Britain claimed team silver and individual bronze in the eventing at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games today.
William Fox-Pitt held the lead overnight, but Christopher Stone’s Chilli Morning hit fence two and the pair fell to bronze.
“I feel very lucky to have got a bronze — when the competition is this tight I could just as easily have lost any sort of medal,” said William.
Zara Phillips jumped a fantastic clear today on Trevor Hemmings’ High Kingdom to help Britain secure silver and finish 11th individually.
Third team member Tina Cook had two down with Jim Chromiak’s De Novo News for 16th.
Harry Meade stood on the podium with the other riders to receive his medal, smiling bravely after the loss of his ride Wild Lone yesterday on the cross-country.
Germany’s Sandra Auffarth showjumped clear to move up from individual silver to gold with Opgun Louvo.
Her team-mate Michael Jung was also faultless on FischerRocana FST and rose a rung to silver.
This pair combined with Ingrid Klimke — also clear on FRH Escada JS — to win Germany’s fourth championship team gold in a row.
The Dutch were the big winners of today’s showjumping, rising to bronze with clears from Merel Blom (Rumour Has It) and Elaine Pen (Vira), plus eight faults from Tim Lips (Keyflow NOP).
“We didn’t take all the risks but played it safe, and that made us strong,” said Tim.
British individual Nicola Wilson had an unfortunate time in the showjumping when Annie Clover seemed a little overwhelmed. She had three fences down, before stopping at the last, but completed in 25th place.
Ireland held onto their sixth place today to secure their Olympic qualification. France (fourth) and Australia (fifth) also qualified, as well as the medal-winning teams.
Full report on the eventing from WEG in H&H this week, out Thursday, 4 September.
