Photo: Stockimageservices.com/Anthony Trollope
What an exciting first day of competition. The opening guinea pig ride was performed by Kristina Cook and Miner’s Frolic fresh from their triumphs in Hong Kong…. certainly this was a hard act to follow.
It was anyone’s guess who would be at the top of the leaderboard today, but experience and determination won through. In the press conference Oliver "Olly" Townend stated that he was pleased with the performance of Flint Curtis (owned by Mr. Edward Nicholson and Mr. Robert Nicholson) after the ups and downs of this year. Oliver had to face the disappointment of not going to Hong Kong, the added complications of the many breaks to his collarbone and add that to the complication of the horse tying up just over a week ago. He now has the all clear and it was definitely all systems go today! I have photographed this combination many times and today they appeared more settled than ever with moments of brilliance.
William’s years of experience put him firmly in second place with a polished test on a Ballincoola who appeared as fit as a whippet! I feel his lateral work was the downfall today with some resistance at times. A very happy Aussie Paul Tapner said that the third place today does not make up for not being at the Olympics but his performance was creditable all the same.
Mary King must be thrilled to be in fourth place… this combination just keeps getting better. She is training hard with Ferdi Elberg and it shows.
Clea Phillips’ test on the talented Lead the Way was fluent and the most rhythmic of the day. I was looking forwards to the first of Karin Donkers’ rides but felt that SS Jett really seemed tight in front at times. I look forward to the impressive Rose’s Merlin tomorrow. USA’s Phillip Dutton sits handy in eighth position.
Call me soft, but I love Dee Kennedy’s impressive 17-year-old Big El. Dark bay, tall, lean and elegant their test was at times breathtaking and after their crashing fall at Badminton it is good to see them back to peak performance. Joe Meyer’s marks did not reflect the tactfully ridden display he gave with Ease on Fire… I feel they will be disappointed with their 20th place.
It was great to see Mark Todd visiting prior to his departure from the UK tonight. He said that he is really looking forward to the months ahead and planning for his new career in the eventing world on a global stage. The Aussies looked relaxed after their globetrotting and were showing lots of support for the Australasian riders today. Tomorrow it is definitely a case of all to play for, with another 9.30 am start with Ruth Edge and Mrs. Katherine Witt’s Mr. Dumbledore. Given Ruth’s current form I think there will be a real shake up!
