THE Queen’s grand-daughter, Zara Phillips, kept her Olympic dream alive after delivering an eye-catching display yesterday at the Bramham Horse Trials – the final trial for London 2012.
However, the event was marred on Saturday by the deaths of two horses on the cross-country course near Wetherby.
Clea Phillipps’ Lead The Way collapsed while jumping fence 14, and Jagganath, ridden by Michael Jackson, collapsed after the finish following a clear round inside the time.
Veterinary delegate David Green said there were no issues with any fences on the course. “Something medically went wrong with both horses,” he said. “It is incredibly bad luck.”
World and British number one William Fox-Pitt dominated the Trials, winning both feature three-star classes to continue his brilliant run of form.
But 2006 world champion Phillips ensured she remained in the thoughts of Great Britain selectors Ian Stark, Mandy Stibbe and Angela Tucker by thriving under pressure on High Kingdom.
With the selectors set to announce their eventing team of five for London later this week, her nudge in their direction could not have been better timed as she secured a third-placed finish behind Fox-Pitt and New Zealander Andrew Nicholson.
While Fox-Pitt, Wilson, Mary King and Piggy French are widely expected to be picked for London, the fifth spot appears a battle between at least five riders, including 31-year-old Phillips.
A spokeswoman for the trials said it was hoped that the event attracted 50,000 spectators.
over the four days.
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