Three penalties cover the top five at the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials after the dressage phase.
New Zealand’s Jock Pagetis in pole position scoring 38.8pen with Clifton Promise. The 2013 Badminton winner’s excellent paces and uphill way of going won the approval of the judges, despite an occasional toss of his head. The medium and extended trot work was a particular highlight.
Jock said: “He was good and having a horse like that you would like to think you can be right up the front of the leader board after the dressage.”
William Fox-Pitt is in second with Bay My Hero. Although not the biggest mover, the 11-year-old Irish-bred gelding was very correct in his way of going and William rode to make the most of every mark.
William said: “While Bay My Hero has always been very reliable, he’s really growing up and maturing. He hasn’t been in too many atmospheres like that. He was very settled today and he’s a great showman. I believe there is more to come.”
Overnight leader Sam Griffiths (AUS) remains third on 40.2pen, with last year’s winner Andrew Nicholson and Avebury in 4th on 40.5pen. Unfortunately problems in the walk pirouette and flying changes brought down Andrew’s mark, but he remains in a competitive position ahead of tomorrow’s cross-country.
Sam said: “After a Thursday dressage, I’m really pleased to be in touch, but with riders like Andrew right behind me, I can’t afford any slip ups.”
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New Zealand’s Andrew Hoy is fifth with Rutherglen, Allison Springer sixth on Arthur for America and Aoife Clark the highest placed Irish rider in seventh with Vaguely North.
Piggy French is in 8th with Westwood Mariner, but a lack of match practise saw Jakata struggle in the big Burghley atmosphere to lie in 21st place overnight.
Watch some of the more eventful highlights from the first horse inspection at the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials
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Carol is an experienced journalist and editor, who is also a passionate amateur rider and dedicated horse owner, having ridden since childhood. She has a particular interest in the emotional well-being and ethical training of horses, alongside veterinary matters, having garnered extensive first-hand experience of numerous equine health conditions through more than 30 years of horse ownership.
