log for the drop into the water at 13A meaning the swan at B comes up spot on for them.
Ben and Shadow Man get a superb shot over the big log on the mound at 21 and are a real picture through the picture frame. They’re such an enjoyable pair to watch, really flowing and together. Shadow Man is full of scope and power as he clears the table at 23. Ben sees a very forward stride between 29B and C but Shadow Man has all the answers. Ben whoops up the crowd as he gallops towards the main arena. Seriously, this has looked so easy for this horse. There’s big cheers as they leap the mushrooms at 32 and then turn for the bullfinch finale. Ben hails and cab and is whooping as he crosses the line. What a feeling that must have been all the way round for Ben. What a horse and what a ride.
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8:40am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Ben Hobday and Shadow Man
Dressage Score: 28
Place: 9th
We see Ben at the combination at fence 10 which poses no problems whatsoever. They’re very neat over the wheelbarrow at 11A and then over the swan in the water. Shadow Man puts in a lovely jump over the hanging log back into the water at 13A and Ben kicks on through there and towards the table at 14. Boy, this horse can’t half jump. It all looks so smooth and easy for him. They get a perfect shot through the combination at 15 and then gallop on along the track past the removed fences.
Zara and Class Affair clear the mushrooms in the main arena at 32 really well and come round to the finale. They’re over and through the finish. Zara is really, really happy with her horse, who, really, hasn’t always helped her out on cross country. But none of those antics today. Today he was a very good boy and gets a very big pat.
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8:35am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Pippa Funnell and MCS Maverick
Dressage Score: 32.7
Place: 36th
Oh dear, we pick Pippa for the first time after problems at the brush shoulder at 9. We didn’t see it but they’ve picked up at 20 there. It looks like Pippa’s put her hand up. Not their day today.
Kylie comes into the arena and get the perfect shot through the mushrooms at 32. They clear the bullfinch at 33 and we hear her team’s cheers as she crosses the finish. What a round that was. She’s absolutely grinning from ear to ear.
We see Zara for the first time as she gallops towards fence 29, just the B and C elements there after A was removed. They’re clear through there and on their way home.
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8:32am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Zara Tindall and Class Affair
Dressage Score: 35.6
Place: 52nd
We don’t get to see Zara at the start of her round, but the live scoreboard shows her as clear through fence 14.
We pick up Kylie as she comes to the water at 24 and the horse is very economical through the combination there. They come back round to the water for the final time and stand right off the brush spread in the water at 26A, a huge leap there. The corner at B comes up perfectly and they kick on towards home.
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8:26am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Kylie Roddy and SRS Kan Do
Dressage Score: 31.4
Place: 29th
We pick up Kylie as she clears the wheelbarrow at 11A and then takes on the swan at B. She makes the loop over the table at 12 and then back into the water over the hanging log at 13A and then over another swan. They look very confident and the horse has his ears very firmly picked on the course ahead. They fly the table at 14 and then gallop on towards 15.
More big pats for Crazy du Loir as Oliver comes out of the combination at 15AB and heads towards fence 20, the big brush and rails. If you missed it, fences 16-19 have been taken out, Oliver’s not just galloping round them. They make nothing of the picture frame at 22A and then Oliver has to work a little to the corner at B but they jump it cleanly. We see him turning into the main arena and the horse really does look full of run still. They hop over the mushrooms at 32 and then over the last. They come through the finish and Oliver looks very pleased with his 5* first timer. One more ride to go for him, 2nd placed Cooley Rosalent who’ll close things out for us today.
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8:22am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Oliver Townend and Crazy du Loir
Dressage Score: 36.3
Place: 57th
Oliver gets a neat jump into the water at A and has to work a bit through the combination there but Crazy du Loir responds. Oliver gives this 5* first timer a pat after the brush shoulder at 9.
Storm storms into the main arena and jumps neatly through the mushroom combination at the penultimate fence. They get a great shot over the last and Storm is very obviously delighted. What a great ride she had out there.
Meanwhile, Arthur’s garnering big cheers as he makes his way through the final water at 26. Oh, they have a fall at 26A. It is a very welcome sight to see them both up on their feet, wet but no worse for wear. Horse and rider are both walking off course. Apparently there was a cheer in the main arena as the screens showed them up on their feet.
