I'd smile like that too if I were the best in the world.
As the current and history’s only reigning European, Olympic and World champions, Michael Jung and Sam have nothing left to prove, but they’ve set out to add one more title to their many accolades at Badminton here this weekend. So far they’re on track, as Michael and Sam scored a 36 in the last group of the day to win the dressage heading into cross country tomorrow. As we’ve come to expect from this pair, the test was nearly flawless, with the only rare mistake coming when Sam stepped forward out of the halt and only took four steps in the rein back. I’m almost ashamed to type that considering how nitpicky it sounds. Let’s be honest — Michael and Sam have raised the bar so high that they are now in a league of their own. I have Michael’s interview from the press conference still to upload for you, but let’s just say this man has ice running in his veins and is going to be a rock star tomorrow.
Jock Paget and Clifton Promise are in fourth on a 39.7.
The last group of the afternoon contained the rides we’ve been waiting to see all weekend, and the pairs did not disappoint. Jock Paget and Clifton Promise rose to the occasion, scoring 39.7 to move into fourth place overnight. Aside from a slight bobble in the extended walk, this was an incredibly good test from the pair who placed 10th individually at the London Olympics. William Fox-Pitt and Parklane Hawk are sitting just behind Jock in fifth place on a 40. This was not the usual fluid test we see from William, as there were moments throughout where he seemed to lose his rhythm, and I have to wonder if the pressure of the Grand Slam has finally gotten to him. Of course, he’s still sitting in an excellent position going into cross country. And speaking of the Grand Slam, Andrew Nicholson and Nereo are hot on William’s heels, sitting in sixth place on a 40.2. Andrew and Nereo also had some uncharacteristic bobbles in their test, as you’ll see on the video.
William Fox-Pitt and Parklane Hawk are sitting in fifth place on a 40.
Mary King and Kings Temptress had a tense test that we usually don’t see from them, scoring a 45.5 to sit in 15th place. Dirk Schrade mentioned in the press conference that he thought the atmosphere was quite hard on he horses for the late afternoon riders, as the stands were packed and noisy, and the chilly wind didn’t help matters either. Poor Tina Cook also fell victim to the atmosphere, as she didn’t hear the bell with Miners Frolic and consequently entered the ring late, picking up an error right off the bat. She struggled to recover after that, as the horse never came to a full halt to start the test and seemed tense. They are sitting in 29th place on a 50.2. Pippa Funnell and Redesigned were the last to ride today, giving us a lovely finale to sit tied for seventh place on a 47.3. Of course, I have videos of all of the top-10 rides and will be uploading them and posting them here as the internet cooperates. Stay tuned for the press conference report and my end-of-dressage analysis AND … drumroll … the course walk photos!
[Website] [Ride Times] [Dressage Results]
Dressage Videos:
Video: Jock Paget and Clifton Promise
Video: William Fox-Pitt and Parklane Hawk
Video: Pippa Funnell and Redesigned
Video: Andrew Nicholson and Nereo
