Mandy Thomas judged the best turned out competition and awarded the honours to William Fox-Pitt and Mary King. Special mention to stylish kiwis Mark Todd and Caroline Powell, Francis Whittington who got a haircut especially, and Americans Sinead Halpin and Kristi Nunnink. Between the breeze and Arthur’s extended trot, Allison may have been regretting her wrap dress, she had to try and hold it closed to save her modesty a couple of times, but if I’m not mistaken it’s her Rolex outfit so let’s hope it brings her the same good luck! The American horses looked super and passed with flying colours – so sorry not to see Sharon White present Rafferty’s Rules, and and there was no sign of Marilyn Little-Meredith or her horse Rovano Rex. Two horses will not go forward to the dressage – The Netherlands’ Merel Blom’s horse Rumor Has It was not accepted from the holding box, and Australia’s Tim Boland withdrew GV Billy Eliot after being held – apparently the horse threw a shoe on Monday. Elizabeth Power’s September Bliss was asked to trot twice and sent to the holding box then accepted, as was Rebecca Crosbie-Starling’s Paddy’s Gold. South African Paul Hart was asked to trot twice but then accepted, and James Adams was sent to the holding box with Pricewise but then accepted upon reexamination. Several of the horses look very fresh – William Fox-Pitt’s Seacookie, Bettina Hoy’s Lanfranco TSF and Sinead’s Manoir de Carneville bucked his way down the lane! Pictures to come later.
Update: H&H Jog Report
After the trot-up lots of horses were grazed around the three Oympic jumps that are situated right next to the dressage arena, before the official ring familiarisation started. I’ve only managed to walk a portion of the course so far, but according to riders the going is fantastic, and the forecast calls for the rain to ease off by Friday – It’s going to be a fantastic weekend. Thanks for keeping it here at Eventing Nation – Go Burghley Three Day Eventing!
