James Alliston and Jumbo’s Jake take the lead. He had to jump this corner at 24b without a white flag after Merel Blom’s Rumour Has It knocked it off.
Well, at least no-one’s talking about the weather anymore! Conditions have been perfect out on Ian Stark’s CCI*** course but problems were commonplace and spread fairly evenly. I can’t pretend not to be delighted for James Alliston who’s been a model of consistency all weekend and takes over the lead, although I wish it hadn’t come at Buck Davidson’s expense. Titanium may be some small compensation for Buck’s not a great day, a fall off Park Trader at the last water, and a refusal at the corner after the table, fence 24b on dressage leader Ballynoe Castle RM. Nate Chambers moves up into second place with a reliable clear within the time on his partner of 11 years Rolling Stone.
Jolie Wentworth rode GoodKnight into third. There was one bad fall, Tamra Smith’s Mar De Amor got stuck upside down in the ditch at 5, but the crew on the grounds responded so quickly and efficiently, and he walked out none the worse for wear within minutes. Tamra was taken to hospital to be checked, but she was sitting up and talking although obviously upset. Full marks to the crew here who handled everything so efficiently.
Michael Pollard had a day he’ll want to forget, retiring both his horses after stops on course. Lots more photos and some video interviews to come soon. Thanks for checking and I’ll be back later to Go Eventing!
Jolie Wentworth on GoodKnight: she said her horse got better as he went round, here he is flying the second last at his first CCI***. He also has a distinctive King Boris tail – lots of swishing action as he goes!
