Equestrianism: Lyon rediscovers appetite

Thursday 22 May 1997 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.

Polly Lyon rode an excellent dressage test on the seven-year-old chestnut, Wat Tyler, to hold the lead for the International Section of the Chubb Insurance Windsor Horse Trials after yesterday's first day of dressage. Lyon holds a 1.6pt advantage from Dutchman Eddy Stibbe on Kilkea Castle. Darrell Scaife is 6.4pts further back in third place on Fairie Dazzler, writes Genevieve Murphy from Windsor Great Park.

In the four years from 1987 to 1990, Lyon was regarded as the most promising young rider in the country. She won the Junior European title once and the Young Riders' equivalent twice; she also finished ninth at Badminton. But injuries to her horses and herself prompted her to take a break from international events. She has spent the intervening years building up her own yard at Charlton Park in Wiltshire.

Now 28, and engaged for the last six weeks to Toby Williamson, who is equerry to the Queen, Lyon has recovered her appetite for success.

Lyon had to withdraw Highland Glen from Badminton because of minor problems. But William Russell's Wat Tyler, bred in Ireland and bought in Anglesey two years ago, could bring a change of fortune as he tackles his first three-day event.

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