Equestrianism: Funnell weaves magic on Rainbow

Genevieve Murphy
Saturday 12 September 1998 00:02 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

PIPPA FUNNELL yesterday produced a dressage test on Rainbow Magic that was clearly a cut above the rest at the Blenheim Horse and Hound International Horse Trials, where she now holds the lead as riders prepare for today's cross-country.

Funnell has had a few cross-country problems with the nine-year-old, who can be "a bit cheeky", since winning at Achselschwang in 1996, but the horse was in fine form when finishing fourth in the British Open Championship at Gatcombe Park last month. Rainbow Magic, fitter than he has ever been, is quite capable of giving Funnell her third victory here.

The horse was bought from the former European show jumping champion, Peter Charles, who gave Funnell four weeks to decide whether she wanted him. The extended trial proved unnecessary. "I loved Rainbow Magic from the first time I sat on him," Funnell said.

The British rider is now 4.2pts ahead of Thursday's leader, Gayle Molander from the United States, on Sir Nicholas. A fraction behind, in joint third place, come the Dutchman Eddy Stibbe on Rimini Park Fabian, and the American Abigail Lufkin on Cameo.

Two New Zealanders, Mark Todd on Regal Scot and Andrew Nicholson on the Windsor runner-up, King Leo, moved into fifth and sixth places yesterday. Both horses have good cross-country form and the Kiwis are bound to set out as though they mean business today when they tackle Mike Etherington- Smith's 29 fences.

Apart from Funnell, the best Britons are Lucinda Fredericks, lying seventh on Dalliance, and Kristina Gifford in 10th place on The Gangster II. Gifford was delighted with her huge ex-show jumping mount. The eight-year-old proved he has the temperament for dressage and he will surely improve in that sphere.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in