Drama packed XC day at the NAF International Hartpury Horse Trials
XC day started at 8.30am as the first competitor set out on the CCI 1* cross country course, followed a couple of minutes later by no 2. However, both riders fell, the first rider – Jennifer Meiklejohn, riding Bold Move, having a very serious fall resulting in a head injury. The XC was held for 1 .25 hours while she was stabilised on site before being flown by air ambulance to Frenchay hospital. Reports later in the day thankfully said that she was doing well in hospital.
The one star track was strong, but any problems were widespread over the course. Herefordshire riders Christine Hardinge and Holly Bradshaw were both clear and inside the time. Worcestershire’s Emily Johnson went clear with just 2.8 time penalties, but Herefordshire’s Anna Sherwood and Monmouthshire’s Kathryn Raybould retired XC, Kat having been unseated.
Sophie Wragg with Sandy City head out XC
Gloucestershire riders, Helen du Heaume and Mary Vestey were both clear inside the time with Helen in 6th place going in to the show jumping and Tom Rowland with The Carnival Cavalier lying 5th after xc. However, he had an extremely lucky escape in the 2 star after colliding with a land rover with ‘W. Iridium’ when an official drove across the course just as he approached. The horse hit the landrover and Tom was thrown over the bonnet. Amazingly both got up and seemed unhurt though no doubt very bruised.
Shropshire rider Sophie Wragg and Powys’s Franky Reid-Warrilow were both clear XC in the 2 star, while Gloucestershire’s Vittoria Panizzon held the lead with the experienced Borough Pennyz.
There was only one British rider in the top 10 of the 3* CIC, William Fox-Pitt – 6th with Neuf Des Coeurs and 9th with Lionheart. Australia, New Zealand and Germany dominated the section which was won by Australian rider Christopher Burton with Tempranillo.
Louise Harwood, (lt) and Rosie Thomas (rt)
Worcestershire’s Rosie Thomas and Barry’s Best added just one knock down sj and some time penalties xc to their score but weren’t in the money. Similarly, Louise Harwood had 2 down with Mr Potts and a few time penalties, while Jenga had one stop in the water. Adam Morgan went clear with Tender but steadily in this high class 3*.
More photos and a final report will follow after the conclusion of the CCI’s today.
Full results can be found by clicking here
