Ears pricked and eyes on the prize: Ros Canter and Izilot DHI. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
After a cross country day that saw leaderboard updates with more twists and turns than the track itself, it turned out that the top two placings would remain the same, albeit switched around. Initially on the same score but with one closer to the time than the other, therefore taking top spot, even after all the riders had retreated to their various celebrations, reflections and commiserations, there was still one more twist to come.
It turns out, the person we saw running across the track in front of Ros Canter and Izilot DHI as they made their way to the final combination (Fence 28ABCD), was actually removing the crossing string that had accidentally been left up and was blocking Ros and Isaac’s path. Thank goodness Ros saw it and slowed up, but taking that necessary pull added seconds to their round that wouldn’t otherwise have been there, and when the scores are so tight, even a fraction of a second can make all the difference.
And so, Ros’ time was adjusted after the event and she now holds the lead with a score of 27.5, with Tom McEwen and JL Dublin in second on 31.1.
Less than a rail separates the top two, and then there’s less than a rail between the second and fourth placed combinations. It’s a similar story as we make our way down the entire top ten, and as we’ve seen, anything can – and seemingly will – happen, meaning it’s all to play for at Pau.
Here’s a look at the top ten as we head into the final phase:
Best of the US as things stand is Boyd Martin with Fedarman B, who sit in 9th place after posting the fastest round of the day – the only combination to cross the finish inside the time. The double clear eluded them however, as they picked up 11 penalties at the B element of Fence 13. Cosby Green and Copper Beach also added 11 penalties in an otherwise brilliant round which left them in 14th place. Allie Knowles and Morswood had a super spin across the country, adding only time penalties to their first-phase score to hold 13th place coming into the final phase. Phillip Dutton and Z didn’t come forward for the Final Horse Inspection, so won’t be jumping this afternoon.
34 competitors will now move forward to the show jumping, going in reverse order through the standings, except for Ros Canter and Pippa Funnell, the only two-horse riders bringing both their entries forward to the final phase. Ros is first to go with Pencos Crown Jewel, Pippa second with Billy Walk On.
I’ll be bringing you updates of all the action as it happens, so if you’re following along live, remember to refresh this post periodically.
If you’re reading this later, the round-up of Ros’ first round will be at the bottom of this post, so if you’re of the variety that likes to keep things in order, scroll down ⬇️ and read up ⬆️.
If you want to catch up on what went down in the dressage and how things played out in yesterday’s cross country, we’ve got you covered. From live updates to Tilly’s round-up reports, we’ve left no stone unturned and no stride out. Here’s where you’ll find everything you need to know:
Dressage Live Updates: [Day One] [Day Two]
Dressage Round-up Reports: [Day One] [Day Two]
Cross Country: [Live Updates] [Round-up report]
We’ve got loads of great IG content happening courtesy of Tilly and her other half @goeventing, who have boots on the ground in Pau, and if you want to follow along with the form this afternoon, you’ll find EN’s 5* Form Guide here.
It’s time to sit back – or perch on the edge of your seat, depending on how excitable you are – and see what happens as we enjoy the finale of the final 5* of 2023. Let’s go eventing.
Les 5 Etoiles de Pau: [Website] [Entries] [Schedule] [Live Stream] [Live Scores] [EN’s Coverage]
EN’s coverage of Les 5 Etoiles de Pau is brought to you by Kentucky Performance Products.
4:46pm And that’s it! Pau has been won and the final 5* of the season is over. What a week it’s been.
I’ve had a blast bringing you live updates of each phase, thanks for coming along for the ride.
Stay tuned for Tilly’s full round-up report – coming soon!
Go eventing – or for a nap after all that excitement – but mainly, go eventing!
4:45pm It’s a British top six as the final 5* of the 2023 season comes to an end:
Ros Canter and Izilot DHI have taken the win, finishing on a score of 28.7. (They had 1.2 time penalties in the show jumping that I missed in my excitement, but they made not one jot of difference in the end.)
In second is Oliver Townend and Tregilder, who finish on a score of 34.4.
Tom McEwen and JL Dublin dropped a pole this afternoon, dropping them to 3rd on a score of 35.1.
Piggy March and Coolparks Sarco finish in 4th on 36.5.
Kylie Roddy and SRS Kan Do are in 5th on 39.7.
And Kirsty Chabert finishes in 6th with Classic VI on 41.4.
