Lucy Jackson and Andrew Nicholson are the big overnight movers after an influential Ian Stark cross country in the CCI4*-L at the Bramham International Horse Trials in the UK.

Lucy and Superstition II have catapulted themselves into the top eight of the field after a stunning cross country. It’s the 10-year-old gelding’s first run at this level and Lucy was ecstatic with his efforts, saying the “little brown pony was pure class” and she was a proud as punch of his efforts. They moved from 18th after the dressage to eight spot and remain on 33 penalty points. Andrew Nicholson and As Is were also clear and inside time to move from 26th to 11th on 34.6 with James Avery and Mr Sneezy adding 11 jump penalties to their dressage score to slip to 17th on 41.9.

Forty-three of the original 63 starters remain in the field. Today’s cross country saw nine eliminations, including Andrew Nicholson aboard Andrea BT4 who were eliminated near the end of the course. Caroline Powell and Sergeant Crisp were one of nine to retire. There were just 13 combinations to come home clear and inside time.

Kitty King (GBR) and Vendredi Biats have taken the lead on 26.8 penalty points, with Gemma Tattersall (GBR) and Jalapeno III right behind her on 26.9. Overnight leader coming into the cross country Pippa Funnell (GBR) and Billy Walk On picked up 20 penalties to slip to 19th on 46.6.

Caroline Powell and On the Bash were the best of the Kiwis in the CCI4*-S, finishing on 41.7 penalty points mid-field, after coming home clear in the cross country but adding 5.2 time faults.

“The weather looked grim today but managed to stay off pretty well – we have been quite lucky,” she said. “I don’t think anyone can complain about the ground here. Ian (Stark) always builds a great big attacking course and if you don’t attack it you don’t do it. It is a good course to come to and know what you have got.”

This year marked a very special Bramham anniversary for Caroline. “This is my 25th year of coming here and I don’t think I have missed too many Bramhams. It is one of my favourite events. I love Ian’s courses.”

Nick Brooks and For Fame completed their first international outing in the Northern Hemisphere with 57.1 penalty points.

The CCI4*-S was won by Gemma Tattersall (GBR) aboard Quicklook V who finished in her dressage score of 21.6 penalty points. It was a British domination of the top 10 with just one combination not wearing the Union Jack.

Sixty-six of the original 86 starters finished the event. The cross country saw eight retirements and seven eliminations. There were 20 combinations to come home clear and inside time.

In Germany, where the Internationales Wiesbadener PfingstTurnier hosted the second leg of the Event Rider Masters, Jonelle Price and her new ride Grovine de Reve have finished ninth on a score of 45.9 penalty points.

Her husband Tim, the only other Kiwi in the field, withdrew Wesko before the cross country. “He is totally fine, but we have decided to turn our attention towards Arville ERM in two weeks,” he said. “It’s been such a fantastic event here in Wiesbaden, I can’t wait to come back for another crack.”

Michael Jung (GER) and Star Connection took the win on 23.4 penalty points with Aussie Chris Burton and Lawtown Chloe second on 28.3 and Ingrid Klimke ()GER) and SAP hale Bob Old third on 28.4. Eleven of the original 15 starters completed, with the remainder withdrawing before the final phase.

In Canada, Joe Meyer and Buccaneer were eliminated from the Bromont CCI Three Day Event after a “misunderstanding” at an early fence in the CCI4*-L. Both are fine with Joe very disappointed to be walking home.

Horse Details:
Grovine de Reve – owned by Therese Miller, Philip Hunt and Jo Preston-Hunt
Wesko – owned by The Windrush Equestrian Foundation
Superstition – owned by Gillian Greenleas
As Is – owned by Deborah Sellar and Anna Weir
Andrea BT4 – owned by Andrew Nicholson
Mr Sneezy – owned by Tiny Clapham, and Ian and Heidi Woodhead
Sergeant Crisp – owned by Jo West
For Fame – owned by Nick Brooks
On the Brash – owned by Sarah Tobey and Sue Smiley
Buccaneer – owned by Team Johnny Syndicate

CLICK HERE FOR RESULTS FROM BRAMHAM

CLICK HER FOR RESULTS ERM WIESBADEN

CLICK HERE FOR RESULTS FROM BROMONT

By Diana Dobson – HP Media Liaison
Photos by Libby Law/ESNZ