FOUCHOUDETTE LEADING LADY

Badminton debutantes Georgie Davies and her mare Fachoudette pulled in the fastest time of the day at The Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials. Twenty-five-year-old Georgie and Fachoudette, who represented GB at The European Championships in Pratoni last October completed the course 11 seconds inside the optimum time and was one of just two combinations to complete without jumping penalties inside the time. The pair subsequently leapt up the leader board from 31st after dressage to fifth place. “She is just amazing – she has such a big stride that just eats up the ground,” said Georgie. “Once I got into my stride and got going – I was hooking a bit too much for the first few fences which wasn’t really helping her – we had a great ride.”

Currently, before the final show jumping, Georgie is well placed to win The Laurence Rook Trophy, awarded to the highest placed British rider who has not previously completed the event while Fachoudette is the highest placed mare and could win a stud fee to the value of £500. “She had an embryo transfer last year and the foal, by French sire Jaguar Mail, is due next month, but I haven’t thought about another one.”