UFO Info Week-End

She had intended to ride Supreme Rock and Primmore’s Pride leaving Cornerman for the defence

She had intended to ride Supreme Rock and Primmore’s Pride, leaving Cornerman for the defence of her European title at Punchestown in Ireland in two weeks’ time.Supreme Rock is now off for the rest of the year; Cornerman is being kept “ticking over” for the European event, but will not be risked if Funnell has any doubts about his well-being.”The sport revolves around horses and their best interest. Two of her top horses, Supreme Rock and Cornerman, had developed minor problems, forcing revised plans. A clutch of American riders, who are trained by Zara’s father, Captain Mark Phillips, occupy the next three places, with Stephen Bradley, who won here in 1993, lying third on the Russian-bred From.Leading up to the Burghley Horse Trials, Funnell had said that she had been “mentally shattered by indecision”. Pippa Funnell’s attempt to collect the Rolex Grand Slam reward of $250,000 (£160,000) started well here yesterday, when she held the lead on Primmore’s Pride at the end of the first day of dressage.
Funnell, who won two other four-star events this year at Lexington and Badminton, leads Zara Phillips, the 22-year-old daughter of the Princess Royal on Toytown. Jones said: “It was in the right place and right time for me. It was a team performance and we were much more intense than against Italy.”.

A sound defence in which goalkeeper Simon Mason was outstanding – denying the Dutch at 10 penalty corners – accepting scoring opportunities that arose and a commitment not seen against Italy. “We’ve had a better run with him, less drama, than we’ve had in the past, even though he was in pretty good shape up to the King George. Things might be resolving themselves in that department.”Johnny’s in good shape too Very fit and well. Even though the replacement [the Paris-based Belgian, Christophe Soumillon] is a top jockey, Johnny knows the horse and he knows the track and it’s not ideal to be changing jockeys before a big race.

It’s good that our first choice is available.”RICHARD EDMONDSONNap: Over The Rainbow(Kempton 2.40)NB: Hambleden(Kempton 3.15). England, after a pathetic 2-2 draw with Italy in the opening match of the European Nations Cup campaign, defeated the Dutch Olympic champions 3-0 here yesterday in a high-class thrilling game. The Dutch coach, Joost Bellaart, said afterwards: “We got a lesson in efficiency You can never underestimate England. They are a pretty good side.”

England, after a pathetic 2-2 draw with Italy in the opening match of the European Nations Cup campaign, defeated the Dutch Olympic champions 3-0 here yesterday in a high-class thrilling game.