WEG: Zara Toys in Town

Zara Phillips (GBR) and Toy Town The 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.