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8:18am
🇫🇷 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Arthur Duffort and Toronto d’Aurois
Dressage Score: 39.6
Place: 65th
We see them drop into the water at 13A and motor on over the swan at B. The horse looks like none of his 17 years are catching up with him. He’s really keen and clearly having a ball out there. He stretches over the table at 14, gives it a little tap, but gallops on.
Storm gives Fever Pitch a pat as he gallops between 23 and the water at 24. Fever Pitch chips in through the combination there but this pair are clearly a well-oiled team.
We finally see Jack Pinkney as he comes into the main arena. They fly the fences through there and over the line. Huge fist pumps from Jack for a brilliant 5* finish. His support team are clearly there to welcome him home with massive whoops and cheers.
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8:13am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Storm Straker and Fever Pitch
Dressage Score: 28.9
Place: 13th
We pick up Storm as she jumps over the wheelbarrow at 11A and then through the water and over the swan at B. They come round to re-enter the water over the hanging log at 13A and get a super jump over the second swan at the B element. She’s storming this track. Fever Pitch has got his ears pricked hunting out the flags and looks to be loving it as much as his mom out there.
We’re still not seeing Jack and Rehy Revelation sorry, but they’re now showing as clear through the penultimate water at 24.
Tom comes into the main arena and jumps neatly through the combination at 32 and then on over the last and through the finish. This has been a really neat round for this 5* debutant and will have given Tom a lot of confidence. What a cool horse to have in his string.
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8:10am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Jack Pinkney and Rehy Revelation
Dressage Score: 36.5
Place: 58th
We haven’t seen Jack, sadly, however the live scoreboard is showing him as clear through fence 14.
Tom’s still going well as he reaches the flower wall at 27. He runs on to 29B – 28 and 29A have been taken out. The horse is still full of run as he comes round and they make an economical route through there, very neat.
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8:05am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Tom Jackson and Plot Twist B
Dressage Score: 35.2
Place: 50th
We see Tom galloping towards the combination at 15. They get a huge jump at the spread at A and run on down the hill. It’s a bit wiggly to the brush corner at B but Tom’s on the ball and the squeak through, taking the flag but nothing comes up on the live scoreboard.
We pick up Florian as the crowd cheer him through the water at 24A and B. They get a great jump over the table at 25 and then come back round through the water for 26AB. No troubles for them. They can smell home. The horse makes a lovely shape over the flower wall at 27. There’s a moment over the second mushroom at 32B as they jump for joy through there. They clear the last and Florian’s chuffed to bits with a 5* finish and the home crowd are suitably appreciative. They did have the MIM clip at 22B for 11 penalties, but a great round for them nonetheless.
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7:58am
🇫🇷 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Florian Ganneval and Erebor de Fleyres
Dressage Score: 41.6
Place: 67th
OK, so we’ve got two French riders on course so we can expect the cheers to increase tenfold, at least. Florian sets off quickly and we see them fly down the mound after the roll top table at 2 and head out onto course. They come into the water at 8 really quick but Florian’s hanging on and makes the turn to the log in the water at B. He decides to circle between the step out of the water at 8C and 9.
Camille meanwhile has his head down and is pushing on along the track where the big change to the fences happened – between 15 and 20. We see them again through the final water. It’s a bit of a sticky jump at the brush corner in the water at 26B but they clear it and gallop on towards home. They come into the main arena to the crowd’s great appreciation. Camille sets up for the penultimate fence, the mushroom combination at 32. They fly the bullfinch finale and are home. The horse is still keen and looking for the next fence. You’re all done lad, and you done good.
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7:54am
🇫🇷 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Camille Lejeune and Dame Decouer Tardonne
Dressage Score: 32.8
Place: 37th
Cheg back with you after EN boss lady Sally kindly hopped in while I had a much needed bathroom break and give my fingers a little down time.
We see Camille take a turn after the step out of the water at 8 before presenting to the brush shoulder at 9, adding a couple of seconds but giving his horse a good experience.
We’re seeing a 20 on the live scoreboard for Sara at 15B. They’ve continued on though and are at the final water at 26. The horse fights for his head a little at the A element of 26 and shows all of his scope as he leaps through there. They continue on and through the finish well over the time.
Update: Aistis Vitkauskas and Commander VG are showing as eliminated rather than retired as we’d thought.
