Ennis finishes Fourth at Tattersalls, Funnell First

BRITISH eventing superstar Pippa Funnell is leading the field after the first day (Thursday) of dressage in the three-star event at Tattersalls Horse Trials in Co. Meath.

The Sussex-born rider, currently the only person ever to win eventing’s greatest prize, the Rolex Grand Slam, has grabbed the lead with the nine year-old Billy Beware on a score of 40.4, and for good measure is also in second place with the Irish Sport Horse Billy Landretti, bred by Donal Barnwell, on a score of 46.5.

Funnell, who holds an MBE and is an author of children’s books and star of several equestrian videogames, will hope to maintain her lead at Tattersalls following Friday’s second day of dressage, and will then face the formidable cross country course on Saturday and show jumping phase on Sunday.

Two Irish riders riding Irish Sport Horses also made the top ten today, with Aidan Keogh on Master Tredstep in equal seventh with 51.7 and Sarah Ennis with BLM Diamond Delux in ninth place on a score of 53.1.