Laura Collett has moved into the lead before cross-country in the Longines CCI5*-L with a score of 20.3 riding London 52. Pippa Funnell and MGH Grafton Street are currently in second place followed by Kitty King with Vendredi Biats.
Laura Collett was over the moon after London 52’s picture perfect dressage test: “He felt amazing. He’s obviously got so good in this phase, I was having a whale of a time. He was just so with me. You can just show him off, he loves it! On the way to the last arena he tensed up but then he took a big breath as soon as he went into the arena. It’s a fine line but he needs to be on it – and we got it right today. I just worked him lightly in the last couple of days. He knows the moves, so it’s about getting his brain right. Tomorrow’s course is challenging, there’s really no margin for error. There are a lot of three-stride distances and you’ve got to get it right, there’s no changing your mind.”
The top seven positions are currently held by British riders with Germany’s Jérôme Robiné and Black Ice currently in 8th place on 30.1. Cross-country day starts at 9.30 with Oliver Townend and Cooley Rosalent.
Thoughts about the Longines CCI5*-L cross-country course:
Boyd Martin: “It’s a tough course, a lot of narrow fences, corners, and a lot of turning exercises. It’s not the biggest track I’ve ever seen at five-star level but there are serious tasks all around the course.”
Chris Bartle: “It’s a beautifully presented track with clear questions – perhaps not quite as demanding as Badminton, but there are some questions where the riders have to focus on good balance, line and impulsion. Overall a beautiful track and I’m confident that our horses and riders are ready for it.”
Tamra Smith: “The cross-country looks good. The first water is huge and the skinnies are the skinniest I’ve ever seen, so you have to be precise. The water in the arena shows scope and bravery. It’s the first five star for my horse but I think it’s a really great course for her.”
How to watch: Horse & Country+ are live streaming both competitions with German and English commentary https://horseandcountry.tv
Start list and results: www.luhmuehlen.de
Image: TGL/Annette Dölger
