Mixed fortunes for the early cross country runners
There has been drama a-plenty in the first few cross-country rounds at the Defender Burghley Horse Trials.
The first two
combinations out were Tim Price (NZL) on Bango and reigning Burghley
champion Pippa Funnel (GBR) with Billy Walk O. Both jumped clear,
albeit with 14.4 and 19.6 time penalties respectively.
Tim said after his round: “It was exhilarating to get out there. The ground is fantastic, a good platform to do what ever you want to do. I also learnt that the big distances are gettable.
“Bango is unique.
He's bold, too bold sometimes, but nimble when he needs to be.”
It was then time for four first-timers to take to the course. Emma Hyslop-Webb's Burghley came to a premature end at the final element of the Leaf Pit (fence 7). Waldo III hit the back rail of the corner, and incurred a horse fall.
Harry Much progressed further round the course, but didn't make the width at the Cottesmore Leap (fence 20), HD Bronze temporarily stuck straddling the hedge, Harry having reached the landing side alone.
Representing America, Woods Baughman had a first run out at the Leaf Pit, another in Defender Valley and a third further round, resulting in elimination.
Confidence will have been restored a little in the rider tent with clear rounds for Padraig McCarthy (IRL) on HHS Noble Call and Cornelia Dorr (USA) riding Daytona Beach 8, who jumped the fastest clear so far: “I was so nervous this morning,” she said. “It didn't feel easy, but what a partner!”