Britain in gold and silver position after cross-country at WEG

Photo: Jon Stroud Media

Great Britain are in team gold and individual silver position after the cross-country at the World Equestrian Games in Tryon.

‘Phenomenal horse’

Team GBR are on a total score of 80.8pen, ahead of Ireland in silver position on 89pen and France in bronze on 91.8pen.

Ros Canter is currently in second place on the leaderboard on 24.6pen, behind Germany’s Ingrid Klimke and SAP Hale Bob OLD on 23.3pen.

“What a phenomenal horse!” said Ros. “I couldn’t be prouder of him. I had to really push myself as everyone jokes calling me ‘Queen slow’ so I guess I’m proud of myself too!

“Two years ago I struggled to get a clear at this level, but now I’m at a World Championships.”

Cross-country machine

All five of the British riders produced clear rounds over Capt. Mark Phillips challenging course, which caused its fair share of problems.

First to go for Team GBR was Gemma Tattersall and Arctic Soul, who put in the perfect pathfinding round, to come home inside the time and move up 28 places to 18th.

“I got the job done and achieved what I came for!” said Gemma. “He’s a machine over cross-country and gave me an amazing ride.”

‘So proud’

Piggy French also rode a brilliant round on Quarrycrest Echo, to post a clear round inside the time. The pair heads into the final phase in eighth place.

“I’m so proud of my horse,” said Piggy. “He’s not a full thoroughbred and still inexperienced at this level, but he fought all the way to the end.”

Tom McEwen made an impressive senior championships debut on Toledo de Kerser, and also jumped clear inside the time. They currently sit in 10th place.

Heavy rainfall

Individual rider Tina Cook enjoyed a great round on Billy The Red, picking up just 2.4 time penalties, which puts them in 14th place.

The final showjumping phase will now take place on Monday 17 September due to predicted heavy rainfall in Tryon.

You can watch all the action from WEG on Horse & Country in our daily review show. We also have coverage of all the Olympic and non-Olympic disciplines.

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