Classic Eventing Nation

Please do not feed the bear. Photo via CrossCountry App.

Well ENers, here we find ourselves, on the cusp of the final 5* cross country day of 2025 and it’s going to be a big one. There’s a hefty entry list for Les 5 Étoiles de Pau as eventers from nine different nations head to France for one last spin around the top level before the horses are let loose to grow their winter woolleys before it all starts again next season.

The field is filled to brimming with 5* stalwarts and first-timers alike, including five podium finishers tallying a total of 14 top placings between them: previous Pau winners Jonelle Price and Grappa Nera are back for another go at the crown; Oliver Townend will be hoping to add yet another accolade to his exceptional four-time champion Ballaghmor Class’s record; last year’s 3rd placed Tom McKewen and Brookfield Quality will be trying for a step up, or two; David Doel will be after some redemption for Galileo Nieuwmoed, and hoping to finally clinch that win, and Yasmin Ingham brings her best buddy Rehy DJ for a shot at another excellent result. We’ve also got a bunch of door knockers to look forward to, the likes of last year’s 4th place finishers Alex Hua Tian and Chicko, Emily King and Valmy Biats, Kylie Roddy and SRS Kan Do and Cosby Green and Highly Suspicious have all been tantalisingly close to those podium placings at 5* and are all in it to win it this week, for sure – watch this space. Flying the Stars and Stripes alongside Cosby, who’s at Pau doublehanded, are Tiana Coudray, also with two rides, Jennifer Caras, Emily Hamel, Boyd Martin, and Grace Taylor.

Get up to speed with the facts and form for every single combination coming forward in EN’s classic form guide which you’ll find right here and see when your favorites will be going here.

Before we get carried away with all things cross country, here’s a look at how things stand on the leaderboard following the dressage phase:

1️⃣ 🇬🇧 Top of the class is Bubby Upton with her old pal Cannavaro, who produced the goods between the white boards and then some to sit on a score of 25.6, just 0.5 of a penalty ahead of the duo in second place – in cross country terms, that’s a single commenced second over the time.

2️⃣ 🇬🇧 Hot on their heels, in equal second, are last year’s podium placers Tom McEwen and Brookfield Quality who were pretty much hoof perfect for a score of 26.1.

2️⃣ 🇬🇧 Sharing second spot is Oliver Townend with his superstar stalwart campaigner and multiple 5* winner Ballaghmor Class, who are also on 26.1.

4️⃣ 🇳🇿 Doing it for the Kiwis are Tim Price and Jarillo, who are just one second of cross country time behind on a score of 26.5.

🇺🇸 Best of the US is Grace Taylor and Game Changer, who are in 9th position on a score of 33.5 after a fabulous cross country round. Also on 33.5 is Boyd Martin with Cooley Nutcracker, who delivered an equally fabulous round, but being a little further from the time puts them in 10th.

You’ll find the full scoreboard right here.

If you want to read how all that came about, you’re in need of our jam-packed dressage report: click here for all the dressage deets.

There’ll be “allez, allez, allezs” all around the track today as the French fans go wild with their eventing spirit. Take a look at what’s in store on the course today here and, as ever, we’ve wrangled the riders for their insights into the track – read their reactions here.

Kicking us off is Jonelle Price and previous Pau winner Grappa Nera. They’re due to leave the startbox at Midday CEST / 6am ET.

While we await the first countdown of the day, feast your eyes on all of EN’s Pau content here and mosey on along to our IG account for even more @goeventing.

Before get down to the serious business of eventing, a little ‘refresher’ on the no. 1 rule of following EN’s classic live blog: refresh, refresh, refresh – and all will be revealed.

via GIPHY

If you’re catching up with this later and are the type to like things in order, scroll ⬇️ and read ⬆️. If going backwards is more your jam, have at it.

For the last time this season, let’s go 5* eventing!

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EN is proud to welcome Horsepal onboard as the sponsor of our Pau coverage! Horsepal is a newly-launched heart rate monitor brought to you by Tom MacGuinness, founder of Horseware and an FEI eventer and endurance rider, who’s brought his decades of knowledge to practice in the design of Horsepal. You can now purchase Horsepal directly to the UK and Europe — learn more here.

Les 5 Etoiles de Pau (France): [Website] [Schedule] [Entries/Timing/Scoring] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage] [Support Our Sponsor: Horsepal]

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10:25am

And that’s that. The last 5* cross country of 2025 has been and happened and we have a clubhouse leaderboard heading into tomorrow’s finale.

1️⃣ 🇬🇧 Leader of the pack is Sarah Bullimore and her exciting young homebred Corimiro who stormed round the track clear inside the time to land on a score of 30, just 0.4 of a penalty clear of the rest of the field – that’s one second in show jumping terms for tomorrow.

2️⃣ 🇬🇧 Slipping one place to sit in second is Bubby Upton and her 18-year-old Cannavaro who had a great spin across the country, adding 4.8 time penalties for a score of 30.4.

3️⃣ 🇳🇿 Rounding out the rolling podium, are Tim Price and Jarillo who delivered a composed and totally pro round, adding 4.4 time penalties, to sit on a score of 30.9 heading into the final phase.

You’ll find the full scoreboard right here.

Keep it locked onto EN for a full report – coming soon.

Thanks for coming along for the live blog ride ENers. It’s been a blast.

That’s over and out from me.

Allez eventing!

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10:15am

We’re into the final stages of the competition now.

Bubby’s close to home but, oh no. Fence 27 has caught her out again. She’s quick into and then through the combination and the stride doesn’t come up to the final element. The horse goes left, Bubby’s shot out of the side door. That’s so frustrating for her. But she’s straight up on her feet and has a good chance with Cannavaro tomorrow.

So Tim has the course to himself as he finishes up the cross country day for us. He opts for the long route at the big water complex at 21, taking absolutely no chances. He’s got some time in hand. He gets a really big jump off the drop at 22 and then straight through the flags at the B element. They get a perfect shot through the final water at 23, the strides a bit flat after the step out of the water but Tim scoops the horse up for the angled brush at 24.

Jonelle’s waiting at the finish line with the kids, watching on the big screen and ready to cheer Dad home.

