Pau Horse Trials trot-up: leading British contender withdrawn

Pau Horse Trials trot-up: leading British contender MHS King Joules, ridden by Oliver Townend, was withdrawn ahead of the final trot-up at the French five-star.

(Image credit: Libby Law)

The leading British combination after cross-country has withdrawn ahead of the Pau Horse Trials trot-up on the final day of competition at the French CCI5*.

Oliver Townend and MHS King Joules, a 16-year-old Ghareeb gelding owned by Tom Joule, were in fourth position overnight, but did not present at the trot-up today (31 October).

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Lucy is an experienced news journalist, reporter and presenter. Since joining the Horse & Hound team in 2015, Lucy has reported from major global sporting events including the Tokyo Paralympic Games and multiple European Championships, as well as Badminton, Burghley and London, to name a few. She has covered current affairs and sports news across the full spectrum of equestrian disciplines and racing, as well as human and equine welfare, industry news and court cases.

Pau Horse Trials trot-up: leading British contender withdrawn – all to play for in final phase

All 35 horses to come before the ground jury of Christina Klingspor, Andrew Bennie and Emmanuelle Olier were accepted to go forwards to the final showjumping phase.

MHS King Joules’ withdrawal means five-star debutants Bubby Upton and Cola now move up a place to hold provisional fifth and are the leading British combination ahead of the final phase.

There are four Brits in the top 10 and just 8.5 penalties separate the first 10 places. Oliver remains in touch of a top finish with his other ride, Sophie Adams’ Ridire Dorcha, who is in provisional 11th.

The showjumping is set to start at 2.30pm local time (1.30pm UK time). The start list is broadly in reverse order, with the exception of the two competitors with multiple horses.

Britain’s David Doel will also jump out of order on his first ride, Carneyhaugh Rua (provisional 22nd). David is lying seventh with Galileo Nieuwmoed, who will jump in order later this afternoon.

Yann Royant’s showjumping 1.30m course features 13 fences, including a double at 5ab, water tray at fence 8 and a treble at 9abc, with a time allowed of 85 seconds.

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