Oliver Townend (pictured right) won the showcase event, the CIC*** World Cup qualifier, on Flint Curtis at the Burnham Market International Horse Trials, sponsored by metal recycling company Easco.
Matt Ryan made use of Bonza Puzzle’s natural speed and agility to finish second. Matt also finished eighth on his other ride, Bonza Katoomba, and wife Marie was 10th on Penny Royal III.
Third was Rodney Powell riding Langarth Darcy. Francis Whittington finished fourth with Sir Percival III, ahead of dressage leaders Clayton Fredericks and Nullarbor in fifth.
Sarah Cohen and Hide And Seek II were sixth, ahead of Rodney Powell (Zinzan II).
Zara Phillips and Toytown lay equal third after the dressage, and a calm, rhythmical show jumping round with two poles down and a steady cross-country clear left them well-prepared for their first Badminton.
Georgie Davies won the second CIC*** section on Fachoudette. Oli Townend and Iron Brew were second with Tim Price third on Keyflow. Claire Phillips was fourth on Ginger Charlie, ahead of Jacko’s Delight and Stefanie Thompson.
Andrew Nicholson and Silbury Hill took the advanced, from William Fox-Pitt riding Macchiato. Third was Another Cavalier, ridden by Matthew Wright. Matthew also finished second in the open intermediate on Grove Joucas, behind Oliver Towened on Woodhouse Ben. Oli also took an intermediate section on ODT Master Rose.
Trebetherick won the CIC** under Sarah Cohen. Piggy French’s best placing came on Cast Away II, second in the CIC**. Third was Andrew Nicholson on Deborah Sellar’s Nereo.
Read this report in full, including photos with further analysis and Wiliam Fox-Pitt’s thoughts on the event, this Thursday’s Horse & Hound (12 April, ’07)
