Three horses were withdrawn before the final horse inspection this morning leaving just 32 combinations to go forward to the showjumping phase at the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials.
Britain’s Nicola Wilson did not present Beltane Queen. The mare broke a pin at the PHEV Vicarage Vee yesterday and was awarded 21pens.
Kai-Steffen Meier’s TSF Karascada M and Emma Dougall’s Kelecyn Ice Age were also withdrawn overnight.
Wendy Schaeffer’s Koyuna Sun Dancer was sent to the hold box but was accepted when represented. Wendy has also had 20pen removed from her score that were incorrectly awarded yesterday.
All the other combinations were accepted upon first presentation.
Overnight leader Paul Tapner’s Kilronan still looked sharp after his efforts yesterday but top placed Brit Oliver Townend’s Armada —currently in 4th place — looked quiet.
Izzy Taylor was the only rider who had 2 horses to present this morning — KBIS Briarlands Matilda (22nd) and Thistledown Poposki (17th)
Runway gossip
Despite the dreary weather a number of riders decided to put their own sartorial stamp on proceedings.
Sweden’s Ludwig Svennerstal (9th) rocked a bow tie while Harry Meade (8th) opted for a pair of lilac chinos.
The wet runway left most riders mud splattered and the couple of ladies who decided to wear heels struggled to look sound.
Mark Todd and Leonidas II both looked well despite having headed out into the lake for a swim yesterday. Perhaps it is testimony to the benefits of hydrotherapy!
