As I mentioned at the end of Rolex, two riders are poised to win eventing’s Grand Slam — Andrew Nicholson and William Fox-Pitt have each have one two of the three legs. (Note: the situation was in part created because Badminton was cancelled last year — the Grand Slam is awarded for winning the three top events — Burghley, Badminton and Rolex — consecutively not just three of the events). It’s hard to imagine a more competitive situation. Add to the mix Olympic Gold Medalist Michael Jung and the pressure is really on.

Here’s a good article with some stats about the three “top” riders. Of course it doesn’t include Pippa Funnell who is the only competing rider who has actually won a Grand Slam.

At the end of the first day of Dressage, the lead goes to Australian riders Christopher Burton, who is sitting in first place on the 17-year old mare Holstein Park Leilanithe, and  dressage is Sam Griffiths in second place on Happy Times. Andrew Nicholson is third on Avebury, and William Fox-Pitt, who is fourth on Oslo.

Of course, there is still much to come. Tomorrow’s dressage line up includes some of the most anticipated rides: Michael Jung and La Biosthetique Sam FBW, William Fox-Pitt and Parklane Hawk, and Andrew Nicholson and Nereo.

Here are today’s top rides (I will add Sam Griffiths when a video becomes available):

Christopher Burton and Holstein Park Leilanithe

Andrew Nicholson and Avebury

William Fox-Pitt and Oslo