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Surely it comes as no surprise that Cross Country Day at Badminton dawned cold and rainy. This is not fun for anyone; but, it is particularly hard on competitors and organizers. The Badminton House Park was a sea of mud from the hundreds of thousands of spectators, who come from every corner of the UK, for a great day out, whether watching the competition, shopping, picnicing in the car parks, or a little of each.

The only green paths across the park were the galloping lanes. The great British Sporting Public manages far better than American Eventing fans at staying OFF THE GALLOPING LANES, when walking the Cross Country. When will Americans learn that Eventing is about horses and riders and not about them? The organizers deserve great congratulations for keeping the take offs and landings at fences in good shape.

In spite of all of the above, most competitors toted up "cricket scores" on the Cross Country.

Slightly after the half way point, the Leader Board looked like this:

1. Bumble Thomas, The Psephologist - 69.8 (Bumble and the Psephologist are pictured at the left, at The Little Badminton Drop.)
2. James Robinson, Comanche - 70.0
3. Sam Griffiths (AUS), Private Colin - 77.2
4. Paul Tapner (AUS), High Point - 82.0
5. Sammi McLeod (AUS), Enchanted - 85.2
6. Daisy Dick, Spring Along - 85.4
7. Jonelle Richards, Mazetto - 85.4
8. Chris King, Miss De Meena IV - 86.0
9. Kate Wood (NZL)Witch Doctor - 86.8
10. Sarah Cutteridge, Exclusive Imp - 87.2

It should be noted that several of those higher placed after the Dressage came a cropper on the rain soaked course. Among those missing, or with a huge score, were Pippa Funnell and Viceroy II (11th), who fell at the Huntsman's Close. Pippa hurt her right arm and was flown by helicopter to Frenchay Hospital to be checked out and has returned; William Fox-Pitt with Moon Man (15th) two refusals at the Quarry and retired; Megan Jones (AUS) on Kirby Park Irish Hallmark (6th) a fall at the Pony Club Sunken Road; and Matt Ryan (AUS) riding Bonza Puzzle, a refusal at the Hunt Kennels.

As the day progressed, there was more sad news to report for those who had been contenders after the Dressage Phase. Polly Stockton and Tangleman (=7th) fell at the Outlander Tree Trunks and were eliminated for a fall of horse.

When just over 75% of the competitors had had their runs, Australia's Andrew Hoy and Mr. Pracatan, equal 4th after Dressage, who had complained so bitterly about Hugh Thomas' course, managed a clear run for a score of 67.0, which took over the leader's position from Bumble Thomas and The Psephologist. ( Andrew Hoy and Mr. Pracatan are pictured above at the right, jumping into The Lake.)

Andrew said, "I believe that Hugh did come down to view me through it. I am quite entertained by that. Still I think it was a bit unfair." When a reporter asked Andrew how the ground was, he answered, "You weren't outside?"

The three Dressage leaders were yet to go. Pippa Funnell, having been OK'd to ride her second horse, Cornerman, by the Frenchay Hospital rode her usual foot perfect Cross Country until Fence # 22. Sadly she fell off at the same fence as she had fallen at withViceroy II, the gate going into Huntsman's Close. The fence is a big vertical sheep hurdle type gate. Cornerman hooked it and, though he did not fall, there was no way Pippa could have stayed aboard. Pippa retired.

Next came William Fox-Pott with his second ride Tamarillo. William rode a careful; but, efficient round to finish on a score of 62.4 to take over the lead. Mind you, up until Badminton, Tamarillo was not yet qualified for the Athens Olympic Games. (William and Mr. Pracatan are pictured at the left jumping The Jetty in The Lake.)

William told of his decision to run Tamarillo. "The steeplechase ground was holding. I had discussions with Yogi (Breisner, the British Team Trainer) and with Lucinda (Green, the Chairman of the British Selectors). Lucinda's negotiations with the Ground Jury to give us a bit of extra time . . ." on the 'chase were influential in William's decision to run. "He's an Arab, bred to be in the desert . . . " not in that muck!

Last of all to run was the overnight leader Andrew Nicholson, for New Zealand, riding Lord Killinghurst. All went well for Andrew until the Huntsman's Close, fences # 21 - # 24, where Lord Killinghurst pecked once and twisted badly over the final gate. Andrew, famous for his stickability, galloped on undeterred. Lord Killinghurst appeared to be tiring. Andrew, nursing him home, opted for the long route at the Rolex Turn, the penultimate fence, and finished with 28.4 time faults for a score of 65.0 and second place. (Andrew and Lord Killinghurst are pictured at the right jumping out of the water at The Lake.)

"Lord Killinghurst likes the ground hard and fast. He doesn't have an awful lot of stamina," Nicholson commented. "As far as I was concerned, he gave me 110%!" Andrew was asked about the horse's twisting at the gate coming out of Huntsman's Close. "I said to myself, 'If I just hold on he'll pick himself up - and he did!' "

The top six after Cross Country are:

1. William Fox-Pitt, Tamarillo - 62.4
2. Andrew Nicholson (NZL), Lord Killinghurst - 65.0
3. Andrew Hoy (AUS), Mr. Pracatan - 67.0
4. Bumble Thomas, The Psephologist - 69.8
5. James Robinson, Comanche - 70.0
6. Sarah Cutteridge, The Wexford Lady - 74.0

The Brits have eight in the top fifteen.

The Aussies have four in the top fifteen.

The Kiwis have three in the top fifteen.

The final Veterinary Examination is at 9:30 AM, on Sunday.

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