Next up we have New Zealand’s Jonelle Price and Hiarado who are 7th on a score of 42.4.
And best of the Americans, Boyd Martin and Fedarman B had a brilliant clear round to finish in 8th place on 42.7.
French rider Maxime Livio is best of the home nation, in 9th on a score of 46.5 with Carouzo Bois Marotin.
And rounding out the top ten is New Zealand’s James Avery with MBF Connection on a score of 59.4.
The USA’s Cosby Green ended up in 16th with Copper Beach on a score of 71.3, and Allie Knowles is 18th with Morswood on 73.3.
4:40pm After a foot perfect three phases, Izilot DHI has come out for his first 5*, and won. It’s a huge testament to Ros’ superb horsemanship, and to the horse’s talent, and is a fantastic result for the whole team, who are, of course, really emotional as they celebrate the win. Ros’ little girl is waving her arms around and gives her mom a massive hug. Great scenes and a popular win. What a fantastic sport we’re involved in.
Leaderboard to follow…
4:39pm
This is it! The final round!
Reigning European Champion and World No. 2, Great Britain’s Ros Canter and Izilot DHI have a clean record in this phase – eyes on 👀
They scored 24.3 in the first phase and sat in second at they set off from the start box yesterday. A brilliant clear and quick round from this young horse saw them add just 3.2 time penalties, putting them on a total score of 27.5 and into the lead.
Show jumping form 📋 Their clear round form is mighty impressive – not a single pole since they’ve been together. Zero.
Ros asks the crowd to stay quiet. Isaac is super spooky and she wants to keep him as calm as possible. The crowd listens and they quieten down. They set off. They clear the first. And the second. I’m holding my breath! The third stays up, and the fourth. They clear the vertical at five. Six is no trouble, and the treble at seven comes up perfectly for them. The Liverpool and the planks at nine stay in the cups. They clear the rest. The final fence…stays up! CLEAR ROUND!!!
ROS CANTER AND IZILOT DHI HAVE WON PAU!
4:36pm
Top 2!
Kentucky runners up, Tom McEwen and JL Dublin are flying the flag for Britain as they come forward to the final phase this afternoon.
They scored 23.1 in the first phase, leaving them as clubhouse leaders as they set out onto the track yesterday. They jumped clear, adding just 8 time penalties, enough to drop them a place into 2nd. They come forward on a total score of 31.1, less then a fence behind the leader.
Show jumping form 📈 They’re on a run of four consecutive clear rounds, including at Kentucky on their way to 2nd place. With both Tom and former rider Nicola Wilson, there are far more clears on Dubs’ record than poles, just the odd four faults.
Boy, this competition is exciting! Tom looks calm as he waits for the bell to go. Dubs looks beautiful as usual. They clear the first, and the second. The crowd seems to be holding its breath. They clear three and four, and five. Dubs is jumping out of his skin. Oh no! The first part of the treble goes, Tom’s now below Oliver. They rub the first part of the double at eleven but it stays up, and they manage the rest without fault. What a shame for them, but Dubs jumped great and Tom rode brilliantly. Just a bit unlucky today, and they stay on the podium, but below Oliver now. Four penalties for them.
Tom McEwen and JL Dublin complete on a score of 35.1.
4:33pm
And now, the top 3!
Britain’s Kirsty Chabert and Classic VI will be hoping to get back to their clear round form this afternoon – will they do it?
They scored 32.6 in the first phase, and a super speedy spin ‘round the track yesterday saw them tantalizingly close to the time, but not quite on it – they added 0.8 time penalties, putting them on a total score of 33.4, in 3rd place.
Show jumping form 📋 They rolled two poles last time out, breaking their run of five consecutive clear rounds, one of which was at Kentucky in the spring. It was two down for them here at Pau last year.
Kirsty also looks totally focused as she comes into the ring. They clear the first two but then, oh no, Classic drifts left as they take off for the third and they have it down. They clear the fourth but the fifth goes. They’re clear up to the planks, and then clear that really easily, no trouble through the treble at eleven either. This round got better as it went, such a real shame about those early poles. Two down for them, 8 penalties. Disappointing for them. Oliver’s now on the podium.
Kirsty Chabert and Classic VI complete on a score of 41.4.
4:30pm
World No. 1, Britain’s Oliver Townend is here with Tregilder after coming third at Maryland last weekend.
