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FRENCH IN FRONT AFTER EVENTING DRESSAGE

France heads the eight-nation line-up after the Dressage phase of Eventing was completed at the FEI European Pony Championships in Arezzo, Italy this morning.  A fantastic mark of 37.70 for Victor Levecque and Qualitat des Bourdons, which also puts them in individual first place, gave the leading side a colossal boost.  And when that was added to the 45.20 registered yesterday by Marine Bolleret and Perle du Boisdelanoue and 53.10 from Yfke Bourget and Djapour today, the 65.00 posted by Marie Gagneux and Plume de Virey could be discarded to bring the French tally to 136.00 going into tomorrow’s cross-country phase.

Lying second is the host nation of Italy.  Their chances were similarly lifted by a lovely test from Matteo Guiducci whose mark of 41.70 with Mon Nantano des Florys leaves him currently in runner-up spot individually.  With a total of 137.70, the Italians are more than four marks clear of Great Britain on 142.20 while the defending champions from Ireland are close behind in fourth carrying 142.90.  Germany is fifth with 147.90, Denmark is sixth with 158.50, Belgium is in seventh spot with 161.30 and the Dutch are lying last with 163.20.

The cross-country phase begins tomorrow at 9am local time when Italy’s Emma Pasqualini and Denver will be first to take on Francesco Finocchiaro’s 24-fence track.  Last out, at 11.39am, will be 2012 team gold medallist Lucy Latta from Ireland riding Nono.