Piggy’s being interviewed and says that she watched the horses before her round and they looked like happy horses. That’s well summarised. Yes the going’s tricky, but the horses have really seemed to enjoy it out there and have finished looking great.
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7:46am
🇩🇰 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Sara Bech Strøm and Dicte Aldrup
Dressage Score: 34.2
Place: 43rd
Danish pair Sarah Bech Strom and Dicte Aldrup now join us on course as Piggy and Halo clear fence 21. Malin Asai and Golden Midnight are home clear, adding 20.8 time penalties for a score of 59.2 to take into tomorrow’s show jumping. Sara Bech takes the long route at the water at 8 and 9.
Halo now comes through the water for the third time, giving a big effort at the two elements in the water and giving them a tap but moving off from them well.
Sara Bech asks for a big effort at 11 in the water and Dicte Aldrup responds with heart. Some seriously big jumps dropping into the water again at 13, which is a hanging rail in. Meanwhile, Piggy and Halo are making their way home, clearing one of the final combinations at 29.
Piggy’s encouraging Halo to get home, and he’s looking to have gotten a bit fatigued but is still making a big effort for his rider as they come to the final fences in the arena. They clear the last and they’re 44 seconds over, adding 17.6 penalties for a score of 45.0, good enough for third in the clubhouse.
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7:42am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Piggy March and Halo
Dressage Score: 27.4
Place: 10th
Now it’s time for the stallion Halo, who’s on course with Piggy March and goes direct at that first water to set a positive tone for the round. Malin Asai and Golden Midnight are showing clear through fence 23, though we haven’t seen them much on the main feed.
“I’m very happy! He’s only 10 and he made that feel really easy. He’s 80% blood so he found it easy, he probably could have kept going. He’s a really quick horse because I don’t have to set him up much, he can just gallop. He’s been double clear everywhere this year,” an elated Caroline Harris says at the finish line.
Piggy’s giving Halo lots of positive encouragement as he jumps quite well for her around this slick course, and he’s galloping really well in this early going.
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7:37 am
🇸🇪 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Malin Asai and Golden Midnight
Dressage Score: 38.4
Place: 63rd
We now welcome Malin Asai and Golden Midnight, as Joseph Murphy finishes his round with Belline Fighting Spirit, adding 29.2 time penalties for a two-phase score of 64.0.
Malin and Golden Midnight take the direct route at the first water after we saw the last couple opt for the long route. Caroline and D. Day continue to skip around with about 2 and a half minutes left on the clock.
Caroline is making really great time out here with just a few efforts to go as she makes her way toward the main arena. This has really been one of the rounds of the day.
She might be the quickest of the day as they enter the arena. And she’s home, flying over the final with just 25 seconds and 10.0 time penalties added — that IS the quickest of the day, and they made it look like an absolute romp. She goes into the provisional lead for a 40.3. What. A. Round.
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7:35am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Caroline Harris and D. Day
Dressage Score: 33.3
Place: 22nd
Caroline Harris and D. Day are our next starters, setting out on a very positive rhythm. This pair looks confident and keen, and we’ll see if they can keep this pushing pace up as the course proceeds. The rain is really coming down now, to the point where most of the live stream cameras are now having trouble keeping a clear view.
No problems whatsoever at the big drop down to the corner at fence 15 for Caroline and D. Day, who is jumping out of her skin.
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7:29am
🇮🇪 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Joseph Murphy and Belline Fighting Spirit
Dressage Score: 34.8
Place: 47th
We see Joseph take the long route out of the first water, looping round before coming back round to the brush shoulder at 9. Joseph’s giving his horse some vocal encouragement as he comes through the water at 13AB. He’s really attacking this course and riding confidently.
The live scoreboard shows that Nicolai and Timmo have had the MIM clip at 22B for 11 penalties, that’s four now to have that. We see them give the the oxer at 30 plenty of air before they head to the main arena and home.
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7:24am
🇩🇪 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Nicolai Aldinger and Timmo
Dressage Score: 30.7
Place: 24th
What a treat to watch a horse who so clearly relishes this phase. Go Timmo, go! He’s hunting out the flags and taking Nicolai for a great ride at the start of their round. He’s super through the water at 11 and then back round to jump back in over the log at 13A and then over the swan at B. I do feel for the grooms of these gray horses on a day like today. As a gray owner myself, I feel their pain.