They scored 27.2 in the first phase, which saw them in 5th place going into yesterday’s cross country, where they put in a solid clear jumping round, adding just 7.2 time penalties, putting them on a total score of 34.4, and up a place into 4th.
Show jumping form 📋 They rolled two poles at Luhmuhlen on their way to 9th place, and two at the pop-up 5* at Bicton in 2021, their other 5* completion. They regularly go clear at the short format though.
Oliver looks very serious as he comes into the ring – total focus and concentration on his face. They clear the first, and the second. They’ve set off in a very forward canter and find the next couple of jumps easy. They’re clear through fence six. They turn in tight to the treble at seven and there’s a tap to the first part but it stays. They tap the second part of the double at eleven, too, but that stays. They’re still clear as they come to the last and then over that and it’s a CLEAR ROUND!!! Oliver punches the air, he’ll finish no worse than fourth with Tregilder.
Oliver Townend and Tregilder complete on a score of 34.4.
4:27pm
We’re into the top 5!
British favorite Piggy March brings Coolparks Sarco forward on a score of 36.5
They scored 28.1 in the first phase leaving them in 7th place overnight, then jumped a brilliant clear yesterday with just 8.4 time penalties, leaving them in 5th coming into the final phase.
Show jumping form 📋 With both Piggy and former rider Nicola Wilson, Coolparks Sarco has generally jumped clear. There are a couple of fours on his record, but no more.
They get off to a great start and they’re clear over the first five fences, and then over six. They rattle the first part of the treble at seven but it stays in the cups. They continue on and fly the double at eleven. Still clear so far, and they stay clear. CLEAR ROUND!!! Guaranteed top 5 for them.
Piggy March and Coolparks Sarco complete on a score of 36.5.
4:24pm
Great Britain’s 5* winner and Olympic medalist Pippa Funnell is back in the ring with MCS Maverick.
They scored 26.4 in the first phase to sit in third overnight, jumping clear yesterday and adding 13.2 time, putting them on a total score of 39.6, in 6th place.
Show jumping form 📈 In their five international events together, they’ve had faults at just the first, and kept it to one pole.
Well, as Pippa comes into the ring, we already know that we’ll have a British winner here at Pau today. Kylie Roddy’s in the lead and there are only Brits left to go.
Unfortunately Pippa and Maverick have the second fence, but then carry on in fine form over the next few. Ah, the first part of the treble at seven’s gone, and then they just tip the planks. Ah, and then ten goes too. The first part of the double at eleven’s down. That was a disappointing round for Pippa, but they came into today with a great cross country round yesterday, and a great dressage, so overall, not a bad event for them. Five down for 20 penalties and they drop out of the top 10.
Pippa Funnell and MCS Maverick complete on a score of 59.6
4:21pm
Britain’s Kylie Roddy and SRS Kan Do are looking to get back to their clear round form this afternoon.
They scored 31.7 in the first phase, and stormed round the cross country, adding no jumping penalties and just 8 time, putting them on a total score of 39.7 and into 7th place.
Show jumping form 📋 They rolled one pole at Luhmuhlen last year on their way to 6th place. They jumped clear here in 2021, when they finished 11th. They’ve had a run of clears recently at the short format, although they rolled a pole last time out.
It’s so exciting to see Kylie come into the ring with SRS Kan Do after their super round yesterday. Kylie looks like she means business and they’re quickly over the first five. They come round to the treble at seven and it comes up perfectly for them. They’re in a great rhythm and are really together, which is showing up in how flawless this round is so far. One to go, they’re clear over that. CLEAR ROUND!!! They’ll finish no worse than 7th after a great three phases.
Kylie Roddy and SRS Kan Do complete on a score of 39.7.
4:18pm
Kiwi rider extraordinaire Jonelle Price is on a clear streak with Hiarado – will they keep it up? Eyes on 👀
They scored 30.4 in the first phase, and jumped a superb clear for this mare’s first time at the level, adding just 12 time penalties, putting them on a total score of 42.4 and into 8th place.
Show jumping form 📈 Jonelle has taken this mare pure show jumping and well as eventing, and you can tell – they’re currently on a run of seven consecutive clear rounds!
