Equestrianism: Funnell's pride of place in dressage

Pippa Funnell moved smoothly into the lead on the second day of dressage at the Burghley Horse Trials, having achieved a score of 43.01 penalties on Denise Lincoln's big bay gelding Primmore's Pride. This gave Funnell the advantage over the two overnight leaders, Andrew Hoy on Mr Pracatan and Mary King on King Solomon III, as they prepare to tackle today's cross-country course.

Funnell had been disappointed when her first horse, Cornerman, who is capable of doing an excellent dressage test, succumbed to the big time atmosphere on Thursday and performed well below his best. Primmore's Pride, however, kept his cool to produce a lovely test. The nine-year-old, runner-up at Punchestown and Gatcombe this year, will face his first cross-country track at four-star level today.

Funnell's pleasure in the performance of her promising young mount was marred by the news that the International Olympic Committee is recommending the exclusion of eventing from the XXIX Olympiad in Beijing in 2008. "It's gutting, I couldn't believe it," Funnell said.

Blyth Tait, who defends his world title at Jerez de la Frontera in Spain next month, was equally appalled. "We can't say that we haven't seen it coming and we should have been better prepared," the New Zealander said. "We need to be very pro-active to see that our sport stays in the Olympic movement." Tait was not disappointed with his marks on Rongatai, who was undeniably green in his flying changes. "He hasn't figured them out yet," he said of the nine-year-old, who is lying 25th.

Leslie Law, who will be a member of the Great Britain team in Jerez with Shear H20, was the unhappiest rider yesterday, having endured seven excruciating minutes on the explosive Diamond Hall Red. The 12-year-old, who won here in 1999 when ridden by Mark Todd, is a lowly 86th with 79.40 penalties.