Wow, Isabel must be excited about her young horse. They cruise through the fences in the main arena and cross the finish line with the horse obviously well within himself. What a round from them.
OK, so it seems Isabel has been given 11 penalties for a broken MIM clip at 22B. That’s the third time that’s come down.
We pick up Aistis as he puts his hand up. We didn’t see much of his round but he must have felt that his horse wasn’t enjoying it today and will hack home.
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7:20am
🇱🇹 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Aistis Vitkauskas and Commander VG
Dressage Score: 38.3
Place: 62nd
Aistis sets off sporting the hat silk knitted by his nana that he always wears cross country. They look confident and up for the job at the early part of the course. Commander VG stretches for the B element at 15 and they gallop on towards fence 20 (fences 16-19 have been removed).
Isabel’s still going well as we see her through the penultimate water at 24. They come round and through the final water at 26AB. This is a young horse at the level for the first time and has been really impressive so far. What a great feeling for Isabel.
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7:16am
🇦🇺 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Isabel English and Cil Dara Dallas
Dressage Score: 32.5
Place: 35th
They get off to what looks to be a steady start and have a neat jump over the wheelbarrow at 11A and then again over the swan in the water at B. They come round the loop and are just as neat through the water at 13AB. They’re making this look very easy. The horse looks to be very comfortable as he jumps the table at 14 and then gallop on past the removed fences towards fence 20.
Box Leo looks full of running as he comes into the main arena and easily pops through the combination at 32. Frida pushes on to the last and they fly that, then push again for the finish line. They’ve had a superb round, clear and, for today, relatively quick.
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7:10am
🇸🇪 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Frida Andersen and Box Leo
Dressage Score: 31.9
Place: 32nd
Box Leo’s looking for the flags as he navigates the first water at 8ABC. They get a little close to the step out of the water and then the brush shoulder at 9 but Frida sits up and supports her horse to pick his way through. They gallop up the track and the horse looks to be fit and ready for the job. They fly through the combination at 15 without wasting a second, a really smooth line through there.
Fiona’s having a great round and looks to be really enjoying it out there. They make their way through the final water, standing off the brush corner in the water at 26B but Fiona kicks on towards home. They have a little wiggle into the B element of 32 in the main arena, but Fiona steers them over and they clear the last. Big smiles from Fiona. A really classy round from them.
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7:05am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Fiona Kashel and Creevagh Silver de Haar
Dressage Score: 29.7
Place: 18th
They set off very neatly and get straight into a nice rhythm. They navigate the water combination at 11 without problem and then dop back into the water over the log at 13A. They’re very economical through that loop.
Arthur’s crouched low as he gallops towards the main arena. There’s a roar as he comes into the ring and canters round to take on the penultimate combination. Church’ile has something to say as he approaches the A element of 32 but Arthur’s got him on the line and they clear the two brilliantly. They fly the last and there’s a fist pump from Arthur as they cross the line. What a fabulous round from them.
Unfortunately we’re hearing that Isabel White and Icarus have had a fall at fence 20, the brush and rails. We didn’t see it but we’re being told that they’re both on their feet.
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7:01am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Isabel White and Icarus
Dressage Score: 30.9
Place: 25th
We see Isabel clear the brush shoulder at 9 but the livestream cuts straight back to Arthur.
There’s a stutter for Arthur into the brush and rails at 20 but Church’ile’s very quick with his hooves and the fly on over. He clears the big log on the mound at 21 and the cheers from the French crowd follow them around the track. They have a huge jump at 24a but get the balance back for the B element in the water. They splash through the final water and have another enormous leap over the B element there, at 26B. Wow, Church’ile’s loving it out there.
We rejoin Isabel at the second water. Icarus is ears pricked as he picks his way through carefully.
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6:56am
🇫🇷 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Arthur Marx and Church’ile
Dressage Score: 33.4
Place: 40th
Arthur’s got both feet firmly plugged into the irons as he sets off on course this year. The horse twists slightly over the brush shoulder at 9 but Arthur’s in perfect balance and he kicks on. They’re tidy over the combination in the water at 11AB and then come back round to drop back in at 13A. They get an economical jump over there and then take the flag at the swan in the water at B but nothing comes up on the scoreboard.
