Chris Burton wins the CIC3* on Polystar I
Well, we did say to keep an eye on Burto and Polystar I! Sorry to crow, but we certainly don’t always get it right and, really, does anyone know what is going to happen next in this crazy sport?
While the pre-planned reverse order cross country for the Event Rider Masters 3* finale is a very good idea to create tension and get everyone on the edge of their seats, the CIC3* draw for the Section B was just jolly good luck (maybe). It certainly worked well on Sunday when, despite the fact that the leader Gemma Tattersall, second placed Pippa Funnell and fourth placed Laura Collett were three of the 13 withdrawals before cross country, several of the riders left in the hunt for a win were heading out at the end of the class.
This left Chris Burton and Polystar I in the lead heading into the cross country on a score of 42.2 but not far behind were Tina Cook on Billy The Red (45), Nicola Wilson on Bulana (46.1) and the first day dressage leader Stella Benatti on Zaron (46.2), not to mention Paul Tapner and Oliver Townend lurking dangerously close behind
The course, which is a twisty seven minutes but this year saw some changes in direction, threw up its fair share of problems for many competitors with 19AB claiming a few victims, including Sam Griffiths and Foxdale Sunny Jim who retired here but it was the water at Fence 25 which was the undoing of Tina Cook who, having taken a dunking on her first ride Quarrycrest Echo, decided to withdraw Billy the Red, making it an even tighter finish at the top
Even Oliver Townend and his friend, Andrew Nicholson (the ‘King of Barbury’ yet again when he went on to win the Event Rider Masters CIC3* later in the day), had their share of problems with Oliver riding NoteWorthy dropping out of contention when they picked up 20 penalties early in the course at Fence 5
Andrew and Teseo picked up their 20 penalties at Fence 11 but a clear round on Jet Set IV with 13.2 time penalties put him in 13th place, just ahead of his compatriot Blyth Tait on Bear Necessity in 14th
Also in the top 20 were two worth a mention – Australia’s Warren Lamperd riding the whitest horse on course, Silvia, who always looks a picture finishing in 16th place and Lissa Green who is quietly getting some very decent placings on her horses, finishing 19th here on Hollyfield II
Most of the riders only had to worry about one horse at a time but Simon Grieve was one of the riders at Barbury supporting Hannah Francis’ #kickingcancersbutt campaign, having not only one horse underneath him but also one on top with Willberry Wonder Pony hitching a ride as well. Astier Nicolas and various other riders also gave the Willberry the ride of his life around the Barbury course – no doubt at some point someone will put a headcam on Willberry so we have a completely different ‘through the ears’ perspective
As it was getting to the pointy end of the class Paul Tapner made his moves on not just one but two horses that finished in the top five. Paul, who also went on to take second place in the Event Rider Masters CIC3* on Yogi Bear (it must have been a happy Tapner lorry on the brief ride home), very nearly made the optimum time on both Vanir Kamira, finishing in fifth place (51.2) and Kilronan, fourth on 49.8, but that honour went to sixth placed Michael Owen on Bradeley Law, who finished bang on the optimum time of seven minutes
Sarah Cohen and Treason
Paul was quickly overtaken by Sarah Cohen on the lovely Treason, now her only ride as she devotes most of her time now to looking after her two children.
“Beanie Sturgis (fellow rider) gave me a right talking to and told me to get a move on. I’ve ridden this horse for ten years and have always believed in him. He’s still got it – I just wanted to make sure I’ve still got it” said a delighted Sarah
Beautiful Bulana and Nicola Wilson
Nicola Wilson too had a great ride on Bulana, a winner at Boekelo last year, and was pleased that they were not only in second place but also working together more as a team on cross country after focusing on some communication issues with the feisty mare
“I’m hugely relieved,” she said. “Usually when her feet touch the ground after a fence she’s off, but today I thought: ‘My god, we’re actually in a rhythm.’ It was such a joyous feeling – she gave me a beautiful ride.”
But the black horse that steamed around the course to come in clear and under time at his first international 3* start was the winner, Polystar I ridden by Chris Burton.
Those jumping bloodlines of grand-dad Polydor showing through ( remember Beat Mandli riding Pozitano to team silver at the Sydney Olympics?) - Chris and Polystar I
“I only came here to show him his first three-star competition, not to win!” said Chris “But I was impressed with his stride and scope – he’s got quite a bit of thoroughbred blood – and he’s got a good attitude”
Chris took over the ride from 22 year old Michaela Sandberg who rode the horse for Sweden at the European Junior Championships but retired during the cross country. Polystar I was sent to Chris to prepare for sale but, as you can imagine, he is now quite keen on the horse! Chris and Polystar I , an 11 year old gelding by Polytraum, have only been together a few months but seem to have clicked quickly, finishing third in the Intermediate at Little Downham recently and taking sixth at Fontainebleau in the CIC2*
A very nice start to what may turn out to be a longer than expected partnership ............ here's some more snaps from #BeautifulBarbury as we wait for our galleries to come .......... stay tuned
A very good day for the Burton camp - Chris and Bek are joined the recently arrived Shane Rose, New Zealand's Clarke Johnstone and Canada's Rebecca Howard
Paul Tapner and Yogi Bear VIII, second in the Event Rider Masters CIC3*
Watch out for this man in Rio - Marcio Jorge and Lissy Mac Wayer were second after the show jumping ERM CIC3*
Gemma Tattersall and Santiago Bay - third in the ERM CIC3*
Have some champagne Andrew!
Sam Griffiths' Happy Times, sixth in the ERM CIC3*, looking fabulous at 17 years of age
Jonelle Price and Classic Moet, 8th in the ERM CIC3*
