The golden couple of eventing have shone overnight, with Tim and Jonelle Price sitting at one and two on the leaderboard at the end of the CCI5*-L dressage at Les Etoiles de Pau in France.

World no.3 Tim sits at the top of the 46-strong field on 22.1 penalty points, with Jonelle and McClaren in second on 24.4. It’s a first for the couple who between them have won plenty of 5* events. Jonelle said they were chuffed. “It would have been better had my husband not come along and rained on my parade though,” she said, “but he rode a beautiful test and was deserving of the lead. I have had a few tests this year with McClaren that have been close (to today’s efforts) but not quite, so that was a bit of a relief to deliver today.”

First-timers Madison Crowe and Waitangi Pinterest sit in 11th equal on 27.4 with Caroline Powell and Up Up and Away and debutant Tayla Mason aboard Centennial tied in 24th on 30.6.

“I am so proud of him,” says Tayla of Centennial “He gave me everything in there. He is young and we are first-timers at this level,” she said. “I am really looking forward to tomorrow.”

ESNZ eventing high performance manager Graeme Thom says it has been a great day for the Kiwis with Tim and Jonelle’s efforts added to by solid performances from Carolie, Madison and Tayla, including personal best scores. “The forecast is for rain this evening which should make for some good ground (for the cross country) for the horses.”

Tomorrow’s Pierre Michelet-designed cross country however would call for big things from all the Kiwis. Jonelle says it will call for A-game efforts from all if any want to finish inside the time allowed.

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THE HORSE DETAILS
Waitangi Pinterest – owned by The Crowe Family
Centennial – owned by Sue Rutter, and Sonya, Kyle and Tayla Mason
Up Up and Away – owned by Cameron and Mary Crawford, and Caroline Powell
McClaren – owned by Katherine and David Thomson
Falco – owned by Sue Benson, Jackie Oliver and Tim Price

By Diana Dobson, ESNZ HP Media Liaison
Photos by Libby Law/ESNZ
October 30, 2021