Olympics dream alive for Phillips after Bramham

The former World and European champion finished in third place riding High Kingdom in the highly competitive CIC three-star competition which had a huge entry and turned into more of an Olympic trials event.

It was also a terrific weekend for the UK’s leading event rider, William Fox-Pitt.

He won both the CIC and CCI three-star events – the latter for a record-breaking sixth time.

“Bramham is a very lucky place for me,” said Fox-Pitt.

“I did my first ever three-star here in 1987 and was way out of my depth, but it was a big experience.”

He won the CIC competition riding Neuf de Coeurs and also finished in 12th place with the aptly named Lionheart. New Zealand’s Andrew Nicholson was second with Nereo followed by Zara Phillips and then Caroline Powell, also from New Zealand, who was fourth with Lenamore.

Yorkshire’s Nicola Wilson and Opposition Buzz had picked up eight faults in the showjumping, but flew round the cross-country section to eventually finish in 11th place.

This was a vital competition for Olympic hopefuls from both this country and abroad and was their last chance to impress selectors before the teams for London are chosen.

Bramham had taken on 100 extra competitors in all following the cancellation of Badminton and Chatsworth horse trials and the British team should be announced tomorrow or Wednesday.

At this stage it is expected places will go to Wilson, Fox-Pitt, Mary King and Piggy French but the fifth spot remains up for grabs.

Other hopefuls as well as Phillips include Lucy Wiegersma, Tina Cook, Francis Whittington, Laura Collett and Sarah Cohen.

Phillips was understandably delighted with her performance which included clear rounds in the showjumping and cross-country phases.

“I had a great ride, he was awesome,” said Phillips who was hoping the selectors would notice how much her horse had improved. The presence of the team selectors had added to the pressure of the event, although Phillips seemed to thrive on that.

“It was good to have a bit of pressure and see if we can come up with the goods,” she said.

In the final showjumping phase of the CCI competition Fox-Pitt kept his cool with his new ride, Chilli Morning, to stay in the lead, gaining just four faults. A faultless round by Pippa Funnell brought her up into second place on Mirage d’Elle. Izzy Taylor finished in third place on Briarlands Matilda.

Fox-Pitt has only been riding Chilli Morning since April and he paid tribute to the stallion’s former rider, Nick Gauntlett, for the work he had put it.

“This couldn’t have gone better but I did come here slightly wondering what might happen,” said Fox-Pitt. “He’s a lovely horse to work with.”

The Bishop Burton College CCI three-star Under-25 competition is always hotly-contested and this year was no exception.

It was won by French rider Astier Nicolas with Piaf de Bneville with two British riders taking second and third places. Laura Collett was second with Noble Bestman and Sarah Stretton was third with Skip On 11.

North Yorkshire rider James Sommerville finished in the top 10 in eighth place, riding Freddie Too.

Riders were full of praise for the way staff at Bramham had coped with the event.

After torrential rain on Thursday they took the decision to cancel the Burghley Young Event Horse classes, the stallion parade and the Pony Club events in order to preserve the ground for classes at the weekend.

Ian Stark’s cross-country course stood up well to the conditions and following the cancellation of so many other horse trials due to bad weather, many riders had been banking on competing here.

“It’s a huge relief for me to be able to compete and for everyone,” said Fox-Pitt.

“To have lost Bramham after what happened at Chatsworth and Badminton would have been devastating.”

The event was marred on Saturday when two horses died on the cross-country course. Both suffered suspected aneurysms.

Lead the Way, ridden by Clea Phillipps and owned by Clea and her husband Vere Phillipps and by Judy Barnard, died at fence 13, the Woodhead Seeds Hollow.

The 14-year-old bay gelding jumped fence 13 and then collapsed as he jumped the A element of 14, still part of this new combination. Clea Phillipps was not injured.

In the same competition Jagganath, ridden by Michael Jackson and owned by Carole Mortimer, died after completing the course.

The 10-year-old had finished the cross country clear and collapsed after the finish. Both horses were attended by emergency vets who were unable to save them.

In the Yorkshire Post 1.3m Open Showjumping competition, both first and second places went to James Smith, who is currently riding for Paul Barker from Northallerton while he recovers from an injury.

Smith was placed first on Mary P and second with Zeb.

Third place went to Stephen Crosby riding Hemingway and fourth was Lucy Wilson with Rimilithius.