Today the focus moved to the cross country course for all levels of competition but of course the class that everyone wanted to see was the 3 Star/WEG special class. It appeared slightly confusing at first but as Gill Rolton explained, the contenders for selection for the WEG were there to show that their horses were fit and sound and give them one last hit out before selection, rather than undergo a full blown competition. This meant that the 3 Star competitors completed the full 3 Star course while the WEG class were asked to jump certain 3 Star fences and were allowed to take options at others, such as the water at fence 14.
In the Three Star Heath Ryan maintains his lead on the wonderful horse Mystery Whisper despite a 'blonde' moment at the water at fence 14 where he appeared to lose his way which may have contributed to the 6.8 time faults he incurred. But he maintains the lead on 52.40 ahead of NZ rider John Twomey on 56.90 and there are many who are glad to see the popular Heath back on top. The NZ riders appear to be on form with John also in 6th place. Victoria Luxford has moved up to 3rd place and Megan Jones on Kirby Park Allofasudden is in 5th place. Videos of the 3 Star and WEG class riders at the water at Fence 14 can be seen on the Eventful Life channel on YouTube (aneventfullifebook) In the Two Star Keira Byrnes maintained her lead on Fox Hill with a total of 49.50 in front of Craig Barrett on Sandhills Brillaire on 51.70 and Katja Weimann on her home-bred BP Gallantry. Unfortunately Katja had 20 faults on John and Jane Pittard's lovely big grey horse Pluto Mio in the Three Star, dropping her down to 11th place in that class but is looking like a strong contender for the Two Star finale tomorrow.