Jonelle and ‘Jools’ clear the first and put in an enormous jump at the second, and then they angle the third, but it stays in tact. They manage the fourth without bother. They fly through the treble at seven, opening up the stride afterwards to clear the oxer at eight. Jools has got such a powerful jump, really springy. They clear the last. CLEAR ROUND!!! A first 5* completion for Jools, and done in fine style. They’ll finish no worse that 8th.
Jonelle Price and Hiarado complete on a score of 42.2.
4:15pm
US Olympian, two-time 5* winner and World No. 3 Boyd Martin brings clear round expert Fedarman B forward to hopefully add to his clear round form. This is a combo you won’t want to miss 👀
They scored 31.7 in the first phase, and were the only combination to make the time yesterday, coming in 6 seconds under. They did have an 11 penalties though, and come into the ring today on a total score of 42.7, in 9th place.
Show jumping form 📈 In his twelve international runs since 2020, ‘Bruno’ has tipped just a single pole. One. That came at Luhmuhlen this year on his way the 8th place.
Boyd sets off with Bruno. I’m holding my breath! They’re clear over the first, and the second, and the third. Will they keep it clear over the fourth? Yes! They’re still clear as they come to the treble at seven – and clear through that. Bruno is jumping for job. No problem at the planks, Boyd steadies for the double at eleven. He jumps the triple bar, one more. CLEAR ROUND!!! Brilliant. So much class on show. He’ll finish no worse than 9th.
Boyd Martin and Fedarman B complete on a total score of 42.7.
4:12pm
We’re into the top 10 now!
France’s World Championships team bronze medalist and former Pau winner Maxime Livio brings Carouzo Bois Marotin into the show jumping looking for a clear round to finish off their Pau in the same style they completed Kentucky in the spring.
They scored 34.1 in the first phase, and a clear round with 12.4 time penalties saw them climb right up the leaderboard, on a total score of 46.5 and into 10th place.
Show jumping form 📋 Maxime takes this horse pure show jumping as well as eventing. He’s a one or none kind of horse – it was one here at Pau last year, but clear at Kentucky in the spring.
The crowd is very enthusiastic for Maxime, hopefully they’ll settle down a bit. Maxime’s get Carouzo in a quiet canter as they go around the ring, and they’re clear over five. They clear the treble at seven without so much of a rub. He opens the canter up for the Liverpool at eight, and they clear that easily. They carry on clear and fly the last. CLEAR ROUND!!! The crowd are loving it and Maxime is too. He looks delighted and so he should, a super finish for him, no worse than tenth.
Maxime Livio and Carouzo Bois Marotin complete on a final score of 46.5.
4:09pm
New Zealand’s James Avery and MBF Connection are on a clear round streak as they come into the final phase here today.
They scored 33.8 in the first phase, and a clear jumping round with 17.6 time penalties shot them almost twenty places up the leaderboard, on a total score of 51.4, in 11th place.
Show jumping form 📈 They’re on a run of four consecutive clears, including one in the 4*-L at Bramham. Will they continue their clear round form?
James and MBF Connection set off in a great rhythm and clear the first four fences very easily. They lost a little straightness at the vertical heading towards the crowd at five and have it down. Connection is jumping really well though and they fly the planks at nine. But then they drop onto fence ten and it’s got no chance of staying up. Two down for them, 8 penalties and a 5* completion.
James Avery and MBF Connection complete on a score of 59.4.
4:06pm
Britain’s Libby Seed and Heartbreaker Star Quality are on an impressive clear round streak – will they keep it up? Eyes on this one 👀
They scored 33 in the first phase, and jumped clear with 18.8 time penalties yesterday, putting them on a total score of 51.8 and into 12th place.
Show jumping form 📈 They’re on a run of nine consecutive clear rounds – nine! Will they make it ten today?
Wow, Heartbreaker jumps really big, almost too big. They drop fence three and then four. He jumps really big over the middle part of the treble at seven and ends up having it down. They have the first part of the double at eleven also. They add a stride into the triple bar at the end of the course, but clear the last. Four down for them and 0.4 time.
Libby Seed and Heartbreaker Star Quality complete on a score of 68.2.
4:03pm
The USA’s Allie Knowles and Morswood come forward for the final phase on a score of 57.3.
They scored 33.8 in the first phase, and had a great spin across the country, jumping clear with 24 time penalties, putting them into 13th place after the two phases.
