Price pings to Pau pinnacle

A flashy chestnut scores his first top-level win at the final five-star of 2025, as the leaderboard has a daily shake-up

- MARTHA TERRY

TIM PRICE cemented his place among the eventing greats in landing his sixth five-star, becoming only the second rider to win Pau twice. His eye-catching partner Jarillo – owned by Lucy Allison, Frances Stead and James and Rachel Good – could equally be heading for greatness, performing outstandingly in all three phases to put himself bang in the picture for next year’s World Championships.

In a nail-biting showjumping phase, Jarillo’s stunning clear put the pressure on cross-country leader Sarah Bullimore, who slipped to fifth when Corimiro tipped an upright four from home.

“He’s such a talented animal,” said Tim. “He’s always been classy, but so sensitive; I’ve had to be his friend and give him confidence. I’m lucky to have the joy of sitting on him, just keeping my leg on and my heels down!”

Tom Jackson climbed stealthily up the ranks on Mary Harris and Ruth McMullen’s Plot Twist B, rising 29 places after dressage to finish runner-up and best Brit. They were the only pair to complete on a clean sheet.

“He isn’t the easiest on the flat, but he’s a very good jumper,” said Tom. “He’s a worrier and I’ve had to get inside his head to be able to ride him, but he’s produced what we knew he was capable of.”

America’s Boyd Martin rounded off an international podium in third on Cooley Nutcracker, whose showjumping clear lifted them from the 10th spot they’d held throughout.

“He’s magnificent; he catapulted himself into the air and flew around,” said Boyd, crediting Liz Halliday, who rode “Bali” until her accident last year. “We started the season a little ragged and I’m still getting to know him. I came here not knowing what to expect, and was blown away by him in every phase.”

UPTON LEADS DRESSAGE