Horse trials

Ireland’s Sherelle Duke (LA Temple Bar) and Eric Smiley (Macloud) slotted into equal 44th and 63rd, respectively, at the completion of the dressage phase in the Badminton Horse Trials yesterday.

They failed to steal the ‘best of the Irish’ tag from Becky George (Wee Hot Toddy), who was 19th after completing her test on Thursday, but slipped to 43rd place yesterday with her score of 60.4 penalties.

Last of the Irish quartet is Ginny McGrath (The Yellow Earl) in equal 68th.

All four will be hoping to improve their standings in today’s cross-country phase and close the gap on leader Andrew Nicholson.

The competition will conclude with the show jumping tomorrow.