By Edward Gibbs

PIPPA Funnell lived up to her towering reputation in the Superflex CIC*** at the second day of the NAF Five Star Hartpury International Horse Trials.

Great Britain’s Pippa produced two excellent dressage tests to occupy both first and second place on the leaderboard ahead of the remainder of competitors completing their dressage tomorrow.

She hit the summit with 40.6 on Billy the Biz and also took second place riding rising star, Sandman7, who she topped the podium with in the 3* at Chatsworth, with a score of 42.2. Sitting in third spot after day two was Tom Mcewen on Hunter Valley III with 42.5.

Leading the way in the Optimum CCI* was Tom Jackson riding Dowalda, wowing spectators to achieve an exceptional score of 38.5. Following were Felicity Collins on Just Amazing III and Megan Cummings on MGH Bingo Boy – tied for second spot on 42.5.

In the Magic CCI**, Matthew Wright on Shannondale Shinawil will go into the second day of dressage leading with a score of 41.1. Avallone Melissandre on Ghandi with 41.3 and Thomas Carlile on Rakam D’emra on 41.9 sit in second and third respectively. As tomorrow approaches, the remaining riders in each of the classes take to the stage for their dressage tests before the weekend’s cross-country and show jumping excitement get underway.

The NAF Five Star International Hartpury Horse Trials runs from 12th to 16th August, offering world class eventing up close and personal with the stars of the eventing world. Excitement is already building for Saturday, which features the pinnacle of the competition – cross-country day!

Admission on Friday 14th is free of charge and on Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th, entry is charged at £10 per person.