Jarillo reaches for the final house at the treble combination at 27. Then it’s foot down and to the main arena. There’s a huge cheer. They’re steady through the final combination, the mushrooms at 29, the clock’s in the red. They clear the last and cross the line. 6.4 time penalties and into third. Jarillo looks very much within himself after his efforts. Another masterclass of riding and horsemanship from Mr Price and a great end to the day’s sport.

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10:09am

🇳🇿 FINAL COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: TIM PRICE AND JARILLO

Dressage Score: 26.5
Place: 4th

🐴 5* Form: WD 2nd HI Kentucky 25, 9th Pau 24

Here we have it, the final combination of the day, and it’s a good’un. Sitting in 4th place after the dressage, Tim and Jarillo are here to play.

Tim takes a little pull at the second, just to be totally safe and taking no chances. They are incredible through the first combination at 4, quick and deliberate. They have the chance to go into the lead with a quick clear. Currently Sarah Bullimore and Corimiro are in top spot on 30. Jarillo’s really covering the ground as he gallops along the racetrack.

Jonelle comes into the main arena which is absolutely packed with cheering French fans. They cross the line with 7.2 time penalties. Another great round for Jonelle. What a fit woman she must be. Hats off to all the riders, but the ones who’ve piloted two, or even three, just wow. We salute you.

Bubby’s horse still looks super keen as they jump through the water complex at 21. They’re brave off the big drop at 22A and then clear to the B element. They’re neat up the step out of the water at 23 and Bubby reacts quickly to get the stride to the angled brush at 24, which is on a related distance.

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10:04am

🇬🇧 PENULTIMATE COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: BUBBY UPTON AND ITS COOLEY TIME

Dressage Score: 28.5
Place: 6th

🐴 5* Form: Making his 5* debut

Bubby’s back once more. She’s in second on with Cannavaro. We see her absolutely fly through the second water at 10. Bubby’s patting the horse to help him relax a bit, he goes along with his head up and just needs a bit of encouragement to settle into his round.

Boyd is nearing home now and has time on the clock as he motors into the main arena. He doesn’t take any chances over the final combination, adding time rather than risking a penalty. He crosses the line with 3.6 time penalties. That was truly a superb showing from both horse and rider all the way round.

Jonelle is also having a great ride. We see her off the big drop at 22, very brave down there and then straight as you like to the skinny at the B element.

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10am

🇳🇿 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: JONELLE PRICE AND HIARADO

Dressage Score: 30.3
Place: 12th=

🐴 5* Form: 15th Kentucky 25, 7th Pau 23

Jonelle’s back out now for the third time today. They’re quick over the first couple of fences. They fly the racecourse hedge at 13 and then gallop on along the track.

Boyd continues to go well, having to set up the horse a little more than he’d like perhaps at the combination at 16, he’s so keen. They see a super shot over the laurel hedge at 17. He sees a flier over the ditch and brush at 20 and then gets one of the rides of the day through the combination at 21, hoof perfect in just the sweet spot on the line through there. And then crouched low and away.

Meanwhile, Padraig is finishing with Lady Ophelia. We don’t get to see them, sadly, but they’ve had a great round. Just 4.4 time penalties for them.

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9:54am

🇺🇲 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: BOYD MARTIN AND COOLEY NUTCRACKER

Dressage Score: 29.9
Place: 10th

🐴 5* Form: 8th Kentucky 24

Just three more combinations to start after Boyd.

They get off to a confident start over the first couple of fences. The horse has got his ears pricked and they’re in a lovely rhythm straight away. They are brilliant through the water at 10, wasting not a second and on a very smooth curving line through there.

Padraig’s little mare is really digging deep for him, getting stuck in and trying her best. They’re clear through the big water complex at 21.

Cosby is very quick through the combination at 27. They get close but Cosby’s sitting up behind the movement and so they stay in balance. They’re close to the time as they come through the main arena. They take a real chance at the final fence, Highly Suspicious takes matters into his own hands somewhat. But they’re over and clear and just 2 time penalties to add. A cracking round from them.

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9:50am

🇮🇪 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: PADRAIG MCCARTHY AND LADY OPHELIA

Dressage Score: 35.7
Place: 43rd

🐴 5* Form: EL Burghley 24

Padraig now returns with the second of his two rides. The livestream’s focusing on Cosby bt he’s showing as clear through the water at 10.

Cosby is still having to set up at the fences as Highly Suspicious has got a proper pull on. The three strides are very short through the double of log piles at 16 but they make it happen. They fly the laurel hedge at 17 and then get a good shot at the open oxer at 18 before galloping on down the race track.

Tiana is about to finish, carrying that 20 and adding 14.8 time penalties. Great for her to finish after the unfortunate slip up on the flat on her first horse.

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9:46am

🇺🇲 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: COSBY GREEN AND HIGHLY SUSPICIOUS

Dressage Score: 33.3
Place: 32nd

🐴 5* Form: 4th Luhmühlen 25, EL Maryland 24

Cosby’s back with her second ride now after a great round earlier on today. The horse looks very strong at the start of the course and Cosby looks to have her hands full. They’re jumping brilliantly though and really motoring along as they come through the first water at 8.

Tiana’s close to the two skinny log piles at 16 but again, the horse has such a neat jump that it’s not a problem for him. They have a little peck after the laurel hedge at 17 but Tiana’s in excellent balance and things right themselves straight away. Tiana’s got a lot on her hands as she tries to steer towards the triple brush at 21A after the big ditch and brush at 20. There’s just not the control to get through that difficult combination and they pick up a 20 at the D element. That’s a shame after they were going so well. They come back around and continue on.

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9:41am

🇺🇲 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: TIANA COUDRAY AND D’ARTAGNAN

Dressage Score: 31.6
Place: 24th

🐴 5* Form: Making his 5* debut

Tiana’s back out on course with her second ride. Wow, they get a super jump over the house on the mound at fence 3. They’re quick through the first combination at 4, running a bit deep but this horse is great with his front legs and hops on over. They’re very neat through the first water at 8 and then again through the swans at 10. The horse looks keen and very brave in the early stages of the course. The horse looks very happy in his gallop as he makes his way along the racecourse.

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9:36am

🇬🇧 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: EMILY KING AND VALMY BIATS

Dressage Score: 29
Place: 8th

🐴 5* Form: RET Burghley 25, 5th Badminton 25, 20th Pau 24, RET Burghley 24, 4th Badminton 24, 25th Burghley 23, 24th Luhmühlen 23, RET Badminton 23, 8th Pau 22, EL Badminton 22

Sorry, my feed was down for a hot minute but I’ll catch you up now.

