Team Price were juggling 3*S cross country and 4*L showjumping today so they mostly ran out of order in the 3*S. Jonelle and Faerie Good Golly put in a solid round with a lovely clear adding just 6.4 time for a result that wasn’t going to trouble the leaders but shows what a cool little mare she is with her double clear at her first 3*S.
Tim’s 3 star rides were also on flying form with The Highlander (Ivar) adding 5.6 to his dressage score and another solid step up in level for him. He has come along way since his very green first intermediate round at Burnham Market which was not that long ago! He is an exciting horse for the future and will have come on allot from the trip. Tim was super happy with all three phases from him.
Gloire de Marchenval (Louis) had to re route here after a tactical circle at Burnham Market meant he was not qualified for the 3Long at Bicton. He tackled his second 3*S with his usual professionalism and with a foot perfect cross country round today, finishing just 1 second over the optimum time to take the win. Tim referred to him as “the consummate little trier” which is a very accurate way of describing Louis who makes eventing such a pleasure.
Jonelle’s two boys redeemed themselves today with 2 clear jumping rounds in the 4Long, Chilli’s Midnight Star (Ollie) being double clear and Capitaine de Hus Z (Alvin) just adding 0.4 to his score. It is always a positive way to end a three day even if both of their 20 penalties cross country are so frustrating when you know they could have jumped up in the placings today!
Tim and Chio 20’s round didn’t have the dream ending either. Tim said he felt flatter today than he has all year and he just lost some of his (usually massive!) strength going down a straight line and hollowed to have a rail. He then had the last as well which is always pretty gutting so he slipped from 2nd to 4th. 4th in his second ever 4L is still a super result and Chio can now go and terrorise someone in the paddock for his summer holiday fun. I don’t think he has many paddock mates funnily enough.
On the plus side Royal Jump has certainly lived up to all expectations with superb tracks, all beautifully presented, a relaxed and fun atmosphere and great parties. Abel and Otis have had a really fun half term and all the ponies will come home having benefited from such an experience.
Congratulations to Sam Lissington with a 1,2,3 in the 4L and a 2nd in the 4S. Some show for her and her team. And shout out to Cosby Green with the ex Jonelle ride Clever Louis who finished 4th in the 4S which is impressive and 13th with Cooley Seeing Magic (Guthrie).
Home bound via the ferry tonight and its officially the start of meteorological summer in the UK today so obviously the forecast for this week is…..rain.
