Nicholson on top at Gatcombe
Catch up with all the latest news from the world of horse trials in our weekly column from Eventing magazine editor Kate Green
Andrew Nicholson’s wave of success continued at the weekend’s new Doubleprint Festival of Eventing with wins in both advanced classes.
Andrew also claimed his first British Open – the opening leg of the new World Cup CIC*** series – with his Hickstead Eventers Grand Prix winner, the Carrolls’ Mallards Treat.
A fast time across country saw the partnership overhaul dressage leaders Pippa Funnell and Primmore’s Pride, who was too leggy and inexperienced to be pushed around a course of Gatcombe’s undulations at speed.
William Fox-Pitt, the defending champion, was third and fourth on Moon Man and Stunning. His cross-country round on Stunning will go down in history, as William became the first rider ever inside the time at Gatcombe. He was also the only rider to achieve the time in any section all weekend.
The British Intermediate Championships were won by the consistent and promising partnership of Ruth Friend on Two Thyme, while Tom Robinson claimed the inaugural British Novice Championship on Something Funny.
The latter contest caused the most talk, as many riders complained that the course was too big. However, for those horses with sufficient mileage, it rode welland produced perfectly satisfactory statistics, although the qualifying process may need to be examined.
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Meanwhile, the international championship season kicked off promisingly for Britain with team bronze at the European Pony Championships in Hagen Germany.
| For full reports of both competitions, plus the new three-day event at Hartpury College this weekend and all the latest eventing news, see Eventing (on sale Aug 17). or visit www.britisheventing.comClick here to subscribe and enjoy Eventing delivered to your door. |
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Read more eventing news:
- Top eventers in action at Gatcombe
- Blyth Tait sidelined for a month
- New king crowned in Eventers Grand Prix
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