Sadly, the first we see of Emily is her on the ground and Valmy galloping off. It seems she’s had a fall at fence 2. I’ll update you if we get any more information abou that.

Oliver Townend and Ballaghmor Class have finished, with 11 penalties for the frangible device, 1.2 time penalties and an outstanding flag question.

Arne and Luthien have had a magic round. This horse totally loves the job and it shows. They’ve crossed the line with just 2.8 time penalties.

There’s no one on course currently so keep refreshing and we’ll continue with the next starter.

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9:29am

🇩🇪 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: ARNE BERGENDAHL AND LUTHIEN NRW

Dressage Score: 38.1
Place: 49th

🐴 5* Form: 14th Luhmühlen 25, EL Badminton 25, EL Pau 24, 14th Luhmühlen 23

Luthien is so enthusiastic for the job as she sets off, so lovely to see a horse who so very clearly loves to run and jump.

Oliver gets a great shot over the laurel hedge at 17. Oliver has to work very hard through the triple brush water complex at 21. There’s a squirrel over the middle element, the flag goes and the pin. Then the distance doesn’t come up to the final skinny. There’s some slithering, and elbows, the flag goes but they make it over. There will be a flag question there. 11 penalties for the overnight second placed combination. Thomas looks incredibly strong. Oliver did say he got ran away with last time out and the horse is clearly feeling very, very well.

David Doel and Galileo Nieuwmoed are CLEAR INSIDE THE TIME!!! What a peach of a ride David gave this horse, and what a horse he is. Superb.

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9:24am

🇬🇧 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: OLIVER TOWNEND AND BALLAGHMOR CLASS

Dressage Score: 26.1
Place: 2nd=

🐴 5* Form: RET Badminton 25, 1st Maryland 24, 1st Burghley 23, 2nd Badminton 23, 5th Badminton 22, 1st Kentucky 21, 3rd Burghley 19, 2nd Badminton 19, 2nd Burghley 18, 5th Badminton 18, 1st Burghley 17

We’re into the final 10 to go now, and what a combination we have joining us on course. Warhorse ‘Thomas’ has been at the top of his game for what feels like forever. Now in the twilight of his immense career, it’s likely this will be one of the last times we see this guy at the level. Everything crossed for a good trip for Thomas as we enjoy this absolute stalwart of our sport doing his thing. He’s in a great spot sitting in second place after the dressage but he’ll have to be quick if he wants to stay there.

‘Thomas’ flies out of the start box with Oliver very much sporting his game face. They’re quick as you like over the first fences and take a very smooth curving line through the water at 10, over the swans and away.

David is very neat through the combination at 21, very patiently letting it come up perfectly for the horse. Masterful.

Benjamin continues to have a great ride as he navigates the tricky combination at 27. Really super through there for them. He comes into the main arena to the joy of the French crowd. He’s good on the time. He clears the mushrooms at 29 and then takes the last. He’s holding to go closer to the optimum time as he’s on the same score as Astier. He’s very chilled to the last and then over the line. CLEAR INSIDE THE TIME!!!

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9:21am

🇬🇧 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: DAVID DOEL AND GALILEO NIEUWMOED

Dressage Score: 32.4
Place: 26th

🐴 5* Form: EL Burghley 25, EL Badminton 25, 3rd Maryland 24, 9th Luhmühlen 24, WD before XC Badminton 24, 2nd Burghley 23, 8th Kentucky 23, 4th Pau 22, 6th Badminton 22, 15th Pau 21, EL Bicton 21

Galileo looks confident as he sets off over the first couple of fences. They take the flag at the corner at 6B but look to be fine. David brings him back for the log in the water at 8A and then they take the flag at the B element there also. Galileo’s got his ears pricked as he takes the hanging rail at 12 and David looks to be having a great spin thus far.

Benjamin sees a really quick one over the laurel hedge at 17 and gallops on off along the racetrack, looking as quick as a racehorse. They get a flier over the big ditch and brush at 20 and then Benjamin does a great job through the big combination in the water at 21, fluid and smooth and very confident.

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9:15am

🇫🇷 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: BENJAMIN MASSIE AND FILAO DE PERLE

Dressage Score: 31.2
Place: 21st=

🐴 5* Form: 17th Luhmühlen 25, EL Pau 24

Storm Benjamin shook up the competition on Thursday, forcing a reschedule. Benjamin Massie will be hoping to kick up a storm out on cross country today – perhaps shaking up the leaderboard…

Benjamin gets off to a very, very quick start and is quickly through the first combination at 4.

We see Selina pick up a 20 at fence 24 after the horse stumbles up the step out of the water at 23BC and then has no chance of making the distance to the separately numbered, but very related, angled brush at 24. That’s annoying as they were being so positive, but perhaps a little too positive there.

Sebastien takes a dunking at the water at 21. The horse was drifting off the line from the start and then they run out of space at the middle element, the horse ducks right and Sebastien’s shot out of the side door. The horse gallops off and Sebastien’s quickly up.

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9:12am

🇫🇷 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: SEBASTIEN CAVAILLON AND BLACK PEARL Z

Dressage Score: 37
Place: 46th=

🐴 5* Form: 20th Luhmühlen 25

Sebastien is very quick through the first combination at 4. The horse looks very keen for the job as he gallops out towards the racecourse and sees a flier at the hedge at 15.

Selina gets in close to the ditch and brush at 20 but the horse is clever with his feet and they clear it. They’re very fast through the water complex at 21, making nothing of that.

Alex has had a fall at fence 24, the angled brush which comes quickly after the step out of the water at 23. They don’t get the stride and go into the bottom of the fence, both of them sliding over. The commentary says they’re on their feet.

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9:08am

🇬🇧 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: SELINA MILNES AND COOLEY SNAPCHAT

Dressage Score: 30.3
Place: 12th=

🐴 5* Form: RET Luhmühlen 25, 15th Pau 24

There’s big pats for Cooley Snapchat after they come through the water at 10 really strongly. The horse is really keen as he comes to the racecourse hedge at 13.

Alex Bragg has put that 20 behind him and is clear through the big water complex at 21.

Tom Jackson is CLEAR INSIDE THE TIME!!! A superb showing from both horse and rider.

