Bettina blows the field away
After an incredibly exciting day of dressage at Leg 5 of the Event Rider Masters at Blair Castle Equi-Trek International Horse Trials, it is Bettina Hoy and Seigneur Meddicott for Germany who lead the field on a score of 34.6. A beautifully presented test as the last to go had all three members of the Ground Jury placing Bettina in first place overnight ahead of Gatcombe & Leg 4 winners Oliver Townend (GBR) and Cillnabradden Evo who recorded a score of 42.8.
Jonelle Price (NZL) piloted Cloud Dancer II to a smart test that sees them sit in third place on 43.1, just 0.3 of a penalty behind Oliver. Tom McEwan (GBR) was the long-time leader with Diesel and ends up in eventual fourth place after the first phase with a score of 44.5.
One of the pre event hot favourites Chris Burton (AUS) completes the top five with Polystar I who scored 46.8 despite an error of course in their test and current ERM Series Leader Paul Tapner (AUS) sits just inside the top ten with his faithful campaigner Kilronan, on a score of 49.1.
With two show jumps in hand ahead of second placed Townend, Hoy is in a strong position going forward to tomorrow’s show jumping phase. The next 12 combinations are covered by just two show jumps and the rest of the leader board have no room for error without it affecting their placings.
The scene is set for a fantastic day of jumping tomorrow, Sunday 28th August. Join us LIVE on www.eventridermasters.tv from 10.40am BST for the show jumping which, running in reverse order, builds the tension ahead of the afternoons cross country action.