William Fox-Pitt - first and second after dressage Photo: Libby Law
It was a battle against the elements at the second day of the Equi-Trek Bramham Horse Trials but the rain subsided at about lunchtime and the dressage continued in the three sections; the CCI***, the CIC*** and the Bishop Burton CCI***U25. William Fox-Pitt holds his lead in the CCI*** but with a different horse; Christopher Stone's stallion Chilli Morning on 39.2. His first ride, Niki Ryan's Avoca Alibi is second with New Zealand's Lucy Jackson and Willy Do third. Sam Griffiths was the only Australian rider to compete today on his Elite Squad Happy Times and a good score of 46.6 has him in sixth place while his second horse in this class, Paulank Brockagh is in equal ninth place on 47.2
On his ride on Chilli Morning, William commented; "I'm delighted with him as we're still getting to know each other. He went nicely in there - yesterday I was soaked through to the skin, today I had to battle with the mud. To be truthful, it's a shame that it's not a dressage competition!" When asked about tomorrow's course country, he said; "The course and conditions will be demanding and tiring but I'm really looking forward to it."
Sam Griffiths and Happy Times Photo: Libby Law
The CIC*** is a strong international field and it's a British leader at the top of the pile. Laura Collett scored a stunning 75% with Jason Houghton's Rayef for a penalty score of 37.5 - even in the sticky mud! The combination will be looking for a good round tomorrow after a fall at the Saumur three day event a few weeks ago. A happy Laura said; "Really pleased with him today. He got a bit stuck in the mud in his medium and extended trot but he stayed nice and soft throughout. I'm looking forward to tomorrow's course, it's nice and flowing - really big and bold. I'm just hoping the ground stays good! After our fall at Saumur, we're hoping to be back on track with a good run here."
Emma Dougall and Kelecyn Ice Age at the CIC 3* trot up Photo: Libby Law
William is second in this section with Neuf des Coeurs while Kiwi Andrew Nicholson shares third riding Avebury with Sarah Cohen and Treason. Australian Kevin McNab riding Clifton Pinot is in 12th place on a score of 44.1, just behind the strong GB team contender Nicola Wilson and Opposition Buzz. Andrew Hoy is in 19th and 22nd place on Cheeky Calimbo and Rutherglen while Emma Dougall and Kelecyn Ice Age are in equal 46th place.
It was the first day of action for the Bishop Burton CCI U25s and 23 year old Lizzie Brown was the only rider to go sub 40 to take the lead with Henton Attorney General. China's Alex Hua Tian is second with Secret Picnic with Tabitha Baird for Britain third on Enoch.
Sadly the Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse classes and Stallion Parade were victims of the weather and Saturday's Pony Club Show Jumping and Mounted Games have also been cancelled in a bid to save the ground. The Red Devils have decided that the high winds and low cloud will make parachute jumping conditions unsafe which is a huge shame as they were due to make their Bramham debut - but the wind is helping to dry the ground!
Cross country gets underway in the morning at 10am with the CCI*** and is followed by the CCI U25s at 2:18pm. The CIC*** will show jump in the Equi-Trek arena at 12noon.
Full results - click here
PHOTO GALLERY from Bramham Day Two
