Tim Price and his showy grey Ascona M are in second place at the end of the first day of the dressage in the Longines CCI5*-L at the Luhmuhlen Horse Trials in Germany, just a snip behind the leader.

The newly-crowned world no.1 and his 11-year-old mare sit on 25.8 penalty points with leader Kazuma Tomoto (JAP) and Brookpark Vikenti on 25.2 with 15 of the 34-strong field having completed their dressage.

“I am very pleased with Ascona,” said Tim. “She is a feisty mare who stayed nice and relaxed and went through the motions quite smoothly. Being as capable as she is a nice easy test was a good result for her at this new level.”

Mike Etherington-Smith’s cross country is generating plenty of talk, with most riders noting the technicality of it. “Our next job is to gallop around the cross country inside the time on Saturday,” said Tim. He felt the grounds had been beautifully prepared, giving combinations the best possible going. “Staying within the optimum time might be challenging.”

Tim will compete in the CCI4*-S aboard Falco. Michael Jung (GER) and Creevagh Cooley currently lead the field on 25.6 penalty points with 25 of the 54-strong field having completed their dressage. Former Olympic, European and World champ Michael is also in third aboard Highlighter on 28.3.

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The horse details:
Ascona M – owned by Suzanne Houchin, Lucy and Ben Sangster and Sir Peter Vela
Falco – owned by Sue Benson

By Diana Dobson – HP Media Liaison
Photos by Libby Law/ESNZ