Burton scoops £1,000 jackpot
Dauntsey Park (3), Wilts
THE same storm that swept its way eastwards towards Little Downham had already claimed the second two days of Dauntsey Park (3).
Fortunately, before its arrival, there had already been a bonanza day of intermediate competition, which included the Charles Stanley Wealth Management sponsored open intermediate, worth £1,000 to the winner.
Chris Burton claimed two of the podium places, winning with Claire Poole’s Quality Purdey and coming third on Graf Liberty. Both horses finished on their dressage scores of 25.7 and 27.1.
“It’s been a funny old season knowing what to do with these experienced horses. I show jumped Quality Purdey on the Spanish Sunshine Tour earlier this year, which was good fun and something different, but this was her first cross-country run since [finishing second at] Pau,” said Chris, who will head to Kronenberg CCI4*-S in the Netherlands with the 14-year-old mare. “The plan is Badminton next year, so we will save her for that.”
Instead, Graf Liberty will fly the flag at Pau.
“He’s a great old horse. I’m embarrassed to say I didn’t even wear a watch on him across country, but he cruised round inside the time,” said Chris.