Zara Toys in TownThe Cross Country of the 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games held all its promises: it was fabulous, exciting, difficult, technical, tricky, all at once. It certainly was a selective one testing every quality of the horse, from freshness and honesty to fitness and stamina. At the end of a fantastic clear round, Zara Phillips (GRB) and Toy Town are in the lead on their Dressage score of 41.70. Germany’s Bettina Hoy and Ringwood Cockatoo are close seconds exactly 2 points behind (43.70). Fellow German team member Frank Ostholt aboard Air Jordan 2 is in third position on 46.90. “My horse did a fantastic job,” a delighted Zara Phillips declared. “Of course, there were a few hairy moments, and I could have jumped the first water better but I am very pleased. I went for the straight routes everywhere, it was the simple thing to do. The course was fabulous to ride and Rüdiger Schwartz deserves a lot of praise.” Runner up Bettina Hoy was thoroughly happy with her horse. The pair came home clear with 7,20 penalties for exceeding the time allowed of 11:12. The German team had agreed on a strategy to finish with as few Jumping faults as possible. “I felt Cockatoo was getting a bit tired towards the end and I decided to take two alternative routes to secure a clear round for the German team.” Zara Phillips and Bettina Hoy leave within a few kilometres of each other near Gatcombe Park and are good friends. “We don’t compete against each other, we compete against the course. Whoever wins tomorrow will be a worthy World Champion,” a glowing Bettina said. Frank Ostholt was also understandably happy and pleased. All three unanimously expressed how delighted and excited they were at the perspective to perform their Jumping test in the big stadium. Every rider dreams of the opportunity to compete in the famous Aachen arena. Eventers have never had the chance to experience that thrill so tomorrow will be a very special day for all of them. The course was a challenge even for the best ones. Andrew Hoy (AUS), the most experienced World Championship rider at Aachen who had competed in 1978 in Lexington and in 1982 in Luhmuhlen, had a refusal. Ever the gentleman, he declared “I’m delighted about my wife’s ride. Bettina rode like a World Champion, simply fantastic.” With 143,00 penalties, team Germany is in the lead, followed by Great Britain (175,00) and the USA (190,10). The drop score of the German team is Ingrid Klimke on Sleep Late (96,70) who had two unusual refusals. The pair had been in top form in the morning and the first strides on the course were confident as the horse was fresh and eager to jump. But when the uphill cantering sections began, Sleep Late grew tired and started breathing hard. By the end of the second water complex, the energy level had gone really low. British team members also had a hard time, William Fox-Pitt suffering one and Mary King two refusals. There are the champions and there are those who ride at a World Championship for the first time. One of these newcomers is Viachaslav Poita from Belarus. Three years ago there were no international events in that country and fences of today’s level and difficulty were unheard of. With the help of the FEI Development programmes and the great personal involvement and motivation of FEI Development Officer Andrew Griffiths, the situation has improved spectacularly. Viachaslav achieved qualification at home and got across country today. Yes, he had three refusals and no, he was not the fastest (time 15:06), but this is a remarkable achievement notwithstanding. If the same hard work, motivation and well planned preparation continue, who knows where he will be in another three years.