The first day of dressage in the NAF Magic CCI4*S at the NAF Five Star International Hartpury Horse Trials inc. British Championships saw Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo deliver an impressive test to take the overnight lead on a score of 22.4.
The pair, longlisted for the European Championships and recent winners at both Badminton and Burghley, produced a polished performance in the Hartpury International Arena under the watchful eye of a ground jury made up of Nick Burton (GBR), Seppo Laine (FIN) and Remi Richard (FRA).
Speaking after her test, Ros said: “I’m very lucky to have Walter – he’s such a professional. I was really pleased with the test today; it’s all about fine-tuning ahead of our main autumn goal which is hopefully the Europeans.”
Bubby Upton sits in second place with Magic Roundabout IV, posting a 29.6 with the striking chestnut gelding, while Gemma Stevens and Cooley Park Muze hold third overnight with a score of 30.8, following a confident performance late in the afternoon.
International riders also made their mark, with Clarke Johnstone (NZL) and Sparky Lad, as well as Lauren Nicholson (USA) with Landmark’s Jungle Gold, both well-placed ahead of Saturday’s cross-country phase.
Dressage in the CCI4*S continues on Friday with a further 40 combinations still to compete, including last year’s winner Bubby Upton and Cola III.
Upton Leads in NAF Metazone CCI2*L
In the NAF Metazone CCI2*L, Bubby Upton and Sancerre De Tiji lead going into Saturday’s cross country phase after scoring 25.8 to move ahead of early leaders Amy Harris (Iwan, 28.4) and Wednesday’s leader Kitty King (Kilcoltrim Cooley, 29.6). The CCI2*L cross-country phase gets underway on Saturday from 8am.
Raybould makes solid start in Jump1 British Intermediate Championship
The opening day of the Jump 1 British Intermediate Championship saw Kat Raybould and Monbeg Shelby top the early leaderboard with a score of 29.5. Max Gordon and Shades of Sligo III, and David Doel and Charlie Foxtrot lie in second and third place respectively with 31.6 and 31.7. The majority of competitors will perform their dressage tests on Friday, with show jumping taking place on Saturday and cross country on Sunday.
NAF Superflex CCI3*L
The first horse inspection for the NAF Superflex CCI3*L took place on Thursday afternoon, with 54 horses presented to the ground jury. Jemima Howden and Monbeg Whisper were the only held combination, opting to withdraw from the holding box.
The first 14 dressage tests took place in the Indoor Arena, with Pippa Funnell and Billy Walk On holding the overnight lead on 28.3. The experienced campaigner looked immaculately turned out, and set a decent margin in the early stages with her nearest rival Emma Silman and KEC Maximum Impact in second place on a score of 32.5.
