William and Lucy defy the rain
William Fox-Pitt has made the perfect start in his attempt
to secure his sixth Bramham title in taking the lead after day one of the
CCI*** at the Equi-Trek Bramham International Horse Trials. William did his test with Niki Ryan's Avoca Alibi in the heaviest rain but the horse wasn't put off to score 42.8 - over two penalties ahead of his nearest rival, Kiwi Lucy Jackson. But Lucy won't be completely disappointed as she leads the CIC*** with Animator II.
Just two weeks ago, William led at Houghton Hall CIC*** in Norfolk after the dressage and show jumping but sadly took the wrong route on the cross country - William is keen to put that right and show the world that the horse is a winner. Lucy is second with Willy Do, owned by the Greenlees family on as core of 45.6 while Lucy Wiegersma for Britain is just one point behind with Granntevka Prince.
The CIC boasts a truly international leader board and you have to drop to 13th to find the best brit - Lucy Wiegersma again. Lucy holds just a 0.3 lead over Belgium's Karin Donkers with Extebaria Van Het Verahof with team-mate Marc
Rigouts third on Dunkas A. The Belgium team are here on force as Bramham looks
to be their final selection trial ahead of the Olympics.
In the Bishop Burton U25 CCI***, just one rider didn't get through the first horse inspection, Gina Ruck with Rehy Too. The 35 starters get underway in the morning at 0900.
A day of prolonged rain has made the conditions tricky but fortunately the amazing limestone soil throughout the Park is helping to keep the going good - but if you're planning a visit over the coming days, wellies and a brolly are recommended!