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9:01am

🇬🇧 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: ALEXANDER BRAGG AND ARDEO PREMIER

Dressage Score: 31
Place: 18th=

🐴 5* Form: RET Burghley 25, 16th Badminton 25, 13th Luhmühlen 24, 29th Pau 23

Alex is characteristically confident as he sets off but then a 20 pops up on the live scoreboard at 6B, the brush corner after the table. That’s a shock for this horse. They continue on though.

Sarah looks really quick as she comes into the main arena. They’ve got more than 30 seconds left on the clock and Corimiro’s still pulling. She holds it together through the final combination at 29 and then they fly the last. They’re CLEAR INSIDE THE TIME!!! What an exciting horse for the future.

Meanwhile Tom continues to have a peach of a ride and is clear through the big water at 23.

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8:57am

🇬🇧 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: TOM JACKSON AND PLOT TWIST B

Dressage Score: 33.2
Place: 31st

🐴 5* Form: RET Luhmühlen 25, 18th Pau 24

Tom’s horse is ears pricked as he sets off. He’s very good through the first combination at 4, really taking it on. He’s flying as he comes through the water at 10. They’re in a great rhythm, fast and ground-covering but not pushing, just cruising along and relishing the job.

We catch up with a very keen Corimiro as Sarah navigates her way along the racecourse. She manages the line through the combination at 21 really well, the horse is so bold and scopey but Sarah hold everything together. They’re one of the best of the day through the water at 23, powerful and making it look easy.

Grace Taylor has crossed the finish line with just 2.4 time penalties. Her hand goes up and deservedly so. She’s ridden a really positive, confident round.

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8:53am

🇬🇧 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: SARAH BULLIMORE AND CORIMIRO

Dressage Score: 30
Place: 11th

🐴 5* Form: Making his 5* debut

Sarah gets off to a positive start with Corimiro, getting stuck straight into the track with the horse looking well up for the job.

Game Changer is very, very keen as he comes through the combination at 19. She’s got her work cut out for her but she really manages to keep him on his line through there so well. They lose their line through the big water at 21 but Grace is reacting and really making things happen. Super cross country riding on show.

Tom has opted to put his hand up.

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8:48am

🇺🇲 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: GRACE TAYLOR AND GAME CHANGER

Dressage Score: 31.1
Place: 20th

🐴 5* Form: RET Burghley 25, 30th Badminton 25, EL Maryland 24, 18th Badminton 24, WD before SJ Burghley 23

Grace is showing as clear through the laurel hedge at 17 but I haven’t seen a lot of her round so far, sorry.

Tom comes into the double of log piles at 16 really positively but then gets to the B element on a bit of a half stride. He sits in balance and the horse chips in. Brookfield Quality looks very keen as he comes to to the laurel hedge at 17 and Tom’s having to just remind him to listen. They come very positively into the big water complex at 21 but there’s a bit of indecision coming into the final element. They’d jumped big in and it doesn’t come up. They break the frangible device at the C element and then don’t make the stride to the D element. Expensive mistakes when they were in such a good position coming into today. Frustrating for Tom and the horse’s connections, but part of the sport.

Stephen and Hagonda have cleared the last. Clear jumping on the horse’s debut at the level. 17.2 time penalties added.

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8:40am

🇬🇧 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: STEPHEN HEAL AND HAGONDA

Dressage Score: 33.7
Place: 33rd

🐴 5* Form: Making her 5* debut

They’re very bold through the combination at 6, taking the flag at the B element but looked to be totally fine there. The horse looks a little spooky as he comes to the water at 8 but the jump through there really well.

Andrew comes into the main arena and the horse jumps very well through the combination at 29. They’re steady to the last and cross the line, with 20 jumping penalties and 32.4 time penalties. Just a green mistake but plenty of experience gained.

Mary is showing as having picked up a 20 at the D element of the big water complex at 21, although we didn’t see what happened on screen.

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8:43am

🇬🇧 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: TOM MCKEWEN AND BROOKFIELD QUALITY

Dressage Score: 26.1
Place: 2nd=

🐴 5* Form: 5th Kentucky 25, 3rd Pau 24, RET Luhmühlen 24

This pair share second spot going into today. It’s very, very tight at the top. Every second’s going to count.

Tom doesn’t look wildly quick at the start of his round but he rides so smoothly it’s deceptive. They’re very good through the first water at 8, very clean. They come back round to the water at 10 and come through there really positively on the four strides then the two. They’re having a great spin so far. They head out to the racecourse and see a flyer over the hedge at 13.

Meanwhile, Mary Edmundson has finished, carrying that 20 plus 30 time penalties, but a 5* completion on the horse’s debut at the level.

Stephen is showing as clear through the big water complex at 23.

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8:35am

🇬🇧 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: MARY EDMUNDSON AND LIONEL II

Dressage Score: 37.8
Place: 48th

🐴 5* Form: Making his 5* debut

This is another big striking chestnut. He’s known as Lionel in the barn which is a little disappointing, to be honest, Richie, surely? Anyway, they’re great through the water at 10, very confident as they get their round well and truly underway.

Jesse comes into the main arena with some time to spare. He’s quick through the final combination at 29 and then over the last. Ah, the clock just ticks one second over as he crosses the line. What a fabulous round from this pair, smooth and clean and really confident. He punches the air.

Meanwhile, Andrew is showing as having cleared the big water at 23.

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8:30am

🇬🇧 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: ANDREW DOWNES AND COOLEY FOXTROT

Dressage Score: 32.9
Place: 29th

🐴 5* Form: Making his 5* debut

Andrew has to take a pull into the second fence as his horse is so keen at the start. he’s a lovely big chestnut, really bold and brave looking. They settle into a rhythm but Andrew’s having to work quite hard to bring the horse back a little. But then there’s a lack of concentration coming into the first water at 8 and they grind to a halt at the A element, the log in the water. He brings him back round and they clear it the second time of asking. They’re really good through the water at 10ABC.

Jesse’s neat through the double of log piles at 16 and then gallops on over the laurel hedge at 17. He opts to go long at the big water complex at 21 but still looks to be on the clock after that really positive start to his round. There’s a bit of a fumble up the step out of the water at 23 but Jesse’s sitting in a beautiful balance and they pick up for the final element.

