MARS Badminton Horse Trials; Dressage Update
Seven of the horses in the field are owned by CLA members and here’s how they fared after two days of dressage.
Eighty-one came forward for the dressage phase of the MARS Badminton Horse Trials following the horse inspection on Wednesday.
His Grace The Duke of Beaufort said: “Badminton symbolises the start of summer and as I look out of my window and watch it all taking shape, I always feel a surge of excitement.”
Seven of the horses in the field are owned by CLA members and here’s how they fared after two days of dressage.
Tom McEwen & JL Dublin (co-owned by Jamie and Jo Lambert): 22.4 penalties (pens).
“Dubs is a great personality. He was amazing, so relaxed and to show all that power – he got the mark he deserved. I was going for it and made that one mistake, but I have done as much as I can to stay ahead. He’s unbelievably talented and a showman – he knows he’s here. And a huge positive to Badminton for the ground, which looks great.”
Gemma Stevens & Jalapeno (owned by Christopher Stone): 24.7 pens
Gemma Stevens & Chilli Knight (owned by Christopher Stone): 29.5 pens
“We rode every blade of grass. He is never going to be a London 52 or a Lordships Graffalo – he tends to shuffle – but he will gallop for 11 minutes 40 seconds and I’m glad I’ve got two blood horses. The cross-country distances are really great, which pleases me with my show jumping background.”
Bubby Upton & Cola III (owned by Rachel Upton): 30.2 pens
“I am thrilled with Cola. He is really consistent and has come out fit and well. I’m not one to dwell on my dressage mark and I’m really excited for the challenge of the cross-country.”
Tom Rowland & Dreamliner (owned by Angela and Mark Chamberlayne): 33.1 pens
Alice Casburn & Topspin (owned by rider and Caroline Casburn): 37.9 pens
“The crowds were cheering and when Topspin saw the cross-country fence in the arena, I thought ‘Oh no’, but as long as we are not too far off the mark at the end of dressage I will be happy. I’m very mindful that there are two ‘coffin’ fences on the cross-country and I’ve been very busy building at home to practise. I’ve been to B & Q and got my hammer and nails out!”
Jack Pinkney & Rehy Revelation (owned by Simon and Mags Hope): 39.9 pens
“We knew the flying changes were a work in progress – and they are expensive – but I am pleased with the rest of the test. He is a cool horse, and if I can get him there, he should jump round the cross-country tomorrow. It’s all up to me.”