Allez les Bleus!
The tricolor of France is flying high at Bramham after the first day of Dressage in the CCI*** section as their riders occupy first and third with Britain separating them in second. French Team regular Jean-Lou Bigot shone in the sun with his ride Lotus de Gobaude to score 46.4. Cheshire rider Ewart Wooley with Keep Your Options Open lays second just 1.5 penalties adrift on 47.9. Eric Vigeanel's ride Maranello was far from the prancing horse of his namesake, Ferrari, and more a perfect picture of calm to score 49.4 for third. The French theme continues in fourth but this time, it's a French-bred horse partnered by a British rider. William Fox-Pitt is looking for Bramham win number six and Neuf des Coeurs has given him a good start with a score of 50.0. Pippa Funnell completes the top five on Blue Horizon with 51.7.
In the CIC*** section, a familiar name leads in New Zealand's Mark Todd with the stunning grey, NZB Regent Lad on 41.3. Just one point adrift are current Young Rider European champions, Laura Collett and Rayef. This is the bay gelding's first outing since his medal winning performance and was certainly on his toes in the collecting ring - taking exception to the large red BBC bus but Laura knows him well and had him prepared perfectly in time for the test. Third is Emily Baldwin with the impressive Drivetime on 44.6 with France's Donatien Schauly riding Ocarina du Chanois 2.3 points behind in fourth. British Olympic combination Sharon Hunt and Tankers Town lie fifth on 47.7.
Full CIC and CCI results - click here.
The Bishop Burton Under 25 CCI*** competitors are through their first horse inspection and their dressage get under way at 10:10 in the morning.
It's the early evening and the East Arena is still going with the Working Hunters but earlier in the day, the Trot2 Event Horse Breeding & Young Stock Classes took pride of place. The winners were:
Brood Mare with own foal at foot - Bucksfizz (Katie Newton)
Foal (produce of mare in class 1) - Jemoon Foreign Affair (Jane Moore)
Yearling Filly - Beseeka Lady Luck (WG & S Parker)
Yearling Colt or Gelding - Gold Rush (Karen Neild)
Two Year Old Filly - Raincheck (Nicola Nesbit)
Two Year Old Colt or Gelding - Stanhopes Real Macoy
Three Year Old Filly - What a Dream (K Barley)
Three Year Old Colt or Gelding - True Destiny (Nicola Hazlett)
Champion - Bucksfizz
Reserve Champion - Raincheck
The weather forecast continues to look good so don't miss tomorrow's action at Bramham and remember - its late night shopping - FREE entry after 4pm and the shops are open until 8pm.