Watson pulls off stunning recovery to finish eighth in Saumur three-star

Eventing rider Sam Watson pulled off a stunning recovery to finish eighth in the three-star at Saumur, France, yesterday.

The Carlow rider and the 13-year-old gelding Horseware Bushman were lying 37th on 58 penalties after what he described as an “awful” dressage test, which he put down to a decision to use a different bit.

Knowing nothing but a decisive response would keep his Olympic dream alive, Watson and the Puissance offspring produced a clear in driving rain in the cross-country at a cost of 10.8 time penalties, followed yesterday with one of only six show jumping clears in the competition.