Sir Mark Todd has won the Chatsworth CIC3* with a horse he has only competed five times.
All or nothing
The double Olympic champion led from the off with Amacuzzi, a horse he is riding for Italian rider Susanna Bordone.
Their great dressage score of 33.8, left them some breathing space, and despite gaining 17.2 time faults on the cross-country, the pair finished with 6.2 penalties in hand.
“He’s a big horse and a bit too strong for Susanna,” said Mark. “He’s a very nice horse, very good in all three phases. We’ve had a couple of iffy moments – I’ve had five outings on him now, three wins and two run-outs – so it’s all or nothing!”
In second place was Beanie Sturgis and Lebowski, while Louise Harwood and Whitson came third.
Shocked to win!
In the Dodson & Horrell Challenge CIC3* – which was for horses with higher FEI points – Sarah Ennis became the first Irish eventer to win the title.
Riding her husband’s 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse Stellor Rebound, Sarah rose from fifth place after the dressage and showjumping phases with a brilliant fast clear cross-country round to take the top spot.
“He’s a lovely horse but he’s lacking in experienced, so I’m pretty shocked to win!” said Sarah.
Buzzyatmosphere
William Fox-Pitt was in the lead with Chilli Morning after the dressage and showjumping, but withdrew from the final phase.
“Chilli Morning hit one fence in the show jumping but still held on to his dressage lead,” said William on his website. “I was pleased with how he went and it was a good opportunity to expose him to the buzzy Chatsworth atmosphere.However I decided not to run him cross-country as his plan is to go to Bramham and Aachen.”
France’s Olympic team gold medallist Cedric Lyard came second on Cadeau du Roi. In third place was Izzy Taylor with Orlando, and Paul Tapner was fourth with Yogi Bear.
Still got it
In the advanced section I Nicola Wilson and Opposition Buzz, who has been retired from top level, showed they’ve still got it, finishing on an excellent score of 39.3 to win the class.
Caroline March and Postmaster were second, while Zara Phillips came third with High Kingdom. She led after the dressage and showjumping, but went steadily on the cross-country for 17.6 time penalties.
The advanced section J was won by Mark Kyle on Step in Time ll, ahead of James Sommerville and Arco BB in second place.
Mark Todd also camesecond in the Novice section C, with Landslide. Mary King won the class with Kings Choice, after the pair finished on a dressage score of 28.0. Mary’s daughter Emily won the Under 18 Open Novice with Del Piero II.