Laura Collett and London 52. Photo: Irish Eventing Times
Laura Collett (GBR/20.3) is in the lead before cross-country day. Pippa Funnell (GBR/23.1) and MGH Grafton Street are currently in second place followed by Kitty King with Vendredi Biats (GBR/26.8)
Laura Collett was over the moon after London 52’s picture perfect dressage test: “He felt amazing. He’s obviously got so good in this phase,I was having a whale of a time. He was just so with me. You can just show him off, he loves it! On the way to the last arena he tensed up but then he took a big breath and as soon as he went into the arena. It’s afine line but he needs to be on it – and we got it right today. I just worked him lightly in the last couple of days. He knows the moves, so it’s about getting his brain right. Tomorrow’s course is challenging, there’s really no margin for error. There are a lot of three-stride distances and you’ve got to get it right, there’s no changing your mind.”
Pippa Funnell is now in the runner-up position, Kitty King and Vendredi Biats are in third.
The top seven positions are currently held by British riders. Jérôme Robiné and Black Ice are currently in 8th place (GER/30.1).
Cross-country day starts at 9.30 with Oliver Townend (GBR) and Cooley Rosalent.
Thoughts about the Longines CCI5*-L cross-country course
Boyd Martin: “It’s a tough course, a lot of narrow fences, corners, a lot of turning excercises. It’s not the biggest track I’ve ever seen at five-star level but there are serious tasks all around the course.”
Chris Bartle: “It’s a beautifully presented track with clear questions – perhaps not quite as demanding asBadminton but there are some questions where the riders have to focus on good balance, line and impulsion. Overall a beautiful track and I’m confident that our horses and riders are ready for it.”
Tamra Smith: “The cross-country looks good. The first water is huge and the skinnies are the skinniest I’ve ever seen, so you have to be precise. The water in the arena shows scope and bravery. It’s the first five star for my horse but I think it’s a really great course for her.”
