Action at Gatcombe prevails through the storm
The show jumping and dressage classes continued at Gatcombe Park following the morning announcement that all cross-country would be cancelled for the day and run instead on Sunday 6th August for all Championship classes.
The Evelyn Partners British Intermediate Championship showjumping started with overnight leader Oliver Townend and Finley Du Loir one of the first to jump, going clear to retain top spot. A clean sheet on Crazy Du Loir also meant that he retained second place, but his overnight third placed ride Caunton First Class picked up an unlucky four faults, dropping the pair down to ninth place. Sneaking into the top three as a result was Franky Reid-Warrilow riding 12-year-old mare Dolley Phantom with a great clear round showjumping.
The Dodson & Horrell British Novice Championship was the second class to tackle the main arena showjumping course designed by Mark McGowan. An unfortunate pole meant that overnight leaders Jason Wood and Nitor dropped down to second, being overtaken by overnight second place Oliver Townend and En Taro Des Vernier who showed their experience in tricky conditions to achieve a clear round. Izzy Taylor goes into third place with her own Bayaanaat after a classy clear on the Irish gelding.
While the jumping action was taking place in the main arena, dressage continued with the Magic Millions British Open Championship. With a score of 27.2, last year’s British Open champions, Tim Price and Vitali head up the leaderboard, 2.2 penalties ahead of second placed Tom McEwen and MHS Brown Jack. Tim sits as FEI world number one in the eventing rankings and went on to finish third at Burghley after his success at The Festival last year. The 13-year-old gelding is by Contender out of Noble Lady and is owned by Alex and Jo Giannamore who have always been a huge support to the New Zealand riders. Right at the end of the class, Oliver Townend and Swallow Springs reminded their rivals of their competitiveness by joining Tim at the top in joint first place.
Don Stefano and Megan Brown retain their lead in the RoR/NTF Retrained Racehorse Championship after their showjumping. Despite picking up four faults, they had enough penalties in hand ahead of their nearest competition, Barney From Tyanee ridden by Hannah Freeman. Last year’s winner Andrew Downes with Gold Nugget round off the top three after showjumping. Don Stefano and Hannah now sit on 34.7 penalties, ahead of the cross-country phase tomorrow. They will not be participating in the second round of showjumping tomorrow as originally planned, so a winner will be crowned after the cross-country.
The TopSpec Challenge for The Corinthian Cup dressage continued today with last year’s winner Amy Barlow taking an early lead on her new ride, Lisnaught Lady Cruise, a 12-year-old mare by Cruise On (Cruising X In Clover). Affectionately known as Elsa at home, the 12-year-old mare was previously ridden by Jo Rimmer. Elsa is owned by Amy and a group of her friends called the Portman Syndicate, so called because they all ride with or are involved with the Portman Hunt in North Devon.
The inclement weather resulted in total abandonment of the BiowaveGo Open Intermediate and Bredon School Open Novice.
All five championship classes will go cross country tomorrow starting at 9am, so lots of action for everyone to enjoy.
Don Stefano and Megan Brown retain their lead in the RoR/NTF Retrained Racehorse Championship
