Equestrianism: Clover quick to impress

Genevieve Murphy
Thursday 24 September 1992 23:02 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.

ROBERT SMITH gave Britain an opening-day victory at the Pavarotti International Horse Show here when he rode Clover to victory in the Speed Class yesterday.

Smith's attacking round on this nippy chestnut horse left him half a second ahead of the Italian, Filippo Moyersoen, on Dugano, with John Whitaker a close third on Henderson Fonda. Clover had won two classes in France last weekend, but the horse is a speed specialist and is therefore not included in Britain's Nations Cup team today.

Ronnie Massarella, the team manager, has chosen Nick Skelton to go first on Everest Limited Edition, who finished third in yesterday's Power and Speed - less than a second behind the Swiss, Willi Melliger, on Quinta C. Skelton will be followed by Michael Whitaker, on Henderson Monsanta, David Broome, on Ancit Countryman, and John Whitaker, on Milton.

Both Monsanta (sixth in the Power and Speed) and Countryman (who was given a sedate school in the Speed Class) jumped clear yesterday. Milton, also out for some quiet exercise, had a single irrelevant error.

Last year rain caused problems at the inaugural Pavarotti event, and conditions were far from ideal yesterday inside the spacious arena. Broome said it was 'like jumping on an apple pie, the horses' feet go through the crust'.

Riders had thought that designer Olaf Petersen had built too small a course for the Power and Speed. 'He told us that he had done so deliberately because he was worried about the going,' Broome said. 'And he was dead right'.

Hopes of improved going disappeared during another heavy downpour yesterday. Riders came in for the Power and Speed prizegiving in waterproofs, with rugs draped over most of their horses. Luciano Pavarotti, wisely, opted to stay in the stands.

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