MOONFLEET RISES TO THE OCCASION

At the conclusion of two days of top class dressage Andrew Hoy and Moonfleet have retained the lead they set earlier in the day. The British based Australian is now on course for his second win with Susan Magnier’s Thoroughbred by Strong Gale who is back on form after a year out of action for an operation to improve his wind. “He is feeling well and fresh and while he has only had two runs this season he is a very experienced horse,” said Andrew. “I think the time for the course is achievable but this is Badminton and there is no room for error – we just want to have a good ride.”

Cumbrian rider Ruth Edge and her own and her husbands Trakehner  Muschamp Impala are just 0.7 penalties behind the leaders. “I think the course will suit my horse but I am aware that there are a lot of jumping efforts. My aim is to give him as nice a ride as possible and to enjoy him to enjoy the course,” said Ruth.

Devon based Lucy Wiegersma, a former British Champion, moved up into third place with Shabraak with who she was seventh here in 2006 and seventh at Burghley last year.

British team dressage rider Carl Hester who rode a dressage display in the main arena has also been commentating on the dressage for the last two days. “This year the dressage has been the highest standard I have ever seen here. We are now talking quality which is how it should be,” said Carl. “There are no special moving horses – just better training which enables ease of movement. The top five all scored over 73% which is the sort of score we see at national championships in pure dressage – so lets hope that riders stick to eventing.”

Cross-country action  starts at 11.am when Mary King and Apache Sauce will blaze the trail for this year’s Mitsubishi Motors trophy.