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8:25am

🇳🇿 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: JESSE CAMPBELL AND COOLEY LAFITTE

Dressage Score: 32.6
Place: 28th

🐴 5* Form: RET Burghley 25, RET Luhmühlen 25, WD before XC Badminton 25, 21st Burghley 24, 15th Badminton 24, EL Pau 23

Jesse gets off to a positive start and goes through the first combination at 4 on a very committed two strides. He’s in a really lovely smooth rhythm as he comes to the first water at 8, very confident and great to see. The horse looks to be really enjoying his job and is working really nicely with Jesse. He’s a little quieter to the first part of the water complex at 10 so adds another stride in there, clearly thinking on the spot like the pro cross country rider he is.

It’s not Jenny’s day today, sadly. They pick up another 20 at 21A and that means elimination for them.

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8:18am

🇺🇲 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: JENNIFER CARAS AND SOMMERSBY

Dressage Score: 32
Place: 25th

🐴 5* Form: EL Luhmühlen 25

Ah, we pick up Jenny as she glances off the brush corner at 6B, that’s a really annoying early penalty for them. Just too much enthusiasm, really, the horse looks incredibly keen. They come round and carry on. Then they have another refusal at the racecourse table at 15. Tricky day in the office.

We finally get to see ‘Barry’ and Emily and can hear the oos and aahs from the crowd as they leap their way through the triple brush water combination at 21. They’re brilliant through the big combination at 27, Barry’s jumping for fun. The clock’s still green as they come into the main arena. They’re not going to quite make it but here we go, cross country completion at Pau for Emily and Corvett and all being well tomorrow, the final northern hemisphere 5* ticked off their bucket list. What an achievement.

Meanwhile, Kevin has finished. He took his foot off the gas after that 20 and has completed with 27.6 time penalties, with plenty of experience banked as this horse gets his 5* career underway.

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8:13am

🇺🇲 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: EMILY HAMEL AND CORVETT

Dressage Score: 35
Place: 42nd

🐴 5* Form: 12th Kentucky 25, 7th Maryland 24, 15th Luhmühlen 24, 11th Maryland 23, 10th Kentucky 23, 20th Burghley 22, 52nd Badminton 22, 14th Maryland 21, 21st Kentucky 21

Corvett Airlines is out on track but very sadly we don’t get to see him at the start of his round. The scoreboard shows them as clear through the racecourse table at 15.

Tim and Happy Boy are flat to the boards as they come into the main arena. Happy Boy is full of gallop and so fast. They fly the final combination at 29 and then take the bullfinch finale in their stride. Tim’s struggling to pull up! 5.2 penalties for them in what’s been a great round.

Meanwhile, Kevin is still setting up for the fences and giving us a masterclass of cross country stylish riding. The big combination at 21 is tricky on a horse with this kind of scope and power and they pay the price at the final element where they pick up a 20. That’s bad luck. They continue on though.

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8:09am

🇦🇺 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: KEVIN MCNABB AND FARO IMP

Dressage Score: 30.6
Place: 17th

🐴 5* Form: Making his 5* debut

Faro Imp’s having a good look at all the crazy fence decorations and enthusiastic crowds as he makes his way round and Kevin’s doing a good job of keeping his eye on the fences. This is a big galloping horse and Kevin has to work quite hard to balance him and bring him back before the combination at 14 on the racecourse.

Tim takes the big ditch and brush in his stride at 20 but then decides to go long at the big water at 21, taking no chances there.

Cannavaro pops in an extra little stride at the combination at 27, but Bubby’s in total balance and they’re through there clear. They come into the main arena and make a good job of the final couple of fences. She punches the air as they cross the line with 4.8 time penalties and hold their lead overnight.

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8:05am

🇳🇿 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: TIM PRICE AND HAPPY BOY

Dressage Score: 29.1
Place: 9th

🐴 5* Form: 20th Kentucky 25, WD before XC Pau 24

Tim is brilliant through the first water, cruising easily through there on the direct three strides.

Bubby’s bowling along with her dressage leader, they look very solid and confident. They have a moment at the combination at 19. They’re well off the B element and they take the flag, the horse slides over. Brilliant balance from both horse and rider there. That’ll be a flag question though. We’ll see what the judges say.

Jonelle does a great job through the combination at 27, the horse kind of swings left but Jonelle holds him in and chips in an extra stride to make things work through there. They come through the main arena and see a good one to the last. They finish with 7.2 time penalties. She gave us a masterclass of riding throughout her round, really helping out her horse and making things happen.

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8am

🇬🇧 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: BUBBY UPTON AND CANNAVARO

Dressage Score: 25.6
Place: 1st

🐴 5* Form: 6th Pau 22, EL Luhmühlen 22, RET Pau 21

Our overnight leaders are out on course! They have just one second in hand over second place, so they’ll have to be quick if they want to hold onto their spot.

Woah, Bubby gets a massive jump over the table at 6A and then she does a really good job of managing the distance to the corner at B. She doesn’t look to be pushing the horse but everything’s really smooth so it’ll be deceptive on the clock.

Jonelle is really helping out her horse as she comes to the end of her round. He’s happy and jumping well but she’s just giving him confidence through each of the fences. They’re clear through the big water at 23.

Matt Heath has finished with Benedict Radau, crossing the line with 20.4 penalties. The horse is absolutely full of running at the end of the course, sadly we didn’t see much of their round though.

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7:54am

🇳🇿 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: JONELLE PRICE AND SENOR CROCODILLO

Dressage Score: 30.4
Place: 15th=

🐴 5* Form: 13th Luhmühlen 25

Jonelle’s back out on course after starting off the day for us. They get off to a really positive start and navigate the first combination at 4 very tidily. The horse has got his ears pricked and is looking for the flags. They’re quick and neat through the first water at 8 and then the horse has a really sweet expression on his face as he clears the picture frame fence at 9. They come back through the water for the swans at 10, very clean there.

The livestream’s been focusing on Jonelle but Matt’s showing as having picked up 15 penalties for a frangible device at the brush corner at 6B. Otherwise he’s clear through the big water at 23.

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7:50am

🇬🇧 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: MATTHEW HEATH AND BENEDICT RADAU

Dressage Score: 36.2
Place: 45th

🐴 5* Form: Making his 5* debut

Matt is confident through the water at 10, going on four and two strides through there on this scopey horse. He really committed there. This is a really massive horse and he’s eating up the ground.

