Sam Griffiths and Happy Times win Saumur CCI 3* (FRA)

Second after the dressage, Sam moved into first place after the cross-country.  Going into the showjumping phase Sam and Happy Times had 4 rails in hand, which was just enough.

The Kwis took out fourth, fifth and sixth place. Andrew Nicholson (Nereo), Tim Price (Vortex) and Mark Todd (Gandalf).  Mark Todd earning his Olympic qualification.

Paul Tapner was the next best of the Australians finishing in seventh position on Stormhill Michael.

Things were not running smoothly for the rest of the Aussies.  Lucinda Fredericks on Mr Alligator and Matt Ryan riding Slight of Hand retired on the cross-country. Matt Ryan withdrew Bonza Katoomba before the cross-country. Stuart Tinney and Don Panache withdrew before the showjumping.

In the class of 58 participants 23 did not complete the event.  There were 27 clear cross-country rounds yet no riders managed to go under the optimum time. There were just six clear showjumping rounds.

In the CCI 2* Clayton Fredericks and Poilu finished 8th and Erin O'Neill and Short Black finished 24th. 

Sunday, 18 May 2008

The sad news is that Clayton Fredericks' horse Nullabor had a fall between two fences early in the course, that proved fatal for the horse. The exact cause of death is not as yet known. Clayton and Nullarbor were one of the combinations with great chances for Olympic Team selection.  Our sympathy to Clayton and Nullabor's owners Edwin and Peta McAuley.

Other top riders competing at Saumur include Nicolas Touzaint, the first ever Frenchman to win Badminton two weeks ago, and Eventing legend Mark Todd who is seeking to complete his Olympic qualification.

The competition will be broadcast through the website of the French Equestrian Federation www.ffe.com and the event’s official website www.saumur.org.