Brits took the top three places in the grand prix freestyle during the second leg of the 2009 Spanish Sunshine Tour in Vejer de la Frontera, 3-8 March.

 

Richard Davison and Artemis won their first international test with 72.7% while Maria Eilberg and Two Sox were second by a fraction, 72.5, with Judy Harvey and Fitzcerraldo in third on 69.35.

 

Davison, who is competing The Countess of Derby’s 10-year-old 16.2hh bay gelding at only his third international, said: “It was his second grand prix freestyle and he was sixth in the World Cup qualifier at Olympia in December, so that’s not a bad strike rate so far. He doesn’t have any weaknesses but sometimes tries too hard. In the grand prix [where they finished 12^th] he made about six ‘baby’ mistakes, but I’m not riding him at full power. I’m aiming him at the 2012 London Olympics, so there’s plenty of time to be competitive inbetween now and then.”

 

Describing the somewhat unexpected and difficult conditions, Davison said: “So far it’s been either extremely windy or raining; we’re all hoping it’s going to turn into a ‘sunshine’ tour for the final week.”

 

Davison would also like to thank everyone for all the text messages of support the British riders have been receiving: “It’s also been great to keep in touch with all that’s happening in England.”

 

Eilberg, who had such a successful start to the show (see news), was again on form this week. Apart from finishing second in the grand prix freestyle, she also took the runner-up slot in the grand prix with Two Sox on 69.915% and won two owner junior prelim classes as well as the owner junior team test, all with Woodlander Rockstar.

 

For the full results, visit www.sunshinetour.net.