Alex makes nothing of the combination at 27, popping through there and then heading towards home. He’s got time on the clock as he enters the main arena. It ticks over just as he jumps the second set of mushrooms at 29B. Big pats for Chicko as he crosses the line. What a great round from both horse and rider. 5.6 time penalties for them.

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7:45am

🇫🇷 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: FLORIAN GANNEVAL AND EREBOR DE FLEYRES

Dressage Score: 34.9
Place: 39th=

🐴 5* Form: EL Luhmühlen 25, 48th Pau 24

Oh dear, we catch up with Florian as he has a drive by at the brush corner at 6B. The horse just didn’t lock onto that. He comes back round but picks up another refusal. Florian opts to put his hand up.

Alex is having a great spin on Chicko, who looks to be eating up this course. Alex really reacts at the combination at 16, taking that on the positive three strides. He’s very neat off the big drop at 22 and then picks up the skinny at B really neatly. He’s quick through the water at 23 the motors on. This is shaping up to be a super round.

Meanwhile the home crowd are wild as Astier comes through the main arena and finishes CLEAR INSIDE THE TIME!!! What a round from this guy, and the horse on his first time at the level. Very impressive and very exciting for the future. Astier takes a couple of laps of honor.

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7:41am

🇨🇳 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: ALEX HUA TIAN AND CHICKO

Dressage Score: 28.5
Place: 7th

🐴 5* Form: RET Badminton 25, 4th Pau 24

Alex is quickly into a lovely rhythm, as we expect from this masterclass of a rider. He’s started off really positively and makes a great job through the first water at 8, smooth and clean and really showing his horse the way.

Astier’s horse looks really confident as he powers round the track. He gets a superb line through the big water at 21, navigating those skinny triple brushes really well. They’re very brave off the big drop at 22, really quick. He takes 5 strides to the skinny at the B element and the crowds are cheering them along their way.

We finally see Sam as he crosses the line, he looks thrilled. 26.4 time penalties for them.

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7:37am

🇫🇷 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: ASTIER NICOLAS AND DIRTY OLD TOWN

Dressage Score: 31.2
Place: 21st=

🐴 5* Form: Making his 5* debut

Astier sets off quickly and is excellent through the first combination at 4, very positive through there and making everything clear to his horse. The French crowds are cheering as they fly through the water at 10 – allez allez! They take the racecourse hedge at 13 in their stride, really fluent and in a super rhythm.

Abigail continues to have a superb round. The horse looks great at the end of the course and she’s really ridden like a total pro. They come to the last and cross the line with 12.8 time penalties. She punches the air, waves to the crowd and points to the horse. Delighted. And so she should be.

We haven’t seen Sam, but the scoreboard is showing him as clear through the big water complex at 21.

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7:32am

🇬🇧 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: SAM GILLESPIE AND BUT NOT TILL NOW

Dressage Score: 35.8
Place: 44th

🐴 5* Form: Making her 5* debut

Sam gets off to a really good start, taking the first three fences out of his stride as he settles into a rhythm early on. They’re very neat through the first combination at 4, down the step and then cleanly to the angled brush at the B element. They get a very good line through the water at 8, balanced and very neat.

Abigail is grinning as she gallops round the track – so great to see her enjoying her round. She’s having a peach of a ride, obviously riding to a plan. They fly the big ditch and brush at 20 but then have a moment at the big water complex at 21. They’re not quite on their line and they take the flag at the middle element. They’re a wiggle over the final triple brush and the flag goes there as well. It’s sticky but the horse does slither over. There’ll be flag questions there.

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7:28am

🇳🇿 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: ABIGAIL LONG AND HENTON AUDACIOUS

Dressage Score: 27.9
Place: 5th

🐴 5* Form: Making her 5* debut

This pair got off to a great start on their first time at 5* and sit in 5th after the first phase. They set off really confidently and looking like Abigail’s got every intention of capitulating on their excellent dressage score. They get into a really good rhythm and Abigail’s riding very forward and boldly as she heads out onto the racecourse.

The Irish supporters give Alice a massive cheer as she crosses the line. Apparently she had a little discussion with Fort Arthur coming into the main arena, but all’s well that end’s well and they finish clear with 25.6 time penalties.

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7:23am

🇬🇧 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: TARA DIXON AND MASTER SMART

Dressage Score: 34.9
Place: 39th

🐴 5* Form: EL Burghley 25

We pick up Tara as things don’t quite go to plan at the combination at 6. She misses the line and has to represent, but then the live scoreboard shows them as having had more problems resulting in three refusals and therefore elimination. That’s really a shame. But every day is a school day and she’ll go home and come back out next season with a new plan.

Grace is showing as having picked up a 20 at 21D, the big water in the middle of the racecourse. She’s continued on though and is nearing home now. She crosses the line with that 20 plus 27.2 time. That didn’t look to be the easiest of rounds so it’s really great to see her get that completion.

Alice meanwhile is showing as clear through to the bullfinch at 25. I’m really sorry but my feed’s been dropping out and I’ve missed what they have shown of her round.

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7:18am

🇮🇪 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: ALICE COPPITHORNE AND FORT ARTHUR LITTLE DOLLY

Dressage Score: 42.7
Place: 52nd

🐴 5* Form: 21st Luhmühlen 25

Alice looks to be having a good round and is clear through to the racecourse.

Grace is looking quite steady at some points in the course but then they really pick up as they fly the laurel hedge at 17. The horse is still going along with his nose out in front but he’s getting the job done and his ears are pricked as he makes a good job over the fences.

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7:12am

🇬🇧 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: GRACE COOPER AND CEDARMOUNT CAVALIER

Dressage Score: 39.4
Place: 51st

🐴 5* Form: WD before XC Luhmühlen 25

Grace gets a super shot at the second fence and the horse looks really keen as he climbs the mound up to the house at 3. They tap that a little but no harm done. They take three strides through the combination at 4 and look to have got into a good rhythm at the start of their round. They’re very quick through the water at 10. This horse looks quite long and a lot for Grace to keep together but they’re going along nicely together on what’s their first 5* cross country.

Aaron and Cooley Exchange have put that slip well behind them and they’re having a good round. They’re excellent through the big complex at 27 and then head towards home. They’re quick through the main arena and the horse looks well within himself as they cross the line. That slip will have added a fair bit of time. 16.4 time penalties for them.

