SPORTING history is being made at Osborne House today with the introduction of a new format of eventing — and Isle of Wight rider Sarah Holmes is pushing the top stars all the way.
Two classes are being held today and one tomorrow at the London Capital and Finance Osborne Horse Trials.
Sarah Holmes on Greenvale Coriado in the Warrior Bowl dressage competition. Photo: Kate Young
Island rider Sarah Holmes, from Rookley, is well-placed in both classes, having achieved a clear showjumping round with both Greenvale Coriado in the Warrior Bowl and Dunganstown Fleur in the Albert Bowl.
She was lying eighth after the dressage and showjumping with Greenvale Coriado and is clear to move up to fifth place in the Warrior Bowl.
In the Albert Bowl, she was lying ninth in the dressage on Dunganstown Fleur and a clear showjumping round has moved her up to sixth.
Lauren McCluskey in the dressage this morning. Photo: Kate Young
The showjumping has proved particularly influential.
Early Albert Bowl leader Amy O'Connor on Sankro dropped to eighth after gaining both jumping and time faults and many other competitors also had showjumping faults on what was felt to be a compact course.
Cross-country lies ahead this afternoon and leading British rider Oliver Townend echoed the thoughts of many riders when he described the course as hilly and challenging.
Sarah said she was pleased with the way both her horses had gone this morning and is looking forward to the cross-country.
Oliver Townend on Elm Rainbow in the dressage competition. Photo: Kate Young
The provisional dressage (Warrior Bowl) leader is super Swede Ludwig Svennerstal on Fit For Fun, with Sarah Holmes lying fifth, while British rider Hector Payne is currently winning the showjumping section (Albert Bowl) on Top Biat, with Sarah sixth on Dunganstown Fleur.
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