Cross country at Badminton Horse Trials, presented by Mars Equestrian, comes to an end after an action-packed day.
The sun shone and competitors tackled Eric Winter’s course with gusto, but it was Ros Canter who stepped up to the plate and pulled off a masterclass round riding Michele Saul’s Lordships Graffalo.
They added just 11.6 time penalties to their 22.1 dressage for a total score of 33.7 going into the showjumping tomorrow. She also sits in seventh with her other ride Pencos Crown Jewel who added 26.8 time penalties to their 29.2 dressage for a total of 56.
“The ground rode a bit more holding this afternoon as it was drying, but it was all about jumping fence by fence today, and having time to react,” said Ros of her round.
Ireland’s Austin O’Connor Eventing sits in second with Colorado Blue after adding 10.8 time faults to their otherwise clear cross country for a score of 42.7. It’s been 58 years since an Irish rider has won at Badminton.
“I went out thinking ‘what will be, will be,’ but he relished the conditions, and I’m the luckiest man in the world to have a horse like him,” said Austin.
In third is Oliver Townend and Ballaghmor Class whose 21.2 time cross country leave them on a total score of 45.9.
“I’ve had him since he was four, and he’s 16 now, so we know each other inside out, and we all feel very lucky to know him,” said Oliver of Ballaghmor Class.
It’s still all to play for, so don’t miss the show jumping which kicks off tomorrow at 11.30am.
Check out the current standings here https://bit.ly/44zIgRA
Image courtesy of Adam Fanthorpe Photography
