Jonelle Price and Capitaine De Hus Z. Photo by Peter Nixon.
New Zealand’s Jonelle Price is in the lead in the feature class at Scone Palace International Horse Trials, The Malcolm Group CCI4*-L, after dressage.
Jonelle, a multiple CCI5* winner, scored 28.4 on David and Katherine Thomson’s Capitaine De Hus Z, a new ride for her this season, giving her a narrow margin over second-placed British competitor Tom Jackson and Hambro Sport Horses’ HH Moonwalk, who go into Saturday’s cross-country on 30.1 penalties.
“He’s a new horse for me, so this year has been about getting to know him,” Jonelle said. “His former rider Ginny Thomasen has done all the leg work with him, and it’s been a case of making him feel more like my horse. His test yesterday was a step further in that direction. He’s a nice-moving, attractive horse so now we’re getting a clear round [in the dressage] we can think about adding some more ‘spice’ and I can be a bit braver in the mediums.
“He’s a cheeky, game little horse. He’s experienced at this level, often not the easiest across country as there’s nothing there to back them up. The control has been the main issue for him and I’m heading out tomorrow with a few questions that I don’t know the answers to yet. He’s a very good jumper; scopey and up for the job. I hope he can go out there and be fast on the clock while remaining respectful of the fences. I’ll tell you those answers tomorrow at about 1.30pm!”
In third place at this stage is Tiana Coudray (USA), with a mark of 30.8 aboard Coeur De L Esprit Z. Other U.S. riders in the CCI4*-L field are Lauren Nicholson, who’s 15th after dressage on Landmark’s Jungle Gold and Jenny Caras, 16th with Sommersby.
Ros Canter and Izilot DHI. Photo by Peter Nixon.
British Olympic gold medallist Ros Canter took a commanding lead in The Malcolm Group CCI4*-S class riding her own and Alex Moody’s 12-year-old dual CCI5* winner Izilot DHI, former world champion Ros scored 21.9. This gives her a 6.9-penalty advantage over her Paris Olympics team-mate Laura Collett, who sits in second with 28.8 on a new ride, Alex van Tuyll’s home-bred Count Onyx.
“I’m delighted with ‘Isaac’,” said Ros. “He felt elastic and was relaxed at the same time. It’s lovely to be back in Scotland with space around us and fantastic support from the crowds.”
According to equestrian sport statistics company EquiRatings, Ros and Laura’s scores are the two best at CCI4*-S level on Scottish soil since 2008. Emily King is also in a highly competitive position with the Burghley-bound Valmy Biats after posting a score of 25.3.
Ros Canter and Broadstone Lion Man. Photo by Peter Nixon.
Ros has also taken pole position in the CCI2*-L on Jo Needler and Kate James’s Broadstone Lion Man, a British-bred eight-year-old by Billy Tudor who is contesting his first international event. They are on a mark of 26. Canada’s Rebecca Howard is in the runner-up spot currently on Dolmen Cooley, who scored 28.2.
The Malcolm Group CCI3*-L has another New Zealand rider, Ginny Thomasen, at the head of affairs after dressage. Ginny – who rode Capitaine De Hus Z before Jonelle took over at the start of this season – produced a score of 26.1 on her own and Phillippa Levy’s Katchafire. Second to them on 25 penalties are Alex Turnbull (GBR) and the veteran Harelaw Wizard, who, at 18, is just four years younger than his rider.
British rising star Heidi Coy remains on top in the CCI1* with 27.8 on Deborah Remijn’s Heggeland St Louis, while Eva Bryant and Colnaleen Rebel are ahead for Britain with a mark of 34.3 in the CCI2* for ponies.
Cross-country at Scone Palace starts at 8.30am on Saturday (August 23); tickets are available on the gate and online. For more information, including a full timetable, and to purchase tickets, please visit www.sconehorsetrials.com. Action from all three phases of the international eventing classes can be watched live on ClipMyHorse.TV.
Scone Palace International (Scotland): [Website] [Timing/Scoring] [CrossCountry App XC Maps] [Live Stream]
