ANGUS SMALES was the first of the 18 competitors left on the final day – Michael Owen withdrew Bradeley Law – to tackle Paul Connor’s showjumping course. His clear round on Charlotte Straker and Diana Birch’s Clover Echo 12-year-old, ESI Pheonix, set a standard that only four others were able to meet.
“It’s a brilliant track; very clever,” said Angus. “You’ve got switchbacks, he’s tested your right rein and your left rein, he’s tested you on the verticals, he’s tested you on an open stride, he’s asked you to make your mind up about striding.”
So spread out were the post-cross-country scores that Angus’ clear only elevated him two places. Louisa Lockwood (Diamond Ructions) and Harry Mutch on HD Bronze, both of whom had five fences down, dropped behind him, and Francis Whittington’s four poles and 2.8 time-faults on DHI Purple Rain moved him from 10th to 14th, but in such a small field the final positions were merely jiggled, with no dramatic plunges.
Pippa Funnell, in eighth place overnight on Majas Hope, jumped out of order and took the top pole of fence six in the top corner of the main arena, whose banks were packed with sun-drenched spectators.
James Avery’s eight penalties on Mr Sneezy didn’t change his position from 15th, while Sam Griffiths hit one fence on the chestnut mare Gurtera Cher, who has overcome a host of physical problems including losing several teeth to make it to her first five-star, and rose one spot to 13th.
This story is from the September 09, 2021 edition of Horse & Hound.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 09, 2021 edition of Horse & Hound.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
New competition and classification to mean dressage will be for all
The new partnerships with British Dressage will provide opportunities for riders with intellectual disabilities
Pressure grows on the FEI to tackle concerns in dressage
A leading judge has made some recommendations he believes will help support the sport's future
Aidan Coleman
Just a week after he announced his enforced retirement with a career-ending injury, Aidan Coleman talks through his raw emotions with Kate Johnson as he ponders life outside the weighing room
Badminton groundsman
Phil Cole on flawless going for cross-country, perfecting his craft on polo pitches and being at the mercy of the weather
Pulling power
Carriage-driving horses have a very specific job, and with that can come specific injury risks. Rosie Mould MRCVS explains
'Plenty to get your teeth into'
This year's Badminton track is testing, but fair, says Nicola Wilson, the 2021 European champion who finished in the top 10 at this five-star four times
Townend leads British domination
The world number one spearheads a British clean sweep of the podium as he contests his 100th five-star
Birch is back in the big time
A former Olympic reserve rider scores her first international win in four years, while Kelsall specialists make their mark again
Comeback queens reign
Rehab work pays off for Anna Ross as she makes a winning return, while a pair of young riders' birthday wishes come true
Pender keeps it in the family
Ireland's Mikey Pender begins a remarkable grand prix winning double and it all comes together in the ring for a \"special character\"