Chris sees the funny side of his 'bloody German horse' at the press conference!
Photo: Paul Harding lewishardingimages.com
Chris Burton is certainly on a roll and proving that he can win on several different horses. His chestnut Olympic mount Holstein Park Leilani, owned by Jean and Jade Findlay, stayed at Chris’ UK base in Dorset (chez Griffiths) when he and his host Sam Griffiths headed to Aachen. On this occasion Chris took the 14 –year old Underdiscussion and his Saumur winner Haruzac.
But this time it was Underdiscussion that took the individual title at Aachen in the DHL Prize CICO3*. The breeding (by Lanthan)) was the cause of some laughter in the press conference afterwards when asked what breed his horse was, he responded 'bloody' German. The person asked 'why a German horse' and he said laughing 'if you can't beat them, join them'!
Although the horse may be German by breeding, he has come to Chris via New Zealand. Before he was bought by Chris and other owners two years ago, Underdiscussion was on the New Zealand dressage squad with Christine Weal and was also evented by former Kiwi representative Donna Smith.
“He was pretty useful but I knew he wasn’t going to be a grand prix dressage horse,” said Christine “He’s done a lot of mileage on the flat and while he used to be difficult in big atmospheres, now he just loves it!”
Christine was on hand at Aachen to see the victory, having decided at the last moment to fly over and watch the horse compete
“It’s just amazing to have such belief in the horse and see it come through” she said
Sam and Real Dancer reunited - both fine Photo: Libby Law
Chris’ team mate and friend Sam Griffiths didn’t have quite such a good day at the office, parting from Real Dancer at the water on cross country which unfortunately put Australia out of the teams competition as Bill Levett, who finished 26th, and Chris were the only team members to complete, Clayton Fredericks having withdrawn before cross country.
Another man smiling his way to the Olympics, Andrew Nicholson and Nereo Photo: Libby Law
Germany took the Nations Cup teams title ahead of Great Britain and Sweden, with New Zealand in fourth place. Andrew Nicholson was the top Kiwi, finished on his dressage score of 43.6 penalty points. He was 13th after the dressage phase, moving up to eighth after going clear and inside time in the showjumping, and then up to fifth after again finishing the cross country hoof perfect.
Equestrian Sports New Zealand high performance director Sarah Harris said “Nereo made the (cross country) track look easy and looks fit and ready to go for London. Andrew just loved it,” she said.
Next week Chris and many of the other riders will be heading to Gatcombe Park for the Festival of British Eventing. In the meantime, he has plenty to smile about!
Photo: Paul Harding www.lewishardingimages.com
