Tough Badminton Cross Country Course Sees Four Irish Riders Through To Final Phase On Sunday

On nne of the toughest cross-country courses in the 65 year history of Badminton Horse Trials, four Irish riders successfully completed the rainswept track at the Duke of Beaufort's estate in England today, while three Irish Sport Horses finished in the top five.

On a course that saw no less than 25 eliminations and 18 riders opting to retire, Ireland's Capt. Geoff Curran and Shanclough Crecora (ISH) were best of the Irish, finishing on an overnight 16th place, with Austin O'Connor and Ringwood Mississippi (ISH) close behind in 20th.

Next best of the Irish contingent were Clare Abbott and Euro Prince (ISH), making their Badminton debut and completing the course in 27th position, while Joseph Murphy and Sportsfield Othello (ISH) finished in 31st place.

All the Irish riders at Badminton rode Irish Sport Horses.

On a competition day that saw no rider finish inside the time, Australia's Paul Tapner and the Irish Sport Horse Kilronan held their overnight lead to stay in pole position ahead of Sunday's show jumping, while two other Irish Sport Horses also held very strong places coming into the final phase - New Zealand's Tim Price with Ringwood Sky boy in second, and Paulank Brockagh in fifth, ridden by Australia's Sam Griffiths.

Irish eliminations today were Sarah Ennis with Sugar Brown Babe and Mark Kyle with Coolio, while Jim Newsam opted to retire Magennis after difficulties at the Huntsman's Close.