William Fox-Pitt on top at Pau Horse Trials

After a dramatic and incident-packed day of cross-country at Pau Horse Trials, William Fox-Pitt leads the CCI**** on Navigator (pictured right). Ninth after dressage, the pair now have a showjump in hand over second-placed Karin Donckers and Lamicell Charizard. William collected just 3.2 time-faults — the second-fastest round of the day — despite taking two long routes.

“He’s a lovely, genuine horse and a fantastic galloper,” said William.

Karin Donckers had shared the dressage lead with Ruth Edge, and was delighted with “Charlie”, who was tackling his first four-star, despite their 16.8 time-faults. Unfortunately, Ruth wasn’t so lucky — despite a terrific first two-thirds of the track, Two Thyme lost his concentration when asked to go the long route at the third and final water and stopped.

American rider Boyd Martin rose a place from fourth to third after cross-country on Remington XXV, whom he describes as “honest as a judge”. They also collected 16 time-faults round Pierre Michelet’s twisty, demanding track.

Andreas Dibowski, 11th after dressage on FRH Fantasia, was clear with 10 time-faults for fourth place overnight. Kai Ruder maintained his fifth place on Leprince Des Bois, who looked very strong across country and collected 17.2 time-penalties.

The only combination to go inside the time, Denmark’s highly experienced pair of Peter Flarup and Silver Ray, remain on their dressage score of 66 and have climbed 22 places to sixth.

Joe Meyer and Sanskrit have leapt from 16th to seventh on 67.8. Nearly five marks behind them is the first French rider, Gwendolen Fer (Leria Du Ter), while Ruth Edge is ninth despite her stop.

Karim Florent Laghouag is 10th on Havenir D’Azac on 76.5.

Both Oliver Townend (ODT Master Rose) and Andrew Nicholson (Mr Cruise Control) had refusals, as did Sharon Hunt and Tankers Town, third after dressage. Brits to go clear but slowly include Georgie Spence (Running Brook), Nick Gauntlett (Elektron) and Lauren Yallop (One More Step). Gemma Tattersall and Lucy Wiegersma both fell and were eliminated.

Paul Horse Trials results after cross-country

1 William Fox-Pitt (Navigator) 51.2

2 Karin Donckers (Lamicell Charizard) 58.6

3 Boyd Martin (Remington XXV) 59.2

4 Andreas Dibowski (FRH Fantasia)

5 Kai Ruder (Leprince Des Bois) 61.4

6 Peter Flarup (Silver Ray) 66

7 Joe Meyer (Sanskrit) 67.8

8 Gwendolen Fer (Leria Du Ter) 72.6

9 Ruth Edge (Two Thyme) 74.2

10 Karim Florent Laghouag (Havenir D’Azac) 76.5

Read H&H’s full report on all the action from Pau in next Thursday’s magazine, on sale 11 November, 2010

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