With a score of 48.3, the Kildare native is in 27th place of the 83 starters, even though she is one of the youngest competitors, and is riding the smallest horse in the competition.

Carlow's 24 year-old Sam Watson is next best of the nine-strong Irish contingent with a 42nd place on the Irish-bred 'Horseware Bushman', while Liz Power and 'Kilpatrick River' are in 47th overall.

Badminton continues tomorrow (Sunday) with the crucial cross-country course, and finishes on Monday with the show jumping test.

Eleven nations are represented at Badminton, which is one of only five HSBC Classics to be held in the world this year.

 

Camilla Speirs