International driving season kicks off

20 May 2002

Barry Capstick makes his mark at the first international driving trials of the season in Brighton

Barry Capstick began his bid for selection for the World Equestrian Games with awin in the horse team class at Brighton International Driving Trials.

“We’ve got one new horse in the team,” said current national horse team champion Barry, who drives Sydney Smith’s Unicorn team of warmblood/Gelderlanders. “Considering how little we competed them last year, I’m pleased with the way they’ve gone here.”

Barry was second in the dressage phase in the 10-strong class, 10 points behind Boyd Exel. George Bowman was third.

Barry won the marathon phase, although Boyd’s competitive obstacle times would have kept him in first place. However, taking a passenger on his carriage on section E meant that he was eliminated.

“This was because of a technical infringement under the ruling on outside assistance,” explained president of the jury Diana Brownlie.

The technical cones course, designed by Anthony Petitpierre, showed drivers what to expect from international competition. Barry had a heart-stopping moment when one of his leaders jumped over a cone and he had to wait while the course was reset.

Showing true professionalism, he drove on to incur just five penalties, securing his win from George by some 20 points. Newcomer Dick Lane took third place.

Read more driving trials news:

• Support for single horse driver
• New format for international marathons
• Germany wins driving World Cup

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