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7:05am

🇬🇧 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: AARON MILLAR AND COOLEY EXCHANGE

Dressage Score: 34
Place: 35th

🐴 5* Form: Making his 5* debut

Aaron is showing as clear through the first water at 8 and then we see him very nearly come to grief in the same place that Tiana had her fall on the flat. Aaron manages to stay on board but he’s pitched out of the tack and has to try and right himself and get his stirrups back before he can continue on. Hopefully they’ll look at the ground there. But he’ll put it behind him and continue on but that was really unfortunate.

We see Kylie as she flies the laurel hedge at 17 in her stride, on track for the time at this point in the course. But things do not go to plan at the water at 21. Everything looks good but then there’s a big wiggle between the middle element and the final part of the combination and she has to turn away and come back round. That’s a real shame for them as they were going so well. They carry on and cross the line with that 20 and 10 time penalties.

Meanwhile Yas is in the main arena, making nothing of the mushroom combination at 29 and then getting the perfect shot over the final. They pick up 5.6 time penalties after what’s been a really foot perfect round.

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7am

🇬🇧 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: KYLIE RODDY AND SRS KAN DO

Dressage Score: 32.5
Place: 27th

🐴 5* Form: EL Badminton 25, 19th Pau 24, EL Badminton 24, 5th Pau 23, 6th Luhmühlen 22, RET Badminton 22, 11th Pau 21

Kylie is excellent through the water at 10, really smooth and quick. She’s riding forward and really looks to be going for it, she’s ben 5th here before and will be hoping for another great result.

Those penalties for Aistis were for a frangible device, so that’s 11 for that. We see him through the finish line to add another 5* completion to this horse’s card. They add just 2.4 time penalties so that was a quick round.

Yas comes off the drop at 22 very neatly, they didn’t even seem to notice that. Then the skinny at the Be element comes up perfectly. Everything’s looking as we’ve come to expect from Yas, so balanced and easy.

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6:56am

🇬🇧 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: YASMIN INGHAM AND REHY DJ

Dressage Score: 31.2
Place: 21st=

🐴 5* Form: WD 2nd HI Badminton 25, 10th Pau 24, 3rd Luhmühlen 24, 3rd Luhmühlen 23

Yas is quick through the water at 10, riding the strides exactly to her plan and looking very strong. A real pro ride through there for both horse and rider.

We’re still not seeing much of Aistis, sorry. He’s showing as having picked up penalties at 21C, the corner rails in the water, not sure if it’s a flag or a frangible device right now but I’ll let you know as soon I do. Other than that he’s clear through to the barrels at 28.

Libby really makes it happen at the big combination at 27, making sure her horse listens as she picks her stride. She’s headed for home now. They’re great through the combination in the main arena at 29 and then take the bullfinch finale in their stride to cross the line with just 4.4 time penalties. Great riding all the way round from Libby and a true partnership on show.

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6:51am

🇱🇹 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: AISTIS VITKAUSKAS AND COMMANDER VG

Dressage Score: 46.5
Place: 53rd

🐴 5* Form: 37th Badminton 25, EL Pau 24, RET Burghley 24, EL Luhmühlen 24, 19th Pau 23, EL Burghley 23, RET Luhmühlen 23, 26th Badminton 23, 18th Pau 22, 13th Luhmühlen 22, 11th Luhmühlen 21, 31st Pau 20

Aistis is showing as clear through to the racecourse fences at 14 but I didn’t get to see the start of his round, sorry, as my feed dropped out momentarily and I had to watch the (infamous) ad again before I could get it back.

Libby’s horse is looking a little off the bridle as he barrels along but he’s jumping brilliantly and does come back to Libby when she asks. They’re adding through the combination at the water at 21 but getting the job done. The horse is brave off the big drop at 22 and then they easily find the line to the skinny for the B element.

Sam Ecroyd has crossed the line CLEAR INSIDE THE TIME!!! He’s nearly trotting as he comes to the finish he’s got so much time left over! A fabulous showing from this pair, on the horse’s 5* debut no less.

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6:47am

🇬🇧 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: LIBBY SEED AND HEARTBREAKER STAR QUALITY

Dressage Score: 30.4
Place: 15th=

🐴 5* Form: 18th Badminton 25, 19th Burghley 24, 21st Badminton 24, 14th Pau 23, 28th Badminton 22

Libby sets off confidently and they get a great shot over the table at 2. They have a little moment over the brush box going into the water at 10 when the horse doesn’t really get very high, but Libby sits tight and they leap over the two swans with no bother.

Meanwhile Helen navigates the combination at 27 excellently, they’re smooth and neat through there. They head on into the main arena, quite a bit over the time but the horse is still galloping as though he’s at the start. He’s so bold and brave and that kind of wastes a little time. Helen looks thrilled. Clear jumping 19.6 time.

We see Sam through the water at 23 and he has to work hard there, really well ridden. It’s a bit squeaky but they’re through and heading on their way.

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6:43am

🇬🇧 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: SAM ECROYD AND BOLEYBAWN LECRAE

Dressage Score: 34.5
Place: 37th

🐴 5* Form: Making his 5* debut

The scoreboard’s showing Sam as clear to the racecourse at 13 but sadly we’re not seeing the start of all the rounds.

Helen’s great through the water at 21, the horse really powers over those triple brushes and Helen steers him through smoothly.

Yikes, Bill has a real moment at the penultimate fence. He gets the stride awry between the double of mushrooms at 29 but they make it over and then clear the bullfinch finale at 30 and cross the line. 11.2 time penalties for them.

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6:37am

🇬🇧 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: HELEN BATES AND CARPE DIEM

Dressage Score: 39.1
Place: 50th

🐴 5* Form: 42nd Badminton 25, 37th Badminton 24, 23rd Pau 23

We don’t get to see Helen at the start of the track but the live scoreboard is showing her as clear through to the first of the racecourse fences at 13.

Bill get a great shot over the big ditch and brush at 20 but then there’s some super squirrelling from the horse through the combination at 21, how he gets through the flags there is amazing, so athletic and gymnastic. Good horsey, and well ridden from Bill.

Padraig adds an extra stride in the middle of the combination at 27 but comes out on the two strides. He really set up his horse for success there, it’s great to see these masters at work. He comes through the mushroom combination in the main arena at 29 and crosses the line with 12.4 time penalties. A great round from them.

