Clark Montgomery and Loughan Glen
Clark Montgomery became the third American rider to win the CCI3* at Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials in its 25 year history. Clark was understandably delighted with his win, sealing the deal with a clear show jumping round on Loughan Glen, who he was third on here in 2013. Clark has had a good season so far this year and admits to Rupert Bell that “We’ll ride the wave as long as it stays”
Clark Montgomery
Chris Burton and Nobilis 18
Another very in-form rider is the second placed Chris Burton who put the pressure on Clark by jumping a clear round on Nobilis 18, having added nothing to his dressage score of 42 during the event. Watching them jump in the arena it is hard to believe that Nobilis isn’t the easiest of horses to ride in this phase
“He gets a little excited if he knows that he’s going to show jump” says Chris “So we only jump one or two fences in the warm-up before we go in”
Third placed Kitty King continued her great form from the European Championships to be the top placed British rider once again, this time riding the young horse Ceylor LAN, although she hasn’t had much time to reflect on her team silver medal winning performance at Blair Castle
“We drove back from Blair overnight, unpacked the lorry and I had a dressage lesson on Ceylor LAN before we had to set off for Blenheim” says Kitty, who also added nothing to her dressage score to finish on a score of 44.4
While our full report of the CCI3* and CIC3* is yet to come, enjoy the CCI3* victory lap at Blenheim Palace including some high jinks from Nobilis 18
