Tight at the top for series podium positions at series finale

Shane Rose (AUS) and CP Qualified sit just 0.1 of a mark behind the dressage leaders, Izzy Taylor and Be Touchable, on a score of 35.8.  This weekend Rose will be aiming for back to back ERM wins, after he topped the podium at leg 6 at Blair Castle last month.

Commenting on his intent to shake up the final series standings, Rose said;

“I am a competitive person, we came here to do well and I am going to try to do just that.  At the start of the season we were just getting ready so had a slow start, but it’s now time to catch up.  CP Qualified likes this type of ground and I think the cross country course will suit him tomorrow. He feels fit and ready to run”.

China’s Alex Hua-Tian, riding Don Geniro, is another combination to previously win an ERM leg. The popular partnership lies in third place, scoring 36.4.

Hua-Tian commented;

 “I can’t tell you how happy I am with Don Geniro.  We have had a cold season with him, he has so much potential but has been frustrating.  Today was the first time this year that I started the dressage with Don and thought we are on and I felt I could ride him through the test, rather than defensively.  I am delighted”.

Also challenging for a place on the overall series podium is the 2016 ERM champion Oliver Townend (GBR), who sits in fourth place with Cooley Master Class on a score of 38.3.    Tim Price (NZL) and Ascona M is in fifth scoring 38.6, with Sir Mark Todd, currently third in the series, and Kiltubrid Rhapsody in fourteenth on a score of 43.6.  Sarah Cohen (GBR) and Treason, who can finish no worse than third in the overall series, lies in fifteenth on a score of 43.8.