Clark is still in command at Blenheim

Clark Montgomery is poised to win his first Blenheim title, after a suberb clear cross-country round on Loughan Glen.

Authority

The American rider stamped his authority on Friday with a commanding dressage lead. A clear round within the time round today’s cross-country means he goes into the final phase with two showjumps in hand over Australia’s Christopher Burton on Nobilis 18.

“This would mean a lot to win here as we have made the decision to come and live over here in Britain and it would be recognition that it’s paying off,” said Clark, who is now based with Capt Mark Phillips.

Quick

Thirteen of 98 combinations jumped clear within the time round Eric Winter’s cross-country course in the feature CCI3*. “It gave me confidence that the course was riding well and I set off as quickly as I could,” Clark added. “He got a little fast coming home, but was jumping really nicely and got me out of trouble,” he said.

New Zealander Tim Price is just 0.2pen behind Chris Burton in third, while William Fox-Pitt is best of the Brits in fourth with his 15-year-old gelding Cool Mountain. “He’s had a few blips and blots and time off in recent years and, at 15, he doesn’t owe us anything,” said William.

The showjumping concludes tomorrow. Watch highlights of Blenheim at the following times.

Horse & Country is available on Sky 253 and online (UK/Ireland only) viaH&C Play.