Sunday best
All 28 horses who were
presented at the final inspection were passed by the ground jury this morning.
Several showed no sign at all of having jumped round possibly the toughest cross-country course in the world.
Cornelia Dorr's Daytona Beach 8 (pictured) cantered back down the 'runway', much to the amusement of the watching spectators and both of Tim Price's rides, Vitali and Bango, were full of beans. Hollie Swain's ride Solo had his eyes out on stalks as the gelding appeared to grow to 20 hands high.
Two horses were sent to the Hold Box, Bubby Upton's Cola III and Sarah Clark's LV Balou Jeanz, but both passed on re-presentation.
Kate Shapland withdrew Uris Cavalier after the cross-country yesterday and neither Bradeley Law (Michael Owen) or Rioghan Rua (Cathal Daniels) were presented today.
The Horsecare Prize, sponsored by Pedens Bloodstock, was awarded to the groom of the best-cared-for-horse, in recognition of their hard work and dedication. The 2022 winner was Fraser Kirby, groom to My Ernie ridden by Helen Wilson, with a runner-up prize going to Sarah Charnley, groom to Pencos Crown Jewel ridden by Ros Canter.
The recipient of the Worshipful Company of Farriers Best Shod Horse Award, judged by Chris McCabe and presented by Lieutenant Colonel Mark Houghton, was Stephen Hill, farrier to Angus Smales' ESI Pheonix.