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Rider reactions Saturday 1
Kirsty Chabert, pathfinder: Classic was absolutely fab. I think Eric [Winter, course-designer] has built the most rider-thinking course and the ground rode superbly. Badminton is the one five-star we havent cracked, so I just want to be back tomorrow show jumping. And now Im going for a sleep!Tim Price: It was a good round, despite the 20 penalties [at fence 19]. Viscount Viktor was fighting a bit at the start and that was our comeuppance the brush came up too fast. But he relaxed after that. He is a class horse.Oliver Townend: There were a couple of places where Ballaghmor Class wasnt too impressed with the size of the fence if he sees a fence he doesnt think is big enough, he can get out of my hands, but the old-fashioned fences he respects and his galloping is fantastic. Looking back, I think I enjoyed every minute! And, fair dos to Badminton, as the organisers must have been under pressure with the lack of rain but the ground is very consistent and they couldnt have done more. And its great to be back here in the sunshine!Joseph Murphy: I had a really nice ride on Belline Fighting Spirit. It was frustrating to have a 20 penalties [at fence 12] he jumped too far off the steps and showed his greenness, but it was 50% my fault. He will gain a lot from this.Gemma Stevens [Pictured on Chilli Knight]: What a round! Im not going to lie that was cool! Last year I had no control, but I have changed the bit and felt much more confident this year. Chilli Knight doesnt like to whoa but he knows now when I ask him to whoa that it is for a jump. At Huntsmans Close he was unreal. I knew I didnt have enough seconds in hand to go long.Harry Meade: I am absolutely thrilled. It is Superstitions first run since coming through the finish lines at Burghley. I just jumped two 90cm show jumps this morning which kept him relaxed and he felt great. I loved jumping into the Lake. That is a proper Badminton fence, really cool.
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