Luca Moneta led for the first half of the class with the speedy little Connery in a time of 35.74s, but his countryman Emanuele Gaudiano and Admara took nearly two full seconds from Moneta’s time to finish in 33.98s. Denis Lynch and the bouncy Double O Seven took control of the class from the later half of the draw, galloping around the timed half of the course to stop the clock at 32.58s.
Frank Rothenberger’s two-phase introduction was a smooth and inviting one which gave the riders a chance to show their Grand Prix mounts around the generous sand arena at Magna Racino. There was a strong line-up of 49 top riders, 13 of whom jumped a double clear in the warm autumn sunshine. A few of the Grand Prix favourites for tomorrow’s big class also put in eye-catching rounds, including Scott Brash (GBR) with Hello Sanctos, and Edwina Tops-Alexander (AUS) with Old Chap Tame.