Daragh gets a good line through the combination at 15AB and Daragh’s vocal in his thanks to the horse for doing such a good job – “Good lad!”. He sees a stride from a mile off to the brush and rails at 20. We don’t see it on screen but Daragh’s had the MIM clip at 22B, the same one as Caroline Powell. But he’ll really be looking for a completion here today, and so far, he’s headed that way.
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6:52am
🇮🇪 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Daragh Byrne and Kilcannon Ramiro
Dressage Score: 35.9
Place: 54th
Kilcannon’s got his ears pricked as he sets off and pops the first three really confidently. Daragh drives into the bullfinch at 8A and then they jump nicely at the log into the water at B. They take the long route at C rather than going up the step. The rain is really coming down but Kilcannon’s not bothered by that. They clear the wheelbarrow at 11AB and then don’t give the swan much air space at B but they clear it. They come back round to drop back into the water at 13AB, Daragh’s driving forward and giving his horse a lot of confidence.
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6:47am
🇳🇿 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Clarke Johnstone and Menlo Park
Dressage Score: 26.3
Place: 5th
Clarke looks confident and up for the test as he heads out of the start box. He’s in a good spot in 5th after the dressage. He doesn’t look to be motoring, but he’s picked up a great rhythm early on and the horse looks to be very much with him and focused on his job.
Oh my! Just as I typed that there’s trouble for Clarke. Menlo Park just doesn’t take off at the table at 7. They stay on their feet as he kind of stumbles into it a little and Clarke immediately puts his hand up.
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6:43am
🇳🇿 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: James Avery and MBF Connection
Dressage Score: 34.3
Place: 44th
Oh dear, early troubles for James and MBF Connection as they glance off to the left of 10B. They come back round but have another refusal and James puts up his hand. Not their day today.
Wouter comes into the main arena and comes round for the final combination at 32. They have a good jump through there and then clear the last. Wouter is absolutely delighted. What a grin! Huge pats for his lovely horse and a job very, very well done by both.
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6:34am
🇧🇪 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Wouter de Cleene and Quintera
Dressage Score: 30.4
Place: 23rd
There’s lots of pats for Quintera as Wouter sees a great stride through the water combination at 8. They make a similarly tidy job through the direct route at 10AB. Quintera makes nothing of jumping a swan at 11B and then they come back round to drop into the water again over the hanging log at 13, more neat jumping from this combination. They continue on in a steady rhythm up the hill to the combination at 15. They take the flag at the brush corner at B but looked to be inside, nothing comes up on the scoreboard. They clear the big table at 25 without drama and splash through the final water, wow Wouter really saw a stride through the combination at 26AB, the two narrow fence in the water. This has been a really enjoyable round to water, a real picture of a horse and rider working confidently together.
We stay with Jennifer and Sammy Davis Junior, who looks to be very much enjoying his time on the muddy track, he’s really got stuck in. He flies over the brush and rails at 20. They power on towards home and Jennifer looks delighted with her horse’s efforts as they canter through the finish. Well over the time but clear jumping. Sammy Davis Junior really enjoys his applause.
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6:31am
🇮🇪 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Jennifer Kuehnle and Sammy Davis Junior
Dressage Score: 31.9
Place: 32nd
They set out confidently and power on along the course clear through to fence 15.
Update: Caroline picked up 11 penalties for a broken MIM clip.
Oh no, Arne has taken a tumble at 22A, the hexagonal picture frame fence. We see him leading Luthien off course, muddy but looks to be fine.
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6:26am
🇩🇪 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Arne Bergendahl and Luthien NRW
Dressage Score: 34.1
Place: 42nd
They set out bravely and attacking and the horse is really responding to Arne who’s giving him big pats all the way round.
OK, so we’re seeing on the live scoreboard that Caroline Powell and High Time have picked up penalties at 22B. I’ll update you as I know more.
Meanwhile, Laura has come to the end of her round and it’s clear all the way, a shame we didn’t get to see them.
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6:21am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Laura Birley and Bob Cotton Bandit
Dressage Score: 42.2
Place: 68th
We don’t see Laura on course, sorry, but we can tell from the live leaderboard that she’s clear through to fence 20.
Caroline clears the last and her horse looks full of run after the efforts of the track. What a quality pair they are and have delivered a very smooth clear round.
