Everything to jump for
Thirty eight horses go forward to the show
jumping at the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse
Trials.
One horse failed the final veterinary inspection. Sadly for British
rider Piggy French, What A Performance was eliminated by the ground
jury.
Fig Jam (66) the ride of New Zealander Bundy Philpot and Bally’s
Geronimo (94) the ride of Victoria Carlerback from Sweden were not
presented. While Hunter’s Legend, the ride of Briton Dominic Ruane,
passed the veterinary inspection he was withdrawn before the show
jumping.
Just four faults, the penalty for a pole down, divide the top three
placed combinations and eight faults – two fences down – the top
nine, so there will be all to jump for in order to win the £55,000
first prize and the silver Mitsubishi Motors Challenge
trophy.
Germany has a strong hand with three riders in the top five – 3rd,
4th and 5th – and could provide the first mainland European winner
for 56 years.
Sarah Cohen is the highest placed British rider in 7th place with
Hide and Seek II and the evergreen Over to You currently lies in
12th with his long-time partner Jeanette Brakewell. Louise Skelton
is the highest placed British first-time rider with her homebred
Partly Pickled.
Six of the nine mares that started the competition are through to
show jump – with two, including the current leader Headley
Britannia, in the top four.