 Phillips came equal third on Toytown in the dressage |
Zara Phillips rode Toytown to equal third on her British team debut at the Blenheim Petplan European Eventing Championships on Friday. Phillips helped Britain into second place behind Germany at the end of the dressage phase.
Her test score of 38 penalties put her 0.2 behind the rider she replaced in the team, Pippa Funnell, who is second on Ensign.
Germany's dressage specialist Bettina Hoy led the field on Ringwood Cockatoo.
"I was surprised when I heard I was to ride for the team," said Phillips.
"I'm very lucky, the team have made me really welcome.
"Pippa's boots are big ones to fill. I have walked the cross country course twice, with the team and with my father, and shall go round again before the start tomorrow."
Funnell, European Champion in 1999 and 2001, is competing as an individual on the inexperienced 10-year old Ensign.
She said: "I'm going to do my utmost to get a clear round inside the time (10 minutes 22 seconds) but I'm aiming to get my team place back next year."
MMIX
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