IN a closely fought battle for the lead in the first phase, Ros Canter squeaked to the top with the wise-beyond-his-years Lordships Graffalo. Scoring 22.1 in the Saturday afternoon post-coronation break, Ros and “Walter” were the closest combination to the 80% barrier, with the judge at B, Andrew Bennie, awarding them 79.42%.
“He has been steadily improving all winter and it’s exciting to be able to show him at his best,” said Ros.
Although Ros and Walter didn’t manage to score a 10, the consistency of the 11-year old gelding’s work was a joy to watch, with no big mistakes.
“He just loves his work and the atmosphere,” said Ros. “If the crowd had stamped their feet, he’d have danced even more. That’s why he’s such a wonderful event horse.”
Oliver Townend had been the long-time leader with his first ride, Swallow Springs, but Kitty King put a stop to that when she entered the arena in increasingly soggy conditions just after 8.30am on Saturday with Vendredi Biats.
This impressive grey is so consistent in the first phase now – they led the dressage at Burghley in 2022 with 21.2 – and they scored 22.3 this time around to sit second.
Kitty’s scoresheet was littered with eights, and they pulled in nines for their smart rein-back and expressive flying changes, as well as a 10 for their beautiful halt at C.
“He was super. He couldn’t have gone any better,” exclaimed Kitty. “He’s great in sloppy ground and was having a great time splashing about in there. He stayed really with me and comes into his own at three-days – at one-days he can be a bit ‘normal’.”
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
'Sorry, but I wasn't feeling it'
Fresh from the opening meet, Tessa Waugh hasn't quite yet been bitten by the hunting bug. Without the crisp autumnal air and cheek-pinching cold she hoped for, it's a sluggish start
New pair pull off a win
A former European Championships pony is on form with his new rider, while elsewhere former showjumpers and eventers take ribbons
Lording it over the rest
Horses who have returned from injury, a second generation homebred and a long format specialist score on the final weekend of the British season
Smith hits flying form
A \"her way or no way\" mare helps Zoe Smith to an impressive ribbon haul and a rider beats his own boss to the top spot
Jankorado hits the jackpot
Paul Sims is triumphant despite his interrupted jump-off preparation and a borrowed horse comes up trumps
Peanut
From \"dangerous, scary\" to hedge-hopping brilliance, hunting has been the making of this unstable but very lovable equine character
She's a corker
Communication, says long-standing and highly respected Belvoir master Lady Sarah McCorquodale, is the key to all, as Catherine Austen discovers
Access all areas Cavalier Centre
The Cavalier Centre is a fully accessible, state-of-the-art equestrian centre designed to improve lives through horse-based activities. Ellie May Forrester pays a visit
'Use it or lose it'
Not everyone wants to reach for the pipe and slippers at a certain age. Becky Murray speaks to some veteran horse-and-rider combos for their secrets of human and equine longevity
A new way forward
Worm control in horses is vital, but established methods will not remain effective for much longer. Tim Mair FRCVS explains why and how we need to change
