'What the public thinks matters'

Richard Davison on success abroad and difficult questions closer to home

- OSCAR WILLIAMS

THIS season may have got off to a troubling start for some, but the past few weeks have offered plenty to celebrate.

Becky Moody and Carl Hester have done more than fly the flag on their travels - they've restated our position as a nation that strives for harmonious test riding. Becky and Jagerbomb's tests at their first World Cup Final were a joy to watch, and finishing head and shoulders above the field was no less than they deserved. Carl and Fame were superb in the grand prix special at the Fontainebleau CDI5*, where Lottie Fry and Glamourdale ran Justin Verboomen and Zonik Plus close in the grand prix.

At the notoriously demanding German show in Hagen, Sadie Smith and Swanmore Dantina pulled out a strong result, and Dannie Morgan shone with his up-and-coming ride Fever Tree in the small tour.

Looking ahead to the World Championships in August, a number of contenders are vying for the fourth team slot alongside Lottie, Carl and Becky, who are certainties.