Show jumping form 📋 They jumped clear on their last run at the long format, but before that you’d have said that ‘Ginge’ is a 4 or 8 kind of guy. They kept it to one at Maryland last year and jumped clear there the year before.
Allie looks to mean business as she sets off with Ginge. They’re clear over the first three but then fence four is on the floor once again. Ginge is really jumping nicely as he makes his way though the treble at seven, but then the Liverpool at eight goes, and then nine goes as well. This is a shame. They have the second part of the double at eleven, but clear the rest. Disappointing, but again, no 5* completion can really be too disappointing. Four down for them today.
Allie Knowles and Morswood complete on a score of 73.3.
4pm
Newly UK-based Americans Cosby Green and Copper Beach come forward into the final phase of their first 5* on a score of 59.3.
They scored 35.1.in the first phase, adding 11 penalties for breaking a frangible device and 13.2 time penalties yesterday, rocketing themselves up the leaderboard twenty place into 14th place.
Show jumping form 📋 Copper Beach is generally a four or eight kind of horse, although he did jump clear in the 4*-S at Little Downham last month.
Cosby and Copper Beach get off to a nice start and are clear over the first, but then the second goes. They have the fourth also. Cosby’s riding really nicely though. They rattle all three elements of the treble at seven but they all stay up. They have a great jump over the Liverpool at eight, but then fence nine goes. They’re clear over the rest and are over the finished. She looks a little disappointed but she’s got a great 5* finish under her belt and has really shown what an exciting young rider she is. Three down for them.
Cosby Green and Copper Beach complete on a score of 71.3.
3:57pm
France’s Florian Ganneval and Blue Bird de Beaufour come forward to the final phase on a total score of 59.3.
They scored 33.7 in the first phase, and jumped clear yesterday with 25.6 time penalties, ending the day in 15th place.
Show jumping form 📋 They rolled four poles last time out, and two at Luhmuhlen. They haven’t had a clear in an international competition, yet.
The crowd welcomes Florian with great enthusiasm, but then quieten down as he starts his round. They clear the first but then take the back rail of the oxer at fence two. They clear the difficult fence at four though. Blue Bird finds the distance in the treble at seven a bit tricky and he takes the middle part. Fence ten goes as well. They clear the rest though and are clear over the last. 12 jumping penalties and just over the time for 0.8 penalties there.
Florian Ganneval and Blue Bird de Beaufour complete on a score of 72.1.
3:54pm
New Zealand’s Samantha Lissington and Ricker Ridge Sooty GNZ come forward for the final phase of the gelding’s first 5*.
They scored 28.8 in the first phase and sat inside the top 10 going into yesterday’s cross country. They jumped clear over the fences and added 32.4 time penalties, putting them on a total score of 61.2, in 16th place.
Show jumping form 📋 They rolled just one pole in their last long format run, and two in the 4*-S in Aachen. There are plenty of clears on their record, but mainly at short format.
Sooty jumps brilliantly at the beginning of the round, easily clearing the tricky fence four. He’s really jumping his socks off. He’s really accurate through the treble at seven. Sam’s riding really purposefully and they are motoring round this course. They’re clear to the final fence, and over it. CLEAR ROUND!!! Nothing to add for them, great stuff!
Samantha Lissington and Ricker Ridge Sooty GNZ complete on a score of 61.2.
3:51pm
Britain’s Tom Jackson and Farndon are on a clear round streak – will they keep it up today?
They scored 33.2 in the first phase, adding 11 penalties for breaking a frangible device and 17.6 time out on course yesterday, putting them on a total score of 61.8, in 17th place.
Show jumping form 📈 They’re on a run of four consecutive clear rounds, including at Luhmuhlen on their way to 6th place.
Tom and Farndon set off in a nice rhythm over the first, but then they have the oxer at fence two. Fence four also falls. They continue on though and clear the treble really nicely. Tom takes an outside line to the Liverpool and they jump it well. But the first part of the double at 11 goes. They have 1.2 time also. Three down for them, but a 5* completion.
Tom Jackson and Farndon complete on a score of 75.
3:48pm
French rider Camille Lejeune brings Dame Decoeur Tardonne to the show jumping to complete the mare’s first attempt at 5*.
They scored 35.2 in the first phase, and were cheered round the course by the home crowd, jumping clear and adding 28 time penalties, putting them on a total score of 63.2 and up the leaderboard into 18th place.
