Watching the cross country on TV is far more exhausting than you would think, especially when the Australian riders keep giving you heart attacks. While some of the crew decided to go to Greenwich and find a pub to watch with a big screen where they could watch the cross country, I decided that the combination of a bar, cross country coverage and a sunny afternoon could be lethal and stayed at home in front of the tele with a cup of tea.
I definitely would have had far more gin and tonics than would have been good for me during this afternoon. So many stories but a quick summary;
- Chris Burton went early and made it look easy to make time and go clear
- Scary Mary King went like a bat of hell but came home safe
- Zara Phillips, Tina Cook, Nicola Wilson and William Fox-Pitt showed great class
- Sam Griffiths fell off
- Lucinda Fredericks took some very strange lines at the water fence jumping a few things but not the bit she should have to incur quite a few penalties
- Young Swedish rider Ludwig Svennestal rode a great round and I discovered he is based in North Yorkshire so obviously is my new hero
- Clayton jumped the drop fence fine then Bendigo’s back legs just slipped out from under him – horse and rider fell
- Aussie bred combination Phillip Dutton and Mystery Whisper best for USA
- Andrew Nicholson left the start box; I blinked and he was back home clear jumping and time. Don’t think that Nereo or he even raised a sweat
- The man in black, Mark Todd gave a masterful performance
- Watching Mark Todd and William F-P on course at the same time was bliss
Despite being in a house in Lewisham the world was at my fingertips thanks to Twitter. Here are some of my favourites from today and things that made me laugh despite it not being that good a day for Australia.
When Michael Ryan from Ireland fell off @HamishCargill: Someone get Michael Ryan a Guiness
When Canada’s Hawley Bennett-Awad fell off and her horse Gin ‘n Juice galloped off, shortly after Sam Griffiths fell off Happy Times @HaylieMartin: Gin and Juice making a run for the bar. Looking for Happy Times
Mark Todd finishing on Campino (Kinky) @kiwieventer: No wonder Kinky looks tired, he’s got 4 million people riding with Mark!!
@NZEventing: Bugger the tea, I need a stiff drink after that. Oh, that’s right it’s breakfast time here
@kiwieventer: Quote of the day “drama from start to beginning” someone please top up Mike Tucker’s gin. He must be sobering up
Tomorrow is another day and now I am going to have a drink. Funnily enough with some Swedes and Brits who have plenty to celebrate ............................
