Britain’s Willa Newton is third after jumping a clear round on Caja 20, owned by Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Joey Newton.
French Olympic team gold medallist Astier Nicolas is hoping to finish the Event Rider Masters season as he started it – with a win. Astier, who won the opening leg at Chatsworth, currently has a tiny lead on Molokai – just 0.4 of a penalty – over his compatriot Thomas Carlile (Upsilon) and New Zealander Jonelle Price (Cloud Dancer ll), who are tied in second place on 41.7.
Another Kiwi, Jock Paget (Clifton Signature), is fourth, on 41.9, ahead of Australians Andrew Hoy (Cheeky Calimbo) and Shane Rose (CP Qualified) plus best British rider Nicola Wilson (One Two Many), who are all tied in fifth place on 43.6. Astier, who was at one stage based in Wiltshire with Andrew Nicholson said:
“I’m very pleased with Molokai – this is his best mark. I had to get the physio to look at the horse this morning, so it shows how genuine he is. But he has only jumped one clear show jumping round this year so, although there’s room for hope, the statistics are against me and it’s very competitive at the top.”
Tomorrow’s Event Rider Masters show jumping phase starts at 9.30am and the young horse CIC3* cross-country action provisionally at 9am.
