An angelic stallion, an accident-prone chestnut mare and an amateur poised to lift a major title: six stories you must read from Blenheim today

Blenheim Horse Trials is in full swing, with the CCI4*-L cross-country completed today, and the showjumping for the eight- and nine-year-olds CCI4*-S. Here is a round-up of the key stories you won’t want to miss from Saturday, 17 September

With just one phase left to go, the two dressage leaders at Blenheim Horse Trials held on to the top spots after the CCI4*-L cross-country and CCI4*-S showjumping. However, there were plenty of shake-ups on the leaderboard in both classes, before the CCI4*-L contenders showjump tomorrow (Sunday, 18 September) and the eight- and nine-year-olds tackle the CCI4*-S cross-country.

A self-confessed amateur rider has retained her lead in the CCI4*-L in the Blenheim Horse Trials cross-country, while Sarah Bullimore’s decision to reroute Corouet from Burghley paid off as they lie third overnight.

• What was Malin Hansen-Hotopp’s psychological trick to make the optimum time?

Gemma Stevens (née Tattersall) was on top form, piloting two horses clear inside the time, with Jalapeno holding second spot

• Find out more about Gemma’s accident-prone chestnut mare – and how the rest of the Brits fared

Some of the pathfinders made the course look straightforward, but the penalties racked up by the end of the day.

• How did the early riders assess the CCI4*-L course after completing?

Course-designer David Evans had added different questions from the 2021 track.

• What were the reactions to the new water complex?

And in the showjumping phase of the CCI4*-S for young horses… the Burghley winner Piggy March is eyeing up a second big title this month – riding an eight-year-old stallion.

• Find out why Piggy wishes there could be more horses like her two-phase leader

And a beautiful buckskin gelding caught the eye for matching the honeyed stone of Blenheim Palace.

• Why Grande By Design lives for the big events – and a naughty start to his partnership with Emma Manton

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