Britain gets off to golden start at Blair

Great Britain got off to a flying start on day one of the FEI European Eventing Championships, currently sitting in gold medal position in both the team and individual competition.

Teams

With British riders Kitty King (Persimmon) and Nicola Wilson (One Two Many) holding third and fifth places respectively, the team leads with a combined score of 71.5pen.

“Kitty was amazing and she did a super job – she kicked the team off really well,” said Nicola, who picked up 34.6pen with the 13-year-old gelding One Two Many. “I’m just delighted with him, he’s such a talented horse. Sometimes he can be a little bit cheeky but these last few weeks he’s got better and stronger and we’ve been working so well together so I’m pleased it showed in the ring today.”

France is second with 75.50pen, with both Thibaut Valllette and Karim Florent Laghouag in the top eight.

Germany is third, close on France’s heels with 76.60pen. Sweden is on 91.40pen and Ireland sit fifth with 96.60pen.

Jung guns

Germany are the reigning team World, Olympic and European champions but they’re currently sitting in silver medal position at this early stage.

Just a few days after winning his first ever Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials, Michael Jung lies second so far with the eight-year-old fischerTakinou.

“He’s a wonderful horse and very good in the dressage,” said Michael, who finished the dressage with 33.5pen.

Leader

But the lunchtime leader Holly Woodhead still holds on to her lead, with 31.7pen. The 21-year-old Brit is making her senior championship debut, riding the 11-year-old Irish Sports Horse gelding DHI Lupison.

“I knew he could go well but I didn’t realise he’d get that kind of score. To go top 10, I’d be happy with that, but to go into the lead, I was really happy with that.”

More to come

Britain’s remaining two team riders are still to come tomorrow, with William Fox-Pitt (Bay My Hero) and Pippa Funnell (Sandman 7) both due into the arena.

Then on Saturday attentions turn to Ian Stark’s impressive cross-country course.

Nicola Wilson advises never relaxing on course. “Start worrying at the first fence and don’t stop worrying until you’re through the finish flags,” she said. “There’s a lot to jump there and Ian Stark has been incredibly clever with his layout and use of the hills – and my word it’s going to be a true test of cross-country.”

Michael Jung, who was walking the course with the help of a segway after injuring his leg at Burghley, added: “It’s a really tough course with big hills, and the time will be difficult.”

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