Powys Event Rider Franky Reid-Warrilow & Dolley Whisper in the Lead NAF Hartpury Horse Trials

Franky Reid-Warrilow on Dolley Whisper

Up-and-coming eventer Franky Reid-Warrilow tops the leaderboard at the NAF Five Star International Hartpury Horse Trials, after the first day of dressage in the Superflex CIC***.

A European medallist, and a member of the World Class Podium Potential Programme, Franky slotted in at the top of the field on a dressage score of 44.0, riding Dolley Whisper. Paul Tapner and Bonza King of Rouges were a close second on 45.8, whilst Willa Newton rode Neelix to third place, scoring 47.0.

There was not much separating those placed at the top of the leader board, with the top 11 all within 10 marks of each other. American rider Lauren Kieffer’s two rides of the day, Landmarks Monte Carlo and D A Duras, were both in the top 10. It will be all to play for tomorrow with more top names starting their competition.

Amelia Walker and Director General stormed the Magic CCI**, taking the top spot on a score of 44.7. Second placed was Andrew Nicholson riding Yacabo BK, achieving a score of 47.1. Jonty Evans was hot on his heels at third place on Clara M with a mark of 47.7.

In the Recover CCI* Chloe Lynn rode into the overnight lead on Calzini with a score of 43.4. Mark Ford and Mintridge Larkspur currently sit in second place on 45.8 whilst Lizzie Baugh and B Exclusive are hot on their heels to make-up the top three places on 45.9.

Tomorrow will see the remaining riders take to the stage to complete their dressage tests before the weekend’s cross country and show jumping action gets underway on Saturday. The new-look-and-feel cross country course, designed by Eric Winter (CIC***) and Angus Smales (CCI* and CCI**), and built by Dominic Moore, has received lots of positive feedback from riders, sponsors and organisers.

Eric, who designed this year’s Badminton cross country course, said: “I’m so pleased with the course. Dom and his team have done a really great job. It’s really moved up a step in its look and its finish, it’s like a championship track.”

Course builder Dominic Moore added: “We’ve had a great couple of days in the final week of the event; the ground is perfect with the rain we’ve had and there is great grass coverage. We’re in for a great day of cross country on Saturday!”

Competing in the Magic CCI**, Jonty Evans said: “The course looks very impressive, the going is perfect and I’m really looking forward to riding it on Saturday.”

Admission on Friday 11th is free of charge, Saturday 12th tickets are £10 and Sunday 13th entry is just £5 per person with under 16s and parking free. To stay up to date with the latest news and results, visit www.hartpuryhorsetrials.co.uk or Facebook @hartpuryhorsetrials