Viva Vitali!
Tim Price (NZL) and the 12-year-old black gelding Vitali set the standard for the day and the chasing field when they posted a dressage score of 21.3 to take the lead on the second morning of dressage at Defender Burghley Horse Trials.
First into the dressage arena this morning at 10am, the pair were the only ones to trouble yesterday’s top three of Sarah Bullimore (GBR) with Corouet on 22.5, Piggy March (GBR) with Vanir Kamira on 22.6 and Pippa Funnell (GBR) with Billy Walk On 26.2 who now lie second, third and fourth respectively.
“That was cool wasn’t it?” was Tim’s reaction when he exited the arena. “I had high expectations but you’ve still got to pull it off when it matters – that was so much fun and it’s a great feeling when everything comes together.”
Oliver Townend and Tregilder posted the second-best score of this morning’s session to slot into fifth place on 27.5, with Burghley debutante Bubby Upton and Cola III close behind in sixth on 28.3:
“I’m thrilled with him,” confessed Bubby. “He tried really hard in there and I think that and the way he stayed so calm in that atmosphere really reflects the partnership we have.”
“It feels surreal to finally be here,” she added. “Riding at Burghley was a childhood dream as I came here to watch my heroes Piggy March and Pippa Funnell – the atmosphere is amazing.”
The final session of dressage commences at 13.45 with Tom Jackson and Capels Holow Drift first down the centre line.