GAZELLE SPRINGS INTO THE LEAD
A new top 3 graced the leader board at the
conclusion of dressage at The Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse
Trials. A day of gusty winds did not make conditions easy for
dressage, but a strong section of competitors late in the day set
difficulties aside to produce several competitive tests. In the end
it was the penultimate pair that gained the edge, the Belgian
Olympic rider Karin Donkers and her Swiss-bred mare Gazelle de la
Brasserie – to become the first Belgian rider ever to take the lead
at Badminton. “She usually does a lovely test – although she was
probably more relaxed in Hong Kong – but today was not the day for
relaxed tests,” said Karin who is competing at her third Badminton.
“I hope to have a good ride on my first horse (SS Jett) then kick
on with Gazelle – the ground is great and I hope to go for it
tomorrow.”
Earlier, the British-bred combination of Lucy
Wiegersa and Shaabrak delighted the audience as the first to break
the 40 penalty barrier. Lucy was however slightly disappointed with
the result. “I had really hoped I was going to pull off the best
test ever but he was the most tense he has ever been and he is such
a level-headed horse – so that shows how challenging the conditions
were,” said Lucy who is looking forward to the cross country
tomorrow. “I think it is a lovely course and a fantastic
first-timers course, not so technical as last year but big and
bold. The ground is superb, I anticipate a lot of horses could make
the time.”
Oliver Townend was delighted with his test
with Flint Curtis that gave them third place, although his verdict
on the course was a little more cautious. “It is still very much
Badminton and you have to concentrate right to the end – I think
riders will need to be switched on from start to finish.”
British Olympic dressage rider Carl Hester,
who yesterday gave a dressage display in the main arena, has been
commentating on the dressage. “The new test is much more
interesting for spectators,” said Carl. “And the highlight came, as
it always does, at the end of the day. Karin’s test was one of
great skill and showed the best harmony, and it was great to see
Oliver back to his best – he really rode well as did Lucy who
gained every mark possible from a lovely submissive horse.”
However just 5 penalties separate the top six
riders – the equivalent of 12.5 seconds on the cross country
course. William Fox-Pitt and Macchiato (19th) are first
on the course tomorrow at 11.00am. “I am looking for a confidence
boosting round in preparation for my ride on Idalgo,” said William
who is in 5th place with the French-bred gelding and
just four penalties from the leader.