Equestrianism: Leng to miss world event: Stark shines in dressage

VIRGINIA LENG will not be competing in this year's World Equestrian Games at The Hague.

Her intended partner, Welton Houdini, had recovered from the minor injury he sustained at Ston Easton in April, but he now has a more serious joint problem which will require him to be rested for three months. The latest trouble first manifested itself on Thursday morning, when the grey was found to be lame.

Leng's disappointing news reached Bramham at the end of yesterday's second day of dressage, during which Blyth Tait retained his overnight lead in the Toyota Three-Day Event. The New Zealander, who is reigning world champion, still has six points in hand as he goes into today's cross-country on the nine-year-old ex-racehorse, Aspyring.

Ian Stark and his new mount, Kilcoran, was the best of those who did their dressage yesterday and he is now in fifth place. The Scot took over the ride last month when the horse's owner, Frances Mullan, decided that her work as an investment manager would not allow her sufficient time to prepare Kilcoran for Bramham.

Terry Boon, the reigning Young Riders European Champion, holds the lead for the national title in his age group.