Prada moves into the lead in Advanced Section 1
Thank heavens for William Fox-Pitt, and not only because he, along with Rodney Powell, managed to break the Antipodean stranglehold on the Gatcombe leaderboard in both Advanced sections after the dressage phase.
Lucinda and Prada did a lovely test, but what must be scary for all the other competitors is that there’s still so much more to come from this mare – Lucinda rode tactfully and quietly, containing some tension and a little anticipation on Prada’s part well, her changes weren’t perfect, and yet it was still good enough to take the lead with a score of 25.7. It will be exciting to see this combination produce the goods when she can ride as smooth, forward and positive a test on her as she can on Headley Britannia. Rodney Powell is right behind her on Zinzan II with a score of 27.1; I didn’t see his test but I did see him ride Happy Go Lucky, who moved into 14th place in Advanced 2 on a score of 35.4, tied with Tiana Coudray on Ringwood Magister, and Lucinda again, this time on Nysa de Petra.
Rodney Powell on Happy-Go-Lucky
Chris Burton is making himself well at home here in England, and has slotted into 2nd place in Advanced Section 2 on UnderDiscussion with 30.7.
He may be making himself at home here in England, but old habits die hard. Underdiscussion, above, prepared for the Australian sunshine. Stubbornly refusing to be “english” and leave their horses on the lorry for any amount of time, you can just see Sandhill Tiger’s head in the back too! Chris also moved into 3rd place in the other advanced section on Jaybee Calypso.
Chris Burton on Jaybee Calypso
Andrew Nicholson looking justifiably pleased with Quimbo’s lovely test. Smooth and accurate, they take the lead in Advanced Section 2 with a score of 27.5
Fellow Kiwi Daniel Jocelyn with Special Advocate went in after Quimbo, and did a respectable test to earn 34.8, good enough for equal 9th place.
New Zealand Eventing Team High Performance Manager Erik Duvander watches.William Fox Pitt, unfailingly charming and always unruffled, has three rides in the top 12 in Section 2: Macchiato in 3rd, Neuf des Coeurs in 5th and Gaucho in 12th, while Avoca Alibi is in 9th place in Section 1. Here’s his test on his Rolex, Kentucky 2011 ride Neuf des Coeurs.
Polly Stockton did a nice test on Estrada and sits in 13th place in Section 1,
Bill Levett is on the same score as Polly, on Silk Stone, who did a lovely test which unfortunately was marred by very ragged changes.
Gatcombe is such a fun event to be at, with all the other things going on beside the Festival of Eventing which truly is world class and spectacular, and the tradestands, and a great atmosphere. This year, for some reason, maybe the wedding, maybe the weather which has been wonderful, the energy seems more celebratory. Today I’ve chatted to riders from Australia, New Zealand, England, China and the US. The press room is second to none, and I’m practically giddy with the excitement that’s to come over the next couple of days.
Cooling off after a cross country walk
It’s obvious who comes first here!
In a genius marketing move, drivers of Land Rovers or Range Rovers have a special car park to themselves, and even their own ringside marquee.
Prime Real Estate right by the ring and the ice-cream van!
Guess who’s adjusting the boots for this entry in the 5 year old Burghley Young Event Horse class? I promise to reveal the answer tomorrow.
Finally, props to Hamish Cargill for picking up two catch rides in the BYEH 5 year old class, and for representing his adopted state so well in the heart of the Cotswolds!
Hamish told me he was quite pleased with Tiger’s test, and thinks he’ll continue to improve each time out until Burghley. We walked part of the course together, and I was relieved to discover that it wasn’t only me who thought it was a pretty stiff test; Hamish described it as just a shade under a four star, and of course once you factor in the crowds and terrain…. All to play for tomorrow for the Advanced Sections who wrap up their competition with show-jumping in the morning and cross country in the afternoon, and the British Open and Intermediate Championships get under way with their dressage. I can’t wait to bring you more, but must now rush home as they’re closing this lovely, plush media tent, and more importantly Lily and Harry are in sole charge of their grandmother – recipe for disaster! Go all the Aussies and the rest of the world at Gatcombe and Go Eventing!
