Clark Montgomery and Loughan Glen Win the Dressage at Badminton
They saved the best for last today, as the United States' own Clark Montgomery took a commanding lead in the closing stages of the second day of dressage at the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials.
“He felt amazing," said 32-year-old Montgomery of William and Holly Becker, Kathryn Kraft and Jessica Montgomery’s Loughan Glen. "I knew he was capable of producing that sort of test, but it’s the first time he’s performed in front of a crowd like that. He loves an atmosphere and he really perked up in there.
“We made two little mistakes – he got a bit stuck in the mud after the the extended canter and changed behind, and then became a bit stuck again in one of the shoulder-ins, but otherwise it all went to plan.”
Australian and first-day dressage leader Paul Tapner, Britain’s Francis Whittington (on Easy Target) and Australia’s Lucinda Fredericks (on Flying Finish) stayed at the top of the leaderboard and now occupy 2nd, 3rd and 4th places.
Sarah Algotsson Ostholt (SWE) slotted into equal 5th place with a good test aboard the mare, Reality 39, to finish on the same score (40.5) as Mark Todd (NZL) and NZB Campino. Todd is also in touch with his second ride, Leonidas II, who lies equal ninth on 41.8.
Two of the favourites for the title, British rider William Fox-Pitt (Parklane Hawk) and New Zealand’s Andrew Nicholson (Nereo), share a seventh-place spot with a score of 41.
With heavy rain forecast for overnight and the early part of tomorrow, riders are predicting a tough cross-country test.
“It’s going to be a whole new ball game,” said Francis Whittington. “As riders, we’re not afforded the luxury of disliking the course, so we all have to like it and get on with it – though I’m very glad I’m going early on.”
In light of the anticipated conditions, fence 18b – the second part of the Swindon Designer Outlet Mound – has been removed.
Paul Tapner said, “That particular fence wasn’t in keeping with the rest of the course, which requires bold forward-thinking riding and with the weather forecast as it is, I think it’s a good decision.”
The overnight leader is optimistic about his chances on his Irish Sport Horse gelding, Loughan Glen. “My horse is honest. He needs a positive ride, which this course encourages. I’m looking forward to it and hoping for the best,” Montgomery said.
The action starts at 12 o’clock tomorrow when the first combination, Izzy Taylor and KBIS Briarlands Matilda, will set off.
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