Speirs and ‘wonder pony’ Just A Jiff outstanding in Badminton Cross Country

KILDARE-based Camilla Speirs and her diminutive 16-year-old Irish Sport Horse, Portersize Just A Jiff, were the stand-out performers for Ireland today at the Badminton Horse Trials in Britain.

Speirs and her tiny gelding, who stands just over 15 hands, came home without jumping penalties and only two seconds outside the optimum time. They moved up 28 places and now lie in 17th position overall.

On a day when 27 horses and riders failed to complete Badminton’s unique Cross Country course, all five Irish entries managed to finish, while an Irish-bred horse now holds one of the podium places.

Westmeath-born Joseph Murphy and the Suzanne Finlay-owned DHI Topstory were also one of the biggest movers of the day. They climbed 40 places after they added just time faults to their Dressage score. Limerick’s Michael Ryan also improved his position with Ballylynch Adventure (ISH) and lies in 32nd having started the day in 59th.

Meath-based Sarah Ennis and BLM Diamond Delux (ISH) are in 37th, while Joseph Murphy and his second mount, Sportsfield Othello (ISH), are in 41st.

The Irish-bred thoroughbred Arctic Soul moved into third place after a brilliant clear round inside the time with British rider Gemma Tattersall.

German superstar Michael Jung leads the field with his London Olympic mount La Biosthetique Sam. The current European and Olympic Champion has two fences in hand on his compatriot Andreas Ostholt riding So Is Et.

Highlights of today’s Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials Cross Country will be shown on BBC 2 tomorrow starting at 2pm, followed by the the decisive Show Jumping phase.