CSI SAN REMO 1-3 April

First weekend of the month and we managed to round up a cool 40 FEI Rolex Ranking points... and no its not April Fools! My boys and girls certainly brought their A-game to San Remo. Personally I think they were just thrilled to be back in a large grass ring, they love it... as do I. Cannot compare the bounce you feel off the grass to sand (in my opinion that is).

I was worried I'd made the wrong choice with San Remo as it had been downgraded from a 3star to a 2star, but it actually worked out quite perfectly; 3 FEI Rolex Ranking classes, two of which were open to two horses per rider - In essence I had 5 shots at collecting points... and cash! And the people there... both competitively and professionally - Jan Tops, Henk Nooren, Edwina Alexander, Albert Zoer, Geir Gullikson etc etc etc.... The perfect setting for business.

RESULTS

Friday 01 April:

• Merlins Magic 1m45 FEI Rolex Ranking class - 7th place (double clear - jump off)

Saturday 02 April:

• Fairplay 111 6yo class 1m20 - 7th place (double clear - jump off)
• Clear CC 1m30 - 12th place clear round (speed)
• Merlins Magic 1m45 FEI Rolex Ranking class - 7th place (clear - speed)
• Heracross 1m45 FEI Rolex Ranking class - 10th place (clear - speed)

Sunday 03 April:

• Fairplay 111 6yo class 1m20 - 7th place (clear - speed)
• Clear CC 1m30 - clear round but no placing - still thought it deserved a mention as she's only 7! So proud of her...

No joy in GP. Curly was clear until the last line, I turned too sharply to the oxer and he ran out the little devil! I don't blame him though... I lost my head for a second and he just thought "who are you kidding???". He jumped beautifully throughout, so glad to have him back in fighting form. We headed back home (France) straight after the GP so they can get a few days rest to roam the fields before we head back out Thursday morning.

Looks like my superstar Merlin will have to "sit this one out" as he had an accident with the fence in the field this morning. 4 stitches and a shot of antibiotics later and he's feeling particularly sorry for himself... as do I!! He certainly didn't deserve that... Guess we'll be spoiling the "patient" with apples, carrots and grass over the next week... anything to keep him in good spirits.

Videos should be up on youtube this time next week when I get back to London. Fingers crossed for this weekend! keep you posted.