Nicola Banks on a Masterful Performance
Olympic reserve rider Nicola Wilson showed what a difference a year makes when Master Banks exceeded her expectations to produce his best international Dressage test to date to break the magic 70% barrier. Based locally in Northallerton, Nicola brought Master Banks here to Bramham last year but the three star test proved a bit much for him. Two CCI***s in the Autumn have been the making of him. "He was a very good boy and I'm really pleased with him today. He has grown up a lot as he struggled to cope here last year," said a pleased Nicola. With a score of 44.8 penalties, the equivalent of 70.13%, they hold a slim lead of just two penalties over Pippa Funnell and her former British Team horse, Ensign.
Nicola Wilson & Master Banks (Photo: John Britter)
It was a very good day at the office for New Zealander Andrew Nicholson who holds third spot in the CCI*** with The Light Fandango on 47.0 penalties but also is the overnight leader in the CIC*** with Epic on a score of 44.0. Dunauger, owned by Tracy Garside (who were leaders of the CCI*** after the dressage at Bramham in 2008), and now ridden by Harry Meade, is 3.8 penalties adrift on 47.8. Bramham "favourite" William Fox-Pitt is third on new eye-catching mare Sonate V. William goes in the CCI*** with Cool Mountain at 11:56 in his bid to claim a hat-trick of wins and his sixth in total.
William Fox-Pitt & Sonate V (Photo: John Britter)
24 horse and rider combinations will go into tomorrow's dressage phase in the Bishop Burton College Under 25 Championships following their first horse inspection.
Full results and start times - CLICK HERE
Friday's weather is looking good and remember its late night shopping - free admission after 4pm.