Germany steps up the pressure

German riders are applying pressure to the Badminton leader board, now claiming first, fourth and ninth positions. But as the judges break for lunch, Britain’s Ruth Edge and Terry Boon have retained second and third places with Daisy Dick and James Robinson lying equal tenth.

Britain’s Sharon Hunt was first in the arena this morning, marking the start of another hot and sunny dressage day at Badminton. Hunt and Tankers Town produced an elegant and accurate test, scoring 49.6 to take 12th place at the end of the morning. Andreas Dibowski from Germany was next to go and executed a top class test with FRH Little Lemon. The pair were 13th in the Athens Olympic Games and are regulars on the German team. A much deserved score of 44.8 pen has moved them into fourth position.

Australia’s Olivia Bunn and James Robinson were the only other of this morning’s competitors to finish in the top ten. Bunn and GV Top of the Line’s test was supple and obedient, scoring an impressive 49.1 to take ninth place. Qualified veterinary surgeon James Robinson produced a fluent, accurate test with Comanche. The pair finished fourth at Badminton in 2004 and their 10th position after this morning’s dressage puts them on track for a high position this year.

This morning’s action has pushed William Fox-Pitt and Tamarillo into 13th position with Pippa Funnell and Ensign well down the rankings in 17th. But Britain has all to play for this afternoon. Fox-Pitt, Francis Whittington, Matthew Wright, Oliver Townend, Lucy Wiegersma and Polly Stockton will all be riding their second horses and internationals Matt Ryan and Andrew Nicholson will be determined to shake up the leader board.

Italy’s Susanna Bordonne is first in the arena at this afternoon with Ava.

Badminton final scores

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