Show jumping form 📈 They had two poles last time out, and two in their last long format run. There are plenty of clears on their record in short formats though.
They happily clear the first three and then make light work of the fourth. There’s really a lot of atmosphere and this 5* debutant horse is doing a really pro job in there. They’re clear through the treble at seven and then the Liverpool. They fly through the double at eleven. They’re clear over the last and it’s a CLEAR ROUND!!! Inside the time. The French crowd are going wild and Camille laps it up. A great finish for them.
Camille Lejeune and Dame Decoeur Tardonne complete on a score of 63.2.
3:45pm
We’re into the top 20 now with British rider Tom Rowland, who pilots KND Steel Pulse for the gelding’s first 5*.
They scored 35.3 in the first phase, and jumped clear across the country yesterday, adding 28 time penalties, putting them on a total score of 63.3, just inside the top 20.
Show jumping form 📈 They’ve had two poles in each of their last three runs, and one in each of their four runs before that.
Oh dear, Tom and Steel Pulse have the first fence down, and also the butterfly fence at three. They rub the final part of the treble but it stays up. The planks are no bother but then they have the first part of the double at eleven down. They rub the last but it stays up. Three down for them, 12 penalties in total. But a 5* completion.
Tom Rowland and KND Steel Pulse complete on a score of 75.3.
3:42pm
Irish Olympian Sarah Ennis brings Grantstown Jackson forward on a score of 71.3.
They scored 36.9 in the first phase, and added 20 jumping and 14.4 time penalties yesterday.
Show jumping form 📈 They lowered two poles in their last long format run but were clear in the 4*-L at Boekelo last year. Their clear rate is around 50/50.
They set off in a really nice rhythm and easily clear the first five fences. Grantstown Jackson has a relatively high head carriage, but Sarah lets him go in his style and it clearly works. The middle part of the treble at seven goes, a bit of bad luck there. They clear the rest with no problems, although they’re two seconds over the time and get 0.8 penalties for that.
Sarah Ennis and Grantstown Jackson complete on a score of 76.1.
3:39pm
Lithuanian rider Aistis Vitkauskas has re-routed from Burghley with Commander VG hoping to add another 5* completion to their record.
They scored 38.1 in the first phase, and had 20 jumping penalties out on course yesterday and 16 time, putting them on a total score of 74.1.
Show jumping form 📋 They lowered one pole here at Pau last year and have a clear, a four, an eight and a twelve on their record this season.
Aistis and Commander clear the first three, will they manage the fourth? Yes! A tiny clip but no problems there. They make the distances in the treble look easy and the planks are no trouble either. This is a really great jumping round from Aisitis and Commander. They’re CLEAR INSIDE THE TIME! A great end to their competition.
Aistis Vitkauskas and Commander VG complete on a score of 74.1.
3:36pm
Britain’s Helen Bates and Carpe Diem are ones to watch in this phase, for sure 👀
They scored 37.7 in the first phase, and jumped a super clear across the country yesterday, adding 38.4 time penalties, putting them on a total score of 76.1.
Show jumping form 📈 There’s not a single pole on this combo’s international record – not one! Just a whole bunch of 0s.
Ooo, I’m so excited to watch this pair! Carpe Diem absolutely flies the second fence, giving it about two feet of air. This is a horse that loves to jump. They easily clear the fourth fence that’s been causing a bit of bother. Carpe Diem’s jumping for fun. They fly into the planks, Helen sees a stride and they bound over it. They’re clear over the last. CLEAR AND INSIDE THE TIME! Their record stays in tact. Fabulous.
Helen Bates and Carpe Diem complete on a score of 76.1.
3:33pm
Swiss rider Nadja Minder brings her Young Riders horse Toblerone forward for the final phase of their first 5*.
They scored 30.5 in the first phase which left them in 14th place overnight. Like a few other riders, they added 20 penalties at the C element of the water at Fence 9, as well as 26 time penalties, putting them on a total score of 76.5.
Show jumping form 📋 They’ve jumped clear in their last three international competitions, including at the European Championships. Their recent form is clear more often than not, although they do tip the odd pole here and there.
This is such an exciting partnership and they come into the ring looking like they’re really meaning business today. They easily clear that difficult fence at four. Toblerone’s really motoring along and jumping brilliantly. They fly over the Liverpool at eight but then have the plank at nine. They’re clear from there to the finish though and they fly over the line. A brilliant 5* completion for them. Just the 4 penalties for them.
