Clark Montgomery swept into the lead in the closing stages of the second day of dressage at the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials. Riding a supremely accurate test, the 32-year-old American rider and Loughan Glen posted a score of 33.3 to leave them 2.5 penalties ahead of yesterday’s leader Paul Tapner (AUS) and Kilronan. “He felt amazing. I knew he was capable of producing that sort of test, but it’s the first time he’s performed in front of a crowd like that. He loves an atmosphere and he really perked up in there,” said Clark. “We made two little mistakes – he got a bit stuck in the mud after the the extended canter and changed behind, and then became a bit stuck again in one of the shoulder-ins, but otherwise it all went to plan.” Paul Tapner, Britain’s Francis Whittington (Easy Target) and Australia’s Lucinda Fredericks (Flying Finish) stayed at the top of the leaderboard and now occupy 2nd, 3rd and 4th places. Sarah Algotsson Ostholt (SWE) slotted into equal 5th place with a good test aboard the mare, Reality 39, to finish on the same score (40.5) as Mark Todd (NZL) and NZB Campino. Mark is also in touch with his second ride, Leonidas II, who lies equal ninth on 41.8. Two of the favourites for the title, British rider William Fox-Pitt (Parklane Hawk) and New Zealand’s Andrew Nicholson (Nereo), share 7th spot on 41 points. With heavy rain forecast for overnight and the early part of tomorrow, riders are predicting a tough cross-country test. “It’s going to be a whole new ball game,” said Francis. “As riders we’re not afforded the luxury of disliking the course, so we all have to like it and get on with it – though I’m very glad I’m going early on.” In light of the anticipated conditions, fence 18b – the second part of the Swindon Designer Outlet Mound – has been removed. The action starts at 12 o’clock tomorrow when the first combination, Izzy Taylor and KBIS Briarlands Matilda, will set off. press release: Badminton Horse Trials
