Lucinda Fredericks headed an enormous field at Barbury Castle CIC***, sponsored by St James’s Place, on Headley Britannia. Last to go in a rain-soaked reverse-order cross-country phase, the little mare flew the hills and joyfully took strides out to ping the big fences.
William Fox-Pitt was runner-up on Parkmore Ed, fourth on Ballincoola and fifth on Tamarillo, all of whom looked superb. Clayton Fredericks was immaculate on Ben Along Time to take third.
Britain’s Olympic hopes were boosted by excellent show jumping performances, and Mary King wasn’t far off the main prizes, finishing eighth on a fit-looking Call Again Cavalier.
Team-mates Daisy Dick (Spring Along), Kristina Gifford (Miners Frolic) and Sharon Hunt (Tankers Town) went well in 14th, 17th and 20th places respectively.
Mark Todd, riding in his first high-profile British event for eight years, scored 50.6 in the dressage and show jumped clear on Gandalf, but stopped at the narrow fence out of the sunken road at 22. Mary King also ran out here with Imperial Cavalier, and Sharon Hunt parted company with Good Sport II.
Read Barbury Horse Trials results
Read Horse & Hound’s full report on all the action from Barbury Castle, in this Thursday’s magazine, on sale 10 July
