The concluding part of Saturday’s action at Greenwich in the eventing dressage section was exciting, as Dirk Schrade from Germany (above) edged Sam Griffiths and Christopher Burton slightly down the leaderboard. A sterling performance from Briton Mary King (below) put her into second place ahead of Sam straight after her test.
Jonathan Paget rode a very classy test after the venue’s lunchbreak, for New Zealand. Clifton Promise showed some lovely medium walk and counter canter, and one of the most relaxed equine demeanors seen in the arena today. His extended canter looked very expressive, although the final halt was a little abrupt! The judges awarded 44.10, a score Jonathan must have been pleased with, putting him into fourth place after his test.
Jonathan Paget enters the imposing arena
Next up was the eagerly anticipated Andrew Hoy and Rutherglen for Australia, a super-experienced pair despite the horse’s relatively young age of nine. A superior performance showed us why Andrew is still at the top of his game, posting 41.70 to place him third, after his test - although that was before Ingrid Klimke rode, and fast tracked herself to the top of the leaderboard.
In a lovely forward going test – noticeably more onward than some other riders – Andrew made it look easy, with such a secure and elegant position. The extended canter was a highlight, although a slightly messy halt, with legs left behind, let the test down a little.
Andrew Hoy shows the British crowd how it is done...
With riders scoring an average of 52%, the Australians’ early to mid-40s scores bode very well for the cross country element next week and have placed them as the nation to beat. Sam Griffiths in particular was a revelation, poised and assured – what a pro, especially given the unusual circumstances of his selection.
We look forward to seeing how New Zealanders Caroline Powell and Mark Todd, and the Australian Fredericks, get on tomorrow in the concluding element of the eventing dressage test; The London logistics teams are doing a sterling job, and the venue is truly magnificent.
The final top four standings at the end of day one are -
Ingrid Klimke, Germany; Dirk Schrade, Germany; Mary King, Gt Britain; Andrew Hoy, Australia.
Sam Griffiths and Christopher Burton lie in 7th and 8th place respectively.
(And in case you are wondering - the photo at the front page of this post is the author by the ancient marketplace fence on the Greenwich Park XC course - the goat is part of the decoration!)
