Britain’s Polly Stockton (pictured) did the best dressage test of this morning at the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials, taking fourth with Anne Henson’s Tom Quigley.
“He’s a brilliant horse in the dressage because he’s so rideable,” said Polly, who scored 42.8. “He’s not the greatest mover, but you know you can go in there and relax and enjoy it, rather than dreading when he’ll flip his lid.
“He’s gets a bit nervous in himself — he’s quite an introverted character — but once he goes in there he gets on with it.”
The top three places remain unchanged from yesterday afternoon, with Andrew Nicholson leading on Lord Killinghurst, William Fox-Pitt second on Parkmore Ed and Caroline Powell third with Lenamore.
Australians made the biggest impact in the early part of the day. Andrew Hoy now lies fifth on Master Monarch on 43.2, while Matt Ryan is seventh on Bonza Katoomba on 45.8.
“I think that is his best score this level,” said Andrew Hoy. “He couldn’t have done any more.”
Andrew was particularly pleased because last year’s Kentucky winner has made a remarkable comeback from a cervical cord problem.
“He lost all stability in his legs and couldn’t walk without feeling his way on the ground,” said Andrew. “When I withdrew him four days before Badminton I thought I would never ride him in another competition.”
Zara Phillips lies 17th after a pleasing test from Ardfield Magic Star, who is making his British four-star debut after going clear across country at Luhmühlen in June.
“That was really good, a lot better than in Luhmühlen where we missed all the flying changes,” she said. “He’s very sharp and it takes a long time for him to trust you. He moves really well, it’s just a case of trying to get into his head.”
Log back on for a final dressage update later, and don’t forget to buy Horse & Hound next Thursday (6th September) for a full report from Burghley.
RESULTS AT FRIDAY LUNCHTIME
1. Lord Killinghurst (Andrew Nicholson, NZL) 39.6
2. Parkmore Ed (William Fox-Pitt, GB) 41.4
3. Lenamore (Caroline Powell, NZL) 42.2
4. Tom Quigley (Polly Stockton, GB) 42.8
5. Master Monarch (Andrew Hoy, AUS) 43.2
6. Shaabrak (Lucy Wiegersma, GB) 44.8
Click here for full updated results.
