The Irish are poised to make an assault on the Badminton leaderboard ahead of the weekend’s cross country and jumping phases, with a number of combinations within striking distance of the medal positions.
Georgie Goss is best of the Irish, with her mare Feloupe scoring 30.8 penalties after an excellent test.
Goss said: “I was delighted with the horse, she’s always so consistent and relaxed in the arena. We had one slight mistake in a change but otherwise a really pleasing test and I’m looking forward to the rest of the competition.”
Lucy Latta and RCA Patron Saint, runners-up here in 2024, are next best on 31.9 penalties, and she was very happy with her mount’s test.
Latta said: “I’m delighted. The horse gave me everything he had and was really rideable. He can get worried in the atmosphere, but this is his third five-star and he’s getting used to the big stadiums. He had some lovely flying changes and a good canter. I have taken a career break because the horse is now 15 and I want to enjoy him a bit at five-star level.”
Paris Olympian Sarah Ennis is looking forward to tomorrow’s cross county phase with Grantstown Jackson, especially with the course setup appearing to be configured in her favour. She will enter phase two on 34.5 penalties.
Ennis said: “I’m so proud of him, it isn’t easy for him and it’s been a long road with him but I’m very proud, he just had one little moment.
“He was trending third after the flat work, which I was thrilled with because a lot of work has been done on that.
“It’s not going to be a dressage competition, I’m sure the leaderboard will turn upside down. I’m looking forward to it.
“Last year we didn’t have the best cross country but the year before that he was amazing and we’re going back that direction again and maybe it will suit him to go left handed.”
Austin O’Connor and Sixmilewater are next best, just one place behind on 34.8 penalties, followed by Padraig McCarthy with 38.2 and Sam Watson follows him with Ballyneety Rocketman finishing on 39.6 penalties.
HSI High Performance Eventing Manager Sam Griffiths was pleased overall with the Irish combinations and is looking forward to the weekend.
He said: “On the whole I’m very happy with how the dressage phase has gone, we did some really solid tests and it’s going in the right direction.
“The good thing about the cross country this year at Badminton is that the going is perfect and it will make for a great day of sport.
“It’s typical Badminton – big and bold – a lot of intensity and it will be big fence after big fence so we’ve got some good horses and we’re hoping for some good performances tomorrow. So far so good!”