FEI Houghton International Day Two

Gemma Tattersall remained at the head of the CICO3* at the end of the day, although she has subsequently withdrawn Chico Bella P. A few good combinations are still to perform their tests, including the final members of each Nations Cup team, but with Gemma out of the competition, Elisabeth Halliday-Sharp (USA) moves into the lead overnight with Fernhill By Night.

“It was always my plan not to go cross country here, because Bella is going to Bramham for our final trial. I’ve withdrawn before show jumping because the ground is slightly firm for her, and there’s a small event down in South America this summer that we hope to go to!”

In the CCI2* yesterday’s overnight leaders, Tim Price (NZL) and Danturano K have dropped to third after the completion of the dressage phase. First Regis Prud Hon (FRA) and Kaiser HDB took the lead by 1.2 penalties, but their pole position was short lived. Next into the arena was Pippa Funnell (GBR) riding Billy Walk On and this combination produced the best test of the two days to go forward to tomorrow’s cross country with a 1.9 point advantage.

The Askham Bryan College CCI2* National Championships is being led by 2014 champions Will Furlong and Livingstone II – last year the pair had to settle for second place. With a first phase score of 34.5 they are 2.4 penalties ahead of Emily King on Dargun – Emily also lying fourth with Loxley, her rides separated by Sam Ecroyd on Opera House.

There is no change at the top of the leaderboard in the CCI1*, with Will Furlong (GBR) and Collien P 2 still out in front on a score of 37.2. Daisy Dick (GBR) remains in the runner up spot on Ballinteskin Cooper S, having scored 38.8 yesterday. JP Sheffield (GBR) has slipped in to third place aboard Woodlander Wesuvio almost three penalties in arrears. The best placed non British rider is Tim Price (NZL) who lies in 5th= with Pats Jester.

The Combined Training was won by Sarah Bullimore (GBR) and Reve Du Rouet, with Bill Levett (AUS) second on Improvise and Daisy Berkeley (GBR) just behind on Strike Smartly. Izzy Taylor and Ellie won the straight CCI/CIC3* dressage class.

The final competition of the day was the inaugural Houghton International Blindfold Challenge: two people in a car, the driver blindfold, and the passenger directing the driver through an obstacle course of cones with tennis balls on top. The Germans won (although there is a certain stewards enquiry following the discovery of an incriminating photograph, so they will remain nameless!), with the Officials (Ro Audley and Ali Butler) runners up and the Americans third – not surprising with racing driver Liz Halliday-Sharp at the wheel. The less said about Tim and Jonelle Price’s round the better…