What a day at the Badminton Horse Trials where it is Ingrid Klimke who turns out to be the leading lady after the cross-country day. She took over the lead from Australia's Christopher Burton. While eventing legend Michael Jung who was one of the few too cross the finish line without any faults, is now in second place. Following closely is Andrew Nicholson who after a beautiful ride end up in a strong third place. The weather conditions were perfect today at the grounds of Badminton. But despite the sun who showed it's face it was a day full of battles for the riders and their horses. The riders needed to make their decisions on the hoof during their rides, as the commentator colourfully put out there. With 16 combinations retiring during their course and another 16 combinatians being eliminated due to a fall or refusals it was a day that will go in the books as an interesting one. Living legend Michael Jung and his ride La Biostique Sam FBW showed how it was done by riding an amazing cross country coming home in the allowed time and with no faults. This brought the rider to a first place which he kept until Ingrid Klimke showed up with her Horseware Hale Bob Old and took over the lead despite her 8 seconds over time. Keeping it exciting till the very last second, because she could finish with 9 seconds over time to take over the lead. She started off with a bit of trouble with Bobby who overachieved himself a bit in the beginning. It was then Andrew Nicholson who showed us a well thought out ride with his seventeen year old Nereo who found his way beautifully through this course. He and Nicholson are now in a solid third place. The New-Zealanders followed put and we find Tim Price in a fourth place. He and his Xavier Fear ended up in a 34th place after their dressage, but made up for it in the field by being the only other pair to finish within the time and without any faults. Mark Todd is following on a fifth place with his NZB Campino with whom ended up taking 6.8 seconds for time. Christopher Burton who was in a solid lead after his dressage started out with a very strong cross country. His horse liberty Graff was eager and the pair looked to be in top condition and be riding right on the time. But then they had a refusal after which Burton decided to take it easy and made sure his horse had an easy ride home. It will be a close call tomorrow with the entire top five showing up for the win. Both Jung and Klimke can't permit themselves any faults to keep their lead, so it all be about the time. It's going to be another exciting day during the showjumping. Despite some of the bad looking falls, all riders and horses stood up on their own and showed no bad injuries. However course builder Eric Winter outdid himself at this course, many riders will be scratching their ears about the almost impossible time that was set for this cross-country. The jumps were big and high and definitly worthy for a four star competition. Find all results here
