Britain dominate in Euro Eventing

EUROPEAN EVENTING CHAMPIONSHIPS
Venue: Fontainebleau, France Dates: 24-27 September Coverage:Watch live on BBC Two, the red button and the BBC Sport website (UK only)

By Lizzie Greenwood-Hughes
BBC Sport in Fontainebleau

Cook's father is Grand National-winning racing trainer Josh Gifford

Great Britain lead in both the team and individual competitions after the dressage phase of the European Eventing Championships in Fontainebleau, France.

Olympic bronze medallist Tina Cook and Miners Frolic scored 37.9 to take an early lead for GB with a superb test.

Britain, who have won the last seven European team titles, have a 6.1 point advantage over Germany in second and France in third place.

The event continues on Saturday with the cross country phase.

Despite the recent British control of the event, Germany were considered favourites to win this year.

Each team is made up of four riders with the best three scores counting towards the final tally. Many nations also have two individual riders taking part.

Cook was delighted with her performance, saying: "I can't believe I beat Germany's Ingrid Klimke who's so amazing at dressage."

The 39-year-old mother of two's success struck a nerve with the GB support team leaving many of them in tears including team manager Yogi Breisner and the dressage trainer Tracie Robinson.

"It was the most beautiful test he's ever done. I just knew this morning he was on it," Robinson said.

Several came close to overtaking Cook as the day progressed, including home favourite and reigning champion Nicolas Touzaint on Tatchou with 38.1.

But it wasn't until Britain's final team rider and the Badminton and Burghley winner Oliver Townend completed his test that anyone could threaten her lead.

Townend, riding the great grey Flint Curtis, left the arena on a provisional score of 37.7 which put Britain ahead of Germany in the team competition and would have put him first in the individual.

But when the scores were finalised his mark was reduced to 37.9 the same as Tina's and therefore leaving them both tied for the gold spot.

Another in action for Britain on Friday was first time senior rider Piggy French. The 29-year-old rode the test of her life on the big bay 'Some Day Soon,' scoring 41.7 for 10th place behind William Fox-Pitt on Idalgo with 41.5.

"I kept wanting to smile halfway through but thought 'no, come on get on with it, you're not there yet," she said.

Originally the reserve rider, Piggy was brought in two weeks ago when the five-time Olympian Mary King was forced to pull out.

"It's a dream to be here and wear the GB jacket. I am very excited. There's a lot to take in, it's a different world."

The other individual rider for Britain is Lucy Wiegersma currently lying in 15th place with 45.0 penalties on Woodfalls Inigo Jones.

Saturday's cross country is expected to be pivotal.

Nicola Wilson, riding Opposition Buzz, will be the first British combination to take on the sandy 6km course, followed by compatriot and world number one Fox-Pitt.

"It's a twisty course and so it's difficult to remember your way," she said. "I'll have to walk it probably five times instead of the normal three at a big competition."