Gemma Tattersall – British Open Champion at Gatcombe

Gemma Tattersall has been named the British Open Champion at the Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe Park.

Bold cross-country

The win was also her second in the Event Rider Masters (ERM) series, in which she tops the leaderboard.

Gemma rode a brilliant, bold cross-country round on the ex-racehorse Arctic Soul to secure the win. The pair produced the fastest time of the day, coming home with just 1.2 time penalties, which rocketed them from eleventh place after the showjumping.

‘Over the moon’

“I am over the moon,” said Gemma. “I thought the two rails we had in the showjuping was going to cost us the win, but Arctic Soul gave me the ride of my life.

“I think he is the best cross-country horse in the world. It doesn’t matter what the terrain is, he suits any track, he is so versatile and just fabulous. I put on my brave pants and we saw every fence right and every stride. I’ve never been so fast in my life!”

‘Delighted’

Sweden’s Ludwig Svennerstal secured his first podium place in the ERM series, finishing second with Balham Mist 4. Ludvig was seventeenth after the dressage, but rode one of only three clear showjumping rounds. The combination then jumped clear on the cross-country course adding 6.8 time faults.

“It’s a great result for the horse and by far his best performance,” said Ludvig. “We felt this event would suit Balham Mist and we have worked very hard on targeting this and he has given everything. I am delighted!”.

Britain’s Alexander Bragg was third riding Zagreb. They were another combination who were faultless in the showjumping, but added 14.4 time penalties on the cross-country.

Extended lead

With only two legs of the series left, Gemma has extended her lead in the ERM series to 13 points, with a current total of 104 points. Leg two winner Sarah Cohen sits in second on 91 points and Mark Todd, who finished in fourth place at Gatcombe, lies in third place on 69 points.

You can watch highlights from the Event Rider Masters series on H&C. ERM 2017: Gatcombe Park premieres on Sky 253 on 12 August at 8pm or you can watch online via H&C Play or Amazon Video.