Nadja Minder and Toblerone complete on a score of 80.5.
3:30pm
Great Britain’s India Wishart is here as a 5* debutant with seventeen-year-old Diamond Sundance.
They scored 35.1 in the first phase, and had a great clear round across the country yesterday, adding 45.6 time penalties, putting them on a total score of 80.7.
Show jumping form 📋 They rolled two poles last time out in the 4*-L at Blenheim and one in the 4*-L at Millstreet. Mostly they keep it to one pole, and they do jump clear at the short format.
They get off to a nice start, but then fence four goes again. They’re great through the first two parts of the treble at seven, but then have the final part. The first part of the double at eleven goes as well. Sunny’s really jumping nicely though and is such a great ambassador for older horses at the top of their sport. 12 jumping and 1.2 time for them.
India Wishart and Diamond Sundance complete on a score of 93.9.
3:27pm
Ireland’s Joseph Murphy and Barrichello come forward on a score of 85.1.
They scored 34.1 in the first phase, and added 11 penalties for activating a frangible device out on course yesterday as well as 40 time penalties.
Show jumping form 📋 Barichello has been pure show jumping with his previous rider Cathal Daniels. He’s only been with Joseph for this season, and they have two clears, one four and one eight on their record from their time together.
Joseph and Barricello get off to a great start and clear that tricky fourth fence, but then fence five goes. They clear the treble at seven really nicely. They rub the first part of the double at eleven but it stays up. Oh dear, the last has gone. 8 jumping and 0.4 time penalties for them.
Joseph Murphy and Barrichello complete on a score of 93.5.
3:24pm
Belgian rider Julien Despontin comes forward for the final phase with Honeyblue.
They scored 37.6 in the first phase, and added 15 penalties for a missed flag and 33.6 time yesterday, putting them on a total score of 86.2.
Show jumping form 📋 We have to go back to 2021 to find a long format on their international record – they rolled two poles that day. It’s a similar story in their most recent runs in short format competitions – two, or sometimes three poles, occasionally more.
Unfortunately they have the first fence, and then the fourth fence hits the deck again. They clear the treble at seven well but then have the fence after that. They get really deep to the double at nine and take the first part, but manage to squirrel their way over the second part. Four down for them, and 0.4 time.
Julien Despontin and Honeyblue complete on a score of 102.6.
3:21pm
France’s Gaspard Maksud and Kan-do 2 are rounding off the gelding’s first 5* this afternoon.
They scored 37.1 in the first phase, and added 11 penalties for breaking a frangible device and 39.2 time penalties yesterday, putting them on a total score of 87.3.
Show jumping form 📋 They rolled four poles last time out in the 4*-L at Blenheim, but generally keep it to one or two.
Gaspard and Kan-do 2 clear the first but then have the second, and then the fourth, and the fifth. Not a great start but this is a young gelding taking on his first 5* track. He settles into a rhythm and clears the rest of the fences. Three down for them and a 5* completion.
Gaspard Maksud and Kan-do 2 complete on a score of 99.3.
3:18pm
British rider Phil Brown brings Harry Robinson forward for the final phase at his first overseas 5*.
They scored 40.3 in the first phase, and jumped clear across the country with 48.4 time penalties, putting them on a total score of 88.7.
Show jumping form 📈 They rolled four poles at Burghley last year, their debut at the level. It was 2 last time out in the 4*-S at Hartpury.
Phil and Harry are great mates and it really shows when you see them working together in the ring, and across the country. They clear that tricky fourth fence, good for them. Harry’s jumping his socks off. Ah, but then the sixth goes, and the second part of the treble at seven. Fence nine goes as well. He’s clipping most of the fences, they stay up but then the second part of the double at eleven goes, and then the last two. But another 5* completion under their girths. Five down and 0.8 time.
Phil Brown and Harry Robinson complete on a score of 109.5.
3:15pm
Irish rider Ian Cassells brings Master Point forward for the final phase of the gelding’s first 5*.
They scored 32.3 in the first phase. They added 30 penalties for two missed flags and 32.8 time on the cross country, putting them on a total score of 92.1.
Show jumping form 📋 They rolled a pole last time out in the 4*-L at Blenheim. More often than not it’s more than one. In the 4*-S at Burgham they had an automatic elimination for lowering five poles.
