Jonelle and Grappa Nera headed out as pathfinders at Luhmuhlen in the 5*L and a better pair you could not have found to show how the course should be ridden. Grape has plenty of experience with a 5 star win at Pau and a couple of Badminton’s under her belt and she answered every question with great footwork and plenty of scope. There wasn’t even a ‘moment’ which is unusual when you are going for time at a 5 star and they came home with just 4.4 time to add which was impressive. Jonelle mentioned that “Grape does it in her own way, my job is just to sit and steer” but I think it’s a bit more than that, their partnership is a proper one. They finish the day in 4th.
Jonelle commented in her interview that “the time would be hard to catch” and she was certainly right about that as various riders fell foul of Luhmuhlen’s technical questions. At around the half way point Tim and Happy Boy set off and they were flying with Happy looking on song and jumping his way cleanly through the corner combinations. The skinny brush arrowhead on the island in the middle of the second water complex turned out to be the most influential fence on the track and Happy looked all set to take it on until he dropped his shoulder so fast he deposited Tim on the ground along with the white flag.
There was a moment when Tim sat up and looked at Happy who was in Park by the fence and it was as if Happy silently went “sorry mate” before turning around and wandering back the way he came through the water. Tim got up, dusted himself down and, ever the gentleman, helpfully put the white flag back on the fence and rather than walk back through the water in his leather boots opted to walk the plank up and over the black flag alternative. And then promptly slipped on the downward plank and nearly fell over himself, much to the delight of the crowd who were hugely entertained.
Tim’s collarbone seems to be more famous than Tim these days as he was quickly interviewed and asked if his shoulder was ok which either just goes to show that people really do care or perhaps that up until that point it had been a slow news day in Luhmuhlen. Tim generously pointed out how much Happy has won and mentioned Blenheim and Boekelo and generally smiled allot which is exactly what a good ambassador for the sport does in that situation.
Capitaine de Hus Z (Alvin) is at his first 5 star but he looked as though he had been there and done it all before as he and Jonelle had a fabulous round where everything went to plan and Alvin showed all his scope and bravery. Jonelle has plenty of experience at this level and Alvin allowed her to show him the ropes and he kept on jumping through the flags right to the end of the track. Jonelle professed herself to be delighted with him and said she finally feels as though she really can trust him and he is a true 5 star horse now. His jumping is quite exceptional and he has so much confidence in both himself and Jonelle which is a sure sign of a true partnership. 7.2 time was added and again, Jonelle said that perhaps she was not as aggressive against the clock at the beginning as she could have been but given that Alvin has in the past been strong and rude it would be fairly chancy to head out flat to the boards at his first time at the level. They sit in 5th spot and he would definitely be one to be sitting on tomorrow in the stadium.
Lots more horses in the 4*S and Tim had plenty of time to watch. It was truly hot by the afternoon and all the crowds were seeking shade at every fence with questions spread out pretty evenly all over the track. Jarillo (Milo) and Tim set out meaning business and there was some nifty footwork from Milo at the first water and some incredible balance from Tim when the skinny in the middle didn’t come up on the perfect distance but after that they never looked in danger of being anything but their usual awesome selves. It was an uncharacteristic mistake that Milo chose to make in Royal Jump and he really has put it firmly behind him with a great round to add just 4.8 time to sit in 6th place going onto tomorrow’s showjumping. And Milo would no doubt be the pick of most of the field as the horse most wanted to ride in the showjumping!
A long hot day for the crew but all horses safely in their stables tonight which is by far the most important thing. Roll on the finale tomorrow for both classes.
