Andrew Nicholson goes into the lead after the 3* cross

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3* results click here

More Interviews and 'At saumur Chatter' to follow.

 

Andrew after his 2* ride

What a wonderful XC day at Saumur.

CIC**: NICOLAS TOUZAINT AND NEPTUNE DE SARTÈNE TAKE THE LEAD

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All the riders said on Friday evening; that the cross-country course was demanding, and the time would be difficult to achieve. This certainly seems to have been the case. At the end of the cross-country phase, Clayton Fredericks (AUS) and his horse Brookleigh had to give up their first place to Nicolas Touzaint (FRA) and his horse Neptune de Sartène.
Starting second to last, Nicolas and Neptune didn’t make a single mistake on the course and crossed the finish line with a time of 5’49, which was exactly the time set. They now keep their dressage score of 44.50
Clayton Fredericks and Brookleigh were just slightly slower. Their time of 5’52 cost them 1.20 supplementary time penalties, taking their total to 45.50 points.
Aurélien Kahn (FRA) and Princesse Pilot take third place in the provisional rankings with a score of 47.10.

See the results

P5210014.JPG Meeting up with Ian Stark before the 3*


I had forgotten what a charming gentleman Ian is. Its been a few years since we last met up and many a twist has happened in life since then. However here he is at Saumur, competing in the 3* at the wonderfully energetic age of 58. We spent a few moments discussing children and grandchildren and how the years had passed us by. Ian suffered a brain heammorage last August and I am totally full of admiration for him. Riding in a competition of this calibre is an achievement in itself. Riding within a year of such a frightening health issue and as Ian said ' as a Grandad' - his daughter is expecting her second child any time now - is surely short of a miracle. proving the age old concept that 'Event riders just get on with it!'

How did he come to be here this weekend? Many are saying that it is because Toddy did it then surely others of the same genre and generation can dust off their boots too. Not so, Ian knows his horse well.

‘I started to do less after the Sydney Olympic Games, and I retired in 2007. But this horse has a family history’ he explains. ‘Looks Similar belonged to my sister-in-law Catriona. When the cancer took her, my daughter Stephanie took him on. Then she got married and fell pregnant and gave me the horse.’ And so it was the obvious thing to do, I helped out. ‘Looks Similar was qualified for a three star, so I decided to come to Saumur and here I am." he said.

Later that day Ian rode a blistering clear cross country round and is lying in a creditable 12th place. lets keep everything crossed for them tomorrow.

More interviews with Ian tomorrow.

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WATCH SAUMUR LIVE ON THE INTERNET

Friday Lunch Time Report

Well it's another blistering hot day at Saumur. There is a good breeze however across the main arena and there is plenty of shade to be had for the horses. The atmosphere is good, more visitors than yesterday and with many expected over the weekend as its a Bank Holiday Weekend in France.

CCI*** : Malin Larsson et Sofarsogood are leading the field at lunch time.
with a total 48,20, lthe pair took the lead from Laurence Hunt and Phoebus (GBR, 48,40), et Niklas Jonsson and First Lady (SWE, 49,60).

Scores at Friday Lunch Time

 

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Update after Thursday the first day of Dressage

CCI*** : Laurence Hunt & Phoebus leads the Dressage

Dressage for CCI*** began today, Thursday at the Prince Albert arena. Its a British team that takes first place Laurence Hunt & Phoebus that head the class with a score of 48,40.

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La Swiss take 2nd & 3rd places. Niklas Jonsson & First Lady obtained 49,60 points. Katrin Norling & Pandora Emm left the arena with a score of  51,20

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CCI***
DRESSAGE provisional result
DRESSAGE starting order 2nd day
DRESSAGE starting order 1st day

1st inspection


CCI***
DRESSAGE provisional result
DRESSAGE starting order 2nd day
DRESSAGE starting order 1st day
1st inspection

Press Release... Lunchtime Thursday  Dressage lunch break  CIC**

The Italian rider Chiara Luisa Cannavale and her 12 year old chestnut Quasimodo di San Patrignanoare leading with a score of 50.50. With  55,50 points, Jean Teulère & Lascar de Kergoet (FRA) are 2nd. Followed by Didier Dhennin and Must des Sureaux (FRA), 3rd with 55,70.

List of Starters for  Dressage

FH&C will bring you more photos, information and the end of day results later today.



Saumur is underway. the first horse Inspection trot up weds.jpgsaw everyone through sound.

Although there were some very high spirits from some of the horses. The floral displays caused some surprises during the trot up, causing some drama and a bit of gardening!


FH&C are at Verrie Hippodrome, situated just behind the famous Ecole Nationaux d'Equitation at Saumur. The weather is blistering hot, unlike at Badminton! Its a great venue with good visability and a welcoming feel.

We shall be bringing you updates and information throughout the competition.

Sensational Saumur is sweltering

Nicolas Touzaint wins the CIC** and Frank Ostholt takes the CCI***

Full report and photos from the weekend plus interviews and 'chat'