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6:32am

🇦🇺 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: BILL LEVETT AND RNH TOM TOM R

Dressage Score: 33.9
Place: 34th

🐴 5* Form: Making his 5* debut

There’s kids running alongside the track as Bill gallops over the first couple of fences, obviously enjoying their day out eventing. We see him come into the water at 10, he seems to be taking his time with this 5* rookie, giving the horse chance to see what’s in front of him and building confidence the whole way round. He heads out to the racecourse and picks up the gallop some.

We catch up with Padraig as he comes down the big drop at 22 and then easily finds the line and stride to the skinny at B. Really good. He’s super through the water at 23, clean and clear and making this look easy.

Cosby’s brilliant through the combination at 27, foot perfect and heading for home now. She makes her way over the double of mushrooms in the main arena at 29 and the horse is really responding to her, ears pricked and eyes on the finish line. They come home clear with 7.6 time. A super round for them.

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6:29am

🇮🇪 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: PADRAIG MCCARTHY AND MGH MR MESSACK

Dressage Score: 37
Place: 46th

🐴 5* Form: EL Burghley 25

We see Padraig through the water complex at 8 and he’s really brave, attacking that stride through there and hunting on through.

Cosby checks her watch as she gallops along toward the laurel hedge at 17. They get in a little close there but all’s good. She opts for an alternative route at 19 and then fly the ditch and brush at 20. They’re smooth through the big water at 21. She’s really riding forward and attacking this course.

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6:24am

🇺🇲 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: COSBY GREEN AND JOS UFO DE QUIDAM

Dressage Score: 34.5
Place: 37th

🐴 5* Form: 8th Luhmühlen 25

We catch up with Cosby as they fly the big brush oxer at 11 and make their way toward the racecourse. They’re looking confident and quick thus far.

Emily is nearing home now as she comes to the big combination at 27. Ah, they come to a stop at the the middle element. Just the horse being a little tired and having had to take in a lot. She comes round and takes an alternative route and then nurses this young horse home. 20 penalties there for them but a first 5* completion for the horse. They have 25.2 time penalties.

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6:19am

🇺🇲 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: TIANA COUDRAY AND CANCARAS GIRL

Dressage Score: 31.1
Place: 20th

🐴 5* Form: 44th Badminton 25, RET Maryland 24, 25th Badminton 24, EL Burghley 23

Tiana does a great job through the water at 8 and then, oh, we see them fall on the flat. The camera’s behind a mound so we couldn’t really see what happened, it just looked like the horse slipped in front and they went down. That’s so disappointing. We see the pair of them up and walking off course.

Tim steadies through the combination at 27 and makes a clean job through there before heading to the main arena and home. He crosses the line with 6.4 time penalties added. A great start to his day.

Emily meanwhile comes really bravely off the big drop at 22A and then makes the line to the skinny for the B element well. This horse does look a little green at times but Emily’s building his confidence and helping him out and giving him a good experience on his debut at the level.

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6:15am

🇬🇧 NEW COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: EMILY KING AND JACKPOT

Dressage Score: 33
Place: 30th

🐴 5* Form: Making his 5* debut

Emily has set out with her 5* rookie and from what we’ve seen, she’s having a nice confidence-building round. She’s showing as clear through to the racecourse – fences 13-15.

Oh no. We catch up with Bubby as she comes off at 27D. Cola had been running off the bridle a little and they just don’t get it right through the combination and Bubby’s ejected out of the side door. That’s a real shame. Hopefully Bubby’s up and will be back with her other rides, I’ll let you know if we get any info.

We see Tim through the big water complex at 21ABCD. He comes through there with such balance, really making these tricky combinations look so easy. He’s focused and quick and looks to be having a great round.

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6:11am

🇳🇿 THIRD COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: TIM PRICE AND GLOBAL QUEST

Dressage Score: 34.9
Place: 39th=

🐴 5* Form: Making his 5* debut

We catch up with Tim as he takes the big brush oxer at 11 in his stride and heads on out to the racecourse.

As her husband starts, Jonelle and Grappa Nera have crossed the finish line after having a peach of a round. Clear jumping with 7.6 time penalties added. A great trailblazing round.

Bubby and Cola continue going well as we watch them through the water at 23, they’re super quick and smooth through there. This looks like it’s going to be a quick round. What a start we’re having to the cross country.

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6:06am

🇬🇧 SECOND COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: BUBBY UPTON AND COLA

Dressage Score: 30.3
Place: 12th=

🐴 5* Form: 8th Badminton 25, 5th Maryland 24, 10th Badminton 24, 8th Badminton 23, 14th Burghley 22, 36th Badminton 22, 12th Pau 21

Bubby set off with her serious game face on and straight away takes a stride out at the first combination at 4, going on two through there. Bubby means business. She’s in the lead on her other horse, Cannavaro. She takes out a stride again at the combination at 6. She’s motoring along with her experienced, long-time partner. Bubby goes up and down the mounds at the double of log piles at 16, really confident and quick through there.

Meanwhile Jonelle navigates the tricky combination at 19 really easily, that’ll have given the riders watching confidence. They’re excellent through the water at 21ABCD, smooth and on the perfect line. Another fence that had the riders scratching their heads which has proved to jump really well for our pathfinder. They waste no time over the big drop at 22A, she’s pitched forward but she’s back upright immediately for the skinny at B. She goes inside the tree at the water at 23ABC, saving every second. This is looking to be a fabulous round thus far.

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6am

🇳🇿 FIRST COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: JONELLE PRICE AND GRAPPA NERA

Dressage Score: 34.3
Place: 36

🐴 5* Form: 22nd Badminton 25, EL Burghley 25, 6th Badminton 24, 1st Pau 22, 28th Kentucky 21

And we’re off! Jonelle and ‘Grape’ have left the start box and Pau cross country day is a go!

They get a great start over the wheelbarrow at 1 and then gallop on past the massive train stationed by the table at 2. They waste no time going up the mound and over the house at 3 and then Jonelle steadies for the first combination at 4. They go over the log down the drop and get a clean three strides to the angled brush for the B element. Grape’s got her ears pricked and is traveling along nicely at the start of the course. They take the flag at the corner at 6B but looked to be OK. They come into the first water at 8 and loop round a little on an arc to get the four strides through that combination. All looking very neat and tidy so far. They come back to the water for the treble combination at 10 and fly over the swans. They’re looking to be quick and confident so far.

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