Louise Harwood, Michael Owen and Paul Sims do some Formula One style champagne shaking
The Highland Prince started his eventing career with Michael Owen at Kelsall Hill and on Saturday he took the Advanced Intermediate title at the grand age of 17 years, having stepped down from his 3* and 4* three day event career
“He feels as good as ever” says Michael “We’re just having a bit of fun with him”
The pair was competing on their home ground at Kelsall Hill Equestrian Centre in Cheshire where Michael is based as a rider and instructor and they stretched out on the glorious ground of this venue’s cross country course to add nothing to their dressage score of 33.2. In the final showjumping phase they produced a clear round, as did the overall second placed Paul Sims on Last Secret, putting the pressure on Louise Harwood and Whitson who led after the dressage and cross country
One rail in the showjumping dropped Louise to third place but, without the 1.6 time penalties on cross country, she would have still taken the win
Michael Owen
Emma Silman on Sillogue Cailiocht launch off the Ski Jump that Quarrycrest Echo did not like
Piggy French on Quarrycrest Echo, Emma Silman on Sillogue Cailiocht and Nicola Wilson on One Two Many were all well in the hunt after the dressage but time penalties dropped Nicola and Emma down the leader board while Quarrycrest Echo found the prospect of launching himself from the ski jump at Fence 21 just too much. They were looking very competitive until this point but incurred 20 penalties here then jumped it on re-presenting – no doubt Piggy will be practising drop fences like this in the next few weeks
Piggy and Quarrycrest Echo
Michael, Louise and Paul now all head to Badminton with Michael riding Bradeley Law at his first CCI4* and Paul riding the very experienced Glengarnock, who had a canter around the Open Intermediate at Kelsall Hill on Saturday. Louise takes both Whitson and Mr Potts, the horse named after the Australian team vet Graham Potts who delivered him as a foal - we caught up with Louise for a chat about her (up and down!) preparation for Badminton and we'll bring you that interview soon
Louise Harwood and Whitson - ready for Badminton
