British team sparkle on home ground

Mary King leads the “Great Britain 1” team to victory in the unofficial team competition

Although New Zealand filled the top three individual placings, Britain walked away with the team title.

Mary King and King Solomon III led the “Great Britain 1” team to victory in the unofficial team competition. In spite of a couple of rubs over fences on the way round, Mary stayed relaxed and the fences stayed up.

Other “Great Britain 1” team members included the European Champion Pippa Funnell, who lowered two fences on Cornerman during the morning session before going double clear during the afternoon to take fifth place individually.

Vere Phillips had a single time-penalty with Coral Cove in the team show jumping, while William Fox-Pitt had a single rail down on Springleaze Macaroo. British team manager Yogi Breisner said he was delighted with their performance.

The New Zealand team (Andrew Nicholson, Mr Smiffy/Daniel Jocelyn, Silence/Blyth Tait, Eze/Bruce Haskell, Jack of Spade/Joe Meyer, Jovial Sam) pulled up from fourth place after the cross-country to take second. Great Britain 2 were third and United States 2 took fourth.

Carol Phillips

H&H website editor

Carol is an experienced journalist and editor, who is also a passionate amateur rider and dedicated horse owner, having ridden since childhood. She has a particular interest in the emotional well-being and ethical training of horses, alongside veterinary matters, having garnered extensive first-hand experience of numerous equine health conditions through more than 30 years of horse ownership.