Sammi Birch Leads the Bramham CCI3* Pack

Day one of the 2016 CCI3* Bramham International Horse trials concluded with x1 elated new mom, Sammi Birch (AUS), leading the pack.

Only recently back in the saddle, Sammi proved just how ready she truly is for competing at CCI3* level, having given birth only 11 months ago. She held on to her early lead and was the only rider to break into the sub 40 score!

Said Sammi “It was fantastic to get a sub 40 score, I’ve actually come straight from Tattersalls, where we had a little blip, so I am looking to put that right this time” and on how she felt what she did different “I didn’t care so much if I’m being completely honest. I came here very relaxed I wasn’t trying to win the dressage, I know he’s very capable in that area

First time Bramham rider Sami commented on her first impressions “it’s easily the nicest three star I’ve ever been to” on Ian Stark’s cross-country course she continued “It’s beautiful and very clever and I am actually really looking forward to riding it

Sammi will be campaigning her second horse Court Jester during tomorrow’s dressage, which will conclude the first part of this three-day event.

Currently sat in second place is British rider Lauren Shannon, riding Claire Poole’s Quality Purdey. It’s been a number of years since Lauren last competed at Bramham, and she’s found