Master Point gives the first a little rattle but it stays in the cups. He puts a trot stride in before the oxer at two but picks up and they clear it. He seems to be getting into a rhythm now. He clears the treble at seven, and is clear through the double at eleven. Oh no, the final fence goes, what a shame for them, but a great 5* finish for Master Point.
Ian Cassells and Master Point complete on a score of 101.5
3:12pm
Britain’s Isabella Innes Ker and Highway come forward for the final phase of the gelding’s first 5*.
They scored 36.7 in the first phase, and added 20 jumping and 39.2 time penalties yesterday, putting them on a total score of 95.9.
Show jumping form 📋 They’ve rolled a pole in their last three international competitions, two in their last long format.
They clear the first but the back rail of fence two comes down. Four comes down again, seems to be a tricky line to that one. They continue on clear through to fence eight, but then nine comes down. And the last goes also. They add 1.6 time penalties too. 16 jumping penalties for them. But a 5* completion.
Isabella Innes Ker and Highway complete on a score of 113.5.
3:09pm
Great Britain’s Alex Bragg and Ardeo Premier come forward looking for a first 5* completion for the gelding.
They scored 35.5 in the first phase, and added 20 jumping and 40.4 time on yesterday’s cross country, putting them on a total score of 95.9.
Show jumping form 📋 They jumped clear in their last two runs, but they were short format 3*s. In their last long format they had one pole. Based on form, they look like a one or none combination.
They’re clear over the first three as a helicopter or airplane goes over the ring. The fourth fence is down once more. They clear the treble at 7. A dog’s barking now! Poor Alex is having a lot to deal with. He holds this 5* debutant together though and they finish up with just the one pole.
Alex Bragg and Ardeo Premier complete on a score of 99.9.
3:06pm
Kiwi rider extraordinaire Tim Price brings 5* first-timer Viscount Viktor forward on a score of 120.8.
They scored 28 in the first phase but two late refusals at the B element of the final combination added 60 jumping penalties to their score, as well as 32.8 time.
Show jumping form 📋 They jumped clear in their last long format run but have rolled a pole in each of their short format runs this season.
Viktor looks to be taking the atmosphere in his stride as he comes into the ring. He’s clear over the first three but the fourth fence goes. He focuses well through the treble and is clear through there. He’s looks well within himself. He clips the tenth behind but it stays up. The last goes but this is a great completion for a first time at the level for Viktor who held himself together well in that buzzy ring.
Tim Price and Viscount Viktor complete on a score of 128.8.
3:03pm
The only other rider coming forward to the final phase with two rides, British eventing hero Pippa Funnell brings homebred Billy Walk On forward.
They scored 29.6 in the first phase leaving them in 10th place overnight, but a problem at the log dropping into the water at Fence 20 yesterday saw them add 20 jumping penalties, along with 20 time, putting them on a total score of 69.6 and dropping them to 20th place.
Show jumping form 📋 They jumped clear at Burghley on the final day last year on their way to 8th place. They rolled one last time out, but more often than not it’s none.
Pippa comes into the ring. Wow, there’s a lot of atmosphere in there. They’re clear over the first five fences and are going ‘round in a really great rhythm. Billy’s got his ears pricked and is jumping his socks off. This is a really great round. They’re over the last and it’s a CLEAR ROUND!
Pippa Funnell and Billy Walk On complete on a score of 69.6.
3pm
Getting things underway, jumping out of order as she has two rides in this final phase, we have this year’s Badminton winner and World No. 2, Great Britain’s Ros Canter, who brings her Badminton ride’s half-sister Pencos Crown Jewel forward on a total score of 70.7.
They scored 28.3 in the first phase and sat in 8th place overnight, but a glance off in the water at the B element of Fence 20 yesterday and 22.4 time penalties dropped them down the order to 21st after the first two phases.
Show jumping form 📈 They rolled two poles at Badminton, and three at Burghley last year. There are lots of clears on their record though, at both long and short formats.
Ros enters the arena to a massive cheer as we kick things off this afternoon. Unfortunately the first fence goes, and then the fourth. They clear the treble though and seem to be in a nice rhythm now. They clip the planks but it stays in the cups. Over the last and they finish on 8 penalties.
Ros Canter and Pencos Crown Jewel complete on a score of 78.7.
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