Tom is giving a masterclass as he makes his way round the course. It all looks so easy and rhythmical. He’s riding as well as I’ve ever seen him, it really is an impressive picture. They pop over the flower wall at 27 and then head for 29BC – 28 and 29A have been removed. Tom’s still got a soft rein as he goes through the double of narrow triple brushes at 29 on the four strides. He’s still in the green on the clock and is surely on track for the fastest round so far. He drives into the main arena as the clock turns red and then crouches low into the final fence. They’re over. Fabulous, classy round for them.
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6:16am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Tom McEwen and Brookfield Quality
Dressage Score: 25.8
Place: 4th
World No.1 Tom sets out looking very keen for the job. He really rides at the brush oxer at 3, showing his horse exactly what he wants to happen. He’s not hanging around, but is obviously being careful given the conditions. They’re foot perfect through the water at 13AB and is up on the clock compared to others at that point. Horse and rider look really relaxed and well within themselves and Brookfield Quality is jumping superbly. They make the big bullfinch spread at 15A look easy and then clear the brush corner at B in perfect balance. They make their way between fence 15 and 20 – there’s no jumping efforts between there due to the fences which have been removed.
Robbie is almost home after a steady, deliberate round. He comes through the main arena and pops through the combination at 32 and then over the last. A very solid round for them.
Meanwhile, Caroline’s really pushing on. Her horse looks to be thoroughly enjoying his trip round the track and must be giving Caroline a really great feeling.
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6:11am
🇳🇿 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Caroline Powell and High Time
Dressage Score: 33.5
Place: 41st
We see them go through the second water at 11AB and then circle round to go back through the water at 13AB. Beautiful. The horse looks confident despite being at the level for the first time and, obviously, he couldn’t have a better jockey. They’re really painting a picture of a horse and rider in harmony.
Robbie really respects the spread at 15A, it’s a big old fence topped with bullfinch. They slip slightly on the turn into the brush corner at B but Robbie’s in perfect balance and they have a good jump. There’s been sand put down there but it does look a little slippy. Robbie’s really giving this horse a sensible, careful ride.
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6:07am
🇮🇪 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Robbie Kearns and Ballyvillaine OBOS
Dressage Score: 34.6
Place: 46th
Robbie gets off to a solid start. This pair should be comfortable with the mud, hailing from Ireland. We pick them back up as they clear the wheelbarrow at 11A and then pop through the water, over the swan at B and then continue the loop back round, over the log into the water at 13A and then they slither over the swan, again at B. Robbie sticks tight though and they gallop on.
We rejoin Aimee in the main arena, wow, this horse is still pulling. They gallop round and set up for the combination of mushrooms at 32 and then clear the last. That looked like hard work for Aimee but what a fantastic feeling it must be to have a horse who so clearly knows and loves his job.
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6:03am
🇮🇪 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Dominic Furnell and Bellscross Guy
Dressage Score: 46.1
Place: 72nd
We pick Dominic up as he takes the long route at the first water at 8. He’s going steadily. We don’t see it but the live scoreboard shows that they pick up a 20 at 10B.
Aimee’s horse still looks strong as they jump the picture frame at 22A, really relishing his job. They make nothing of the water at 24, he’s obviously listening to Aimee despite feeling full of himself. They splash through the final water and make their way towards the finish line.
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5:59am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Aimee Penny and PSH Encore
Dressage Score: 36.5
Place: 58th
We see Aimee pop over the first three fences before rejoining Luc at the water at 24AB. The horse has really picked up, Luc’s kept him in a good rhythm and really has ridden well round this tricky track. The French crowd cheer as they make their way through the final water at 26 and head towards home. The horse looks to be finishing really well as he comes into the main arena and pops through the combination in there. They clear the last and that’s been a really nice round for them.
Meanwhile, Aimee makes a great job at the water at 11 and her horse really looks very keen. He’s attacking and taking her to the fences really confidently. They get a big jump into the water at 13 over the log and then power through over the swan at the B element.
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5:53am
🇫🇷 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Luc Chateau and Cocorico de l’Ebat
Dressage Score: 32.2
Place: 34th
We pick up Luc as he makes his way along the racecourse towards the table at 14. It’s a pull up that hill and the horse looks a little weary as gets to the top. But Luc’s riding really sympathetically and the horse takes a breath before they tackle the combination at 15 really nicely.
