Australian Kevin McNab and nine-year-old stallion Faro IMP (by F One USA out of Carnival IMP, by Master IMP) produced a strong dressage test on Friday to score 30.6, placing 17th ahead of the cross-country phase.
Fellow Australian Bill Levett sits 34th with RNH Tom Tom R, an 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (by BMC Tolan R out of RNH Beach Babe, by Beach Ball), on a score of 33.9.
Both Australian horses are making their CCI5*-L debuts in France.
Bubby Upton and 18-year-old Cannavaro lead the field
Sixth here last year at Les Étoiles de Pau, 26-year-old British rider Bubby Upton and her 18-year-old stallion Cannavaro improved their previous dressage result — 25.6 compared to 33.0 in 2024 — to take the lead on Friday. It’s a promising start on the eve of the cross-country, a phase the Dutch stallion particularly relishes. Upton also holds sixth place with It’s Cooley Time on 28.5.
The leading duo is followed by two other top British combinations who are tied for second place: Tom McEwen and Brookfield Quality (26.1) and Oliver Townend with Ballaghmore Class (26.1). Both are serious podium contenders. McEwen and Brookfield Quality finished third at last year’s event, while Townend’s veteran partner Ballaghmore Class, now 18, boasts one of the most decorated records in the sport. A winner of the CCI5*-L in Maryland, Kentucky, and Burghley, Ballaghmore Class could well add Pau to his list of achievements.
New Zealand riders round out the top five, with Tim Price and Jarillo on 26.5, and Abigail Long with Henton Audacious on 27.9.
Competitors will need both skill and a touch of luck to conquer the 30 obstacles of Pierre Michelet’s challenging cross-country course — a signature test at the iconic Les Étoiles de Pau.
