Day started early when Michelle and I began walking obstacles at 7.00am. Back to the stables, harnessed up, did the usual marathon nerves things and set off at 9.55. Section A started just out the front of where our camp was set up so no dramas with having enough time to get to the start. We made the times on the Section A and Section D and no problems at the Vet Check. Jessica was there to help sponge Diamond and make sure we were all ok to set off on Section E.
We drove Mo 1, 2 and 3 and as we entered Mo 4 Michelle made the decision to retire from the competition. Diamond was not moving keenly into the obstacles so we headed back to the lorry park. We were both very disappointed but felt it was the best decision.
MO 1
MO2
MO3
Elizabeth and Tim set off at 11.55. Went well through Section A and D. There were 18 compulsory markers on Section A, 6 on Section D and 20 on Section E so back steppers were kept busy keeping track of where to go. They very successfully negotiated all eight obstacles. Like all marathons there were places where a time could have been faster here or a turn driven better there but to complete the course was a great achievement.
MO 3
MO 4
MO 7
MO 8
It was a huge day with many very fast times being recorded in some obstacles. To see the top drivers negotiate these obstacles is quite breath taking. About 70 drivers took part in the marathon course so there was plenty to see all day. There were plenty of good viewing places for spectators and you could follow a particular driver through most obstacles without having to walk too far.
Presentations for Marathon and Dressage winners (top 10) were made in the evening.
So disappointing for Michelle, I hope Diamond is OK. I checked results & you had retired, I am so relieved there wasn’t an “incident”. I bet Liz is pleased with herself. Good luck for cones day
Well done Girls. Sorry to hear that Diamond was not on form, but a damn good effort to be with the best of them!!! Well done Elizabeth and a great effort to tim for getting around the course, didn’t sound easy!! We look forward to the next phase and will have everything crossed for you in Hamilton!!!!
(((Hugs))) to Michelle & you, such a shame about Diamond but Michelle should be very proud to have done so well after the hiccups leading up to the event.
Well done to Elizabeth and Tim, must have been exciting in some of those MOs!
All the best
Congratulations on your efforts. Great achievement, ((hugs)) to Michelle.
Bugger!
Oh well it will make a great yarn …..How not to win a world champs!
‘Looking forward’ it’s worth a free beer in every camp.
Have fun tomorrow.
so devastating about Diamond Shell, you both must be gutted, but you knew he was alwasy going to struggle with being up to it before you started, so you have definatley made the right decision. You should be bloody proud of your achievements and being there with the worlds best, you have overcome so many hurdles along the Road to Rome and still got up there and did a fantastic job in far from ideal circumstances. We are really proud of you for
oops here is the rest of the comment above….for getting there and doing such a great job in far from ideal circumstances. Well done!
Way to go Liz and Tim, great jobe so far, fingers crossed for cones….Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
Thinking of you all xxx
Thinking of you all….. hugs all round.
Congrats Liz and Tim. Good luck for the Cones today, everyone!
Lots of love,
Jenny, Graham, Rachel and Jessica
Its hard to know what to say other than congratulations… but the decision to retire was true sportsmanship…. Well done!
Your adventure is inspiring – and I am sure that all the things that you have learnt along the way will be used.
Best of luck for the cones
Alison & Noel
Hey Liz!!
Good luck for the rest of the comp. Very proud of you. xxxxx Kel