We get a close up of Boyd’s face as he crosses the finish line, yikes. But it’s a great round for them and fairly quick in the conditions. Boyd’ll be really pleased with Bruno’s performance, for sure. He’s really dug deep and showed his class, whatever the weather.
We get a glimpse of Ros coming through the penultimate water at 24. She’s really showing us a flowing and smooth round. The swans get out of the way as she splashes through the water for the final time at 26. Her time looks pretty good. She comes into the main arena and is down on the clock compared to Boyd, but there’s a big cheer as she clears the last and a big smile for Ros as she gives her horse a pat.
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5:49am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Ros Canter and MHS Seventeen
Dressage Score: 31.7
Place: 31st
They get off to a tidy start and Ros really shows off her elegant style at the combination at 10. We’re not seeing a lot of their round though.
We rejoin Boyd as he gallops along the part of the track where the fences have been removed – fences 16-19. He jumps the brush and rails at 20 and then flies the big log at 21. Boyd makes the four strides happen at 22AB and kicks on. Bruno jumps the flower wall at 27 brilliantly and catches the interest of a couple of jack russells but they’re, thankfully, on a tight leash. Boyd sets up for the combination at 29BC – the A element has been taken out – and they’re almost home now.
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5:46am
🇺🇸 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Boyd Martin and Fedarman B
Dressage Score: 29.5
Place: 16th
Our first US competitor is away! Boyd and ‘Bruno’ look really confident as they set off and they’re quick enough through the first part of the course. They have a great ride through the water at 13 and gallop on up the hill. The ground does look to be testing but Bruno’s digging deep and is jumping really well.
Kirsty has retired on course with Classic VI.
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5:42am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Kirsty Chabert and Classic VI
Dressage Score: 30
Place: 19th
Classic’s helping Kirsty out a little at the start of their round, but this experienced mare knows her job and Kirsty knows her horse inside out. They’re clear through to the third water at 13AB and look to have really settled into their round. Kirsty seems to be trying to tell the roving camera car to back off a bit, goodness, the last thing the riders need is any distractions, although we do really appreciate the live feed. Oh dear, that lapse in focus takes its toll and she goes the wrong way. She’s quickly circled round and gets back on the right side of the ropes, that was impressively managed. Ah, and things continue to deteriorate. They grind to a halt at the big log on the top of the mound at 21.
Unfortunately we didn’t get to see any of Tom’s round but the live scoreboard shows he’s round with those two refusals on his card.
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5:36am
🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Tom Rowland and KND Steel Pulse
Dressage Score: 31.5
Place: 30th
We’re not seeing Tom on screen, sadly, although if you’re watching live on Pau TV, I think you can toggle between videos to watch individual riders. We can see on the live leaderboard that he’s had a 20 at 10B. We’re also seeing a 20 at 15B.
We stay with Oliver as he jumps the picture frame at 22A and then there’s a bit of a stutter as he comes into the corner at B, but Oliver gives his horse confidence and they make their way over and onto the big table at 23. He continues on steadily and carefully and navigates the final two waters at 24 and 26. They miss out 28 and 29A as they’ve been taken out and are nearing home now. They come into the main arena to jump 32AB and are, unsurprisingly, well over the time. They clear the last and that’s been a really confidence-giving round to start the day.
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5:30am
🇬🇧 FIRST HORSE OUT ON COURSE: Oliver Townend and En Taro des Vernier
Dressage Score: 29.4
Place: 15th
We’re off! Oliver leaves the start box and gets Pau underway.
The track is clearly very wet and Oliver’s set off relatively quietly on this 5* debutant. He pops the first three fences nicely and makes his way to fence 7 – fences 4, 5 and 6 have been taken out this morning.
They come to the first water and drop in quite steeply. Everything comes up foot perfect for them through the log in the water and then the step out. So far so good for our first pair. They go the direct route through 10AB and then gallop on, still at a steady pace. The horse makes a good jump over the wheelbarrow at 11AB and then clears the swan in the water at the B element. They drop confidently back into the water at 13A and then over another swan and off they go out into the country. They get right up into the air over the table at 14 and then on to the combination at 15 where they make a very efficient line to the B element. Now they’ll make their way to fence 20 – fences 16-19 have been removed.
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Les 5 Étoiles de Pau (France): [Website] [Entries] [Timing & Scoring] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage]
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