Pippa Funnell and MGH Grafton Street. Image: Luhmuehlen Horse Trials.
Pippa Funnell leads Luhmühlen CCI5*-L
Pippa Funnell (GBR/23.1) and MGH Grafton Street are currently in the lead after the first day of dressage in the Longines CCI5*L at Luhmühlen in Germany, followed by Kitty King with Vendredi Biats (GBR/26.8) and Laura Collett with Dacapo (GBR/29.7).
Pippa Funnell was delighted with MGH Grafton Street’s performance: “I was really chuffed. He was with me all the way and I personally think it was one of his best – if not the best test – he’s ever done. I’m always trying not to overwork my horses. So I worked him in a jumping saddle for the last couple of days to keep him happy, because he gets bored otherwise. The course is very good – plenty of arrowheads, plenty of corners. So on Saturday I have to make sure that he’s focused on the tasks. If I get his eyes on and his focus is on the question he’s normally very good. So, it’s my job to get his eyes between the flags.”
Kitty King was also full of praise for Vendredi Biats: “I was absolutely thrilled with my test this afternoon. He stayed really with me. It was a test you could just ride and enjoy. He likes the stadium here in Luhmühlen. He went very well and confidently. He has improved a lot and has done a great test today. We’re looking forward to going round the cross-country on Saturday.”
The second day of dressage in the CCI5*-L will take place today. Australian Bill Levett will ride his test with Huberthus AC at 3.15pm local time, 11.15pm AEST.
View the CCI5*-L leaderboard here.
CCI4*-S Meßmer Trophy overnight leader: Nadine Marzahl
On Thursday the first 24 starters competed in the CCI4*-S Meßmer Trophy. Nadine Marzahl (GER) is currently in the lead (29.9), closely followed by Julia Krajewski (GER/30.2) and Ben Leuwer (GER/31.0)
The first day of dressage day saw two happy German ladies. Julia Krajewski rode the nine-year-old up and coming Ero de Cantraie and was very happy with her horse’s performance: “I’m very pleased with our dressage. He’s still unexperienced, this is only his second four-star. He was relaxed and focused throughout the whole test.”
Only Nadine Marzahl and her 12-year-old Hanoverian mare Victoria were able to beat Krajewski’s score today: “Victoria was brilliant. She presented herself so well, kept her cool and was super motivated. I never expected us to be in the lead after today, so I’m overjoyed.”
The second half of the CCI4*-S Meßmer Trophy dressage will start Friday at 9.15am local time with Dan Kreitl (USA) and his 10-year-old Carmango.
Australian Kevin McNab is scheduled to ride Willunga at 11.22am local time, 7.22pm AEST.
View the CCI4*-S leaderboard here.
Source: Event press release / Edited by EQ Life
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