As the 145,000 acres of highland Perthsire which make up Blair Atholl Estate basked in the northern light, the Young Riders battled it out on the 4960 metre track for the Cross Country leg of the FEI European Eventing Championship for Young Riders. At the end of the Dressage phase, the Germans had taken the lead as far as teams are concerned, while Dutchman Huub Van der Mark and two German individuals were placed 1,2 and 3 respectively on the individual front. Begging the question is an early lead necessarily a promising lead? The revelation would be forthcoming…

The Cross Country Course for this Championship comes in the form of a CCI** and was designed by local Scotsman Ronald Alexander who is very familiar with the location as he has been designing courses here since 1981. The terrain is simply terrific with undulating fields, steep passages and long flat expanses dominating the landscape and is for the purposes of this Championship dotted with 26 fences on a course just under 5km long, with very clever features testing the accuracy and alertness of the riders. The first water feature at fence 15 was particularly challenging and required very accurate manoeuvres lest you take the long route which was very time consuming. At the end of the day this would be the fence to have caused the most upset.

As the riders laid their bets across country, it soon became very apparent that the British team were right in their element – with all clears and no time penalties, they effectively reclaimed the top spot and are now in the lead as we get ready to embark on tomorrows deciding Jumping leg. It’s rather remarkable as the British had actually foreseen gaining the all-important advantage in the Cross Country leg after being presented with the Course earlier in the week where they decided to enter Dani Cuomo with Ballin Willow and Charlotte Agnew aboard Little Beau to complete the all girl team already composed of Emily Galbraith and Georgie Spice. A gamble of sorts, knowing that they would suffer in the Dressage but be rewarded in the Cross Country - which so far is proving to be a most effective plan.

Rising through the ranks, Switzerland is not only comfortably sitting in second place but is actually very close to the British leaders with 2 of the team members placed in the top 10. Meanwhile Germany was relegated from the top spot to third place with France, The Netherlands and Austria also eyeing up the podium.

While pole position appeared to have little lasting effect as far as the teams were concerned, it certainly did help Huub Van der Mark from the Netherlands, paired with the very experienced Exquis Idem du Roc (whom he has only been riding for ¾ of a year). He was already leading the way following yesterday’s Dressage phase and today appeared entirely at ease as he swiftly manoeuvred through the Cross Country Course and successfully retained pole position. As he explained “this really is my last chance to show what I can do at this level” as he nears 22 years of age adding “this very well could be my last chance at a European title”. Nonetheless, his ambition does not cloud his judgement as he congratulated the British team on their fantastic ascension from 7th to 1st overnight and added “we all have a chance out there and we will all do our best”. May the best man or woman win!

Confirming her medal intentions, Sabrina Mertens from Germany with Divolo retained second place after a completing a clear round in the Cross Country while Nicola Wilson from Great Britain and Oingy Boingy successfully leaped from seventh to third with a very impressive performance today.

A great day of sport, the sun was shining, the highlands gently blowing to the Scottish winds and many a spectator enjoying the numerous classes and attractions on offer. The suspense which is consuming us all after this brilliant display will be put to rest tomorrow with the final Jumping phase set to begin at 14:00.

Team placement following the Dressage and Cross Country
1. Great Britain – 163.8
2. Switzerland – 174.6
3. Germany - 232
4. France – 240
5. The Netherlands – 242.4
6. Austria – 248.4
7. Ireland – 255.6
8. Finland – 359.4
9. Sweden – 1213.2
10. Russia – 1249.8

Individual placement following the Dressage and Cross Country

1. Mark Van Der Huub (NED) - Exquis Idem du Roc - 43.2
2. Sabrina Mertens (GER) – Divolo - 44.2
3. Nicola Wilson (GBR) - Oingy Boingy - 47.4
4. Alexis Roque (FRA) - Causa Justa - 48.6
5. Camille LeJeune (FRA) – Ventozien - 52.2
6. Emily Galbraith (GBR) - Crown Alliance - 52.8
7. Jacopo Buss (SUI) - Galant de Chevrel - 54.8
8. Stefanie Oechsle (GER) – Borsalino - 54.8
9. Dani Cuomo (GBR) - Ballin Willow - 55.0
9. Christian Vogg (SUI) - Show Time VI - 55.0
10. Sidney Dufresne (FRA) – Gros Bonnet – 55.6

For full results please consult the official website at: http://www.blairhorsetrials.co.uk/event/young-rider-results.asp