Austin and Colorado Blue fly into 2nd after cross country at Badminton

After the downpours at Badminton yesterday, the ground was very soft. Combine that with Eric Winter’s strong course, it came as no surprise that only 30 combinations made it through for the final phase tomorrow.

There was a magnificent performance for Ireland by Austin O’Connor with the 14 year old Colorado Blue (bred by Kate Jarvey), who had started cross country in 34^th position on a score of 31.9. The combination produced a blazing round, finishing in the fastest time of the day, to propel them up to 2^nd position. It is 40 years since an Irish rider has taken a podium position at Badminton. The combination were placed eighth last year.

Austin with Colorado Blue was the highest placed member of the Irish team at both last year’s World Championships in Pratoni (18^th) and the Olympic Games in Tokyo (13^th).

 

Leading Badminton coming into thee final day is Ros Canter with Lordships Graffalo. This combination placed second last year.