Tim Price made an impression on the top echelons of the Maryland 5 Star dressage leaderboard during the second day of action today (Friday, 15 October).
The New Zealander piloted Trisha Rickards, Nigella Hall’s and his own Xavier Faer to a score of 24.3 to slot into second place behind Oliver Townend and Cooley Master Class, who retain the lead they held overnight.
“I’m so pleased with ‘Hugo’,” said Tim. “He’s a cross-country machine – that’s why he’s here – but he’s been improving on the flat. The more I put into him, the better he gets. He’s been doing five-stars for a while and continues to improve, which shows how sincere and genuine he is. This was his best test by three or four marks so I couldn’t be more pleased with him.”
The 15-year-old Xavier Faer has been in the top three at five-star three times, including finishing second at Kentucky Three-Day Event this spring, but is yet to win at the top level.
The USA’s Boyd Martin has claimed third place ahead of tomorrow’s cross-country, riding the Turners’ and his own 15-year-old British-bred mare On Cue – another who did well at Kentucky, finishing fourth – to a score of 25.
“I was pretty happy with her, she went in there and did a good test,” said Boyd. “I love this horse – she’s flamboyant, extravagant, a real lady. I’m thrilled to be riding her this weekend.”
Britain’s Harry Meade has popped into 10th on a score of 29.1 after his Maryland 5 Star dressage with Mandy Gray and his own’s Superstition, which whom he finished fifth at Kentucky in the spring.
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Harry Meade and Superstition at Maryland 5 Star 2021.
(Image credit: Shannon Brinkman)
Superstition was blowing his nose in the initial trotwork, which can be a sign of tension, but showed super activity and elevation. He looked very hot in the canter and Harry was skilful in his riding to keep a lid on him and pull in the marks, which only dipped significantly when he couldn’t pull off the final flying change.
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Pippa is a true eventing geek and has been H&H’s eventing editor since 2005. She has first-hand experience of competing up to British Eventing intermediate and international CCI2*-L level, and has worked in the industry on a top event yard. Pippa enjoys nothing more than immersing herself in the sport at the highest level, reporting from the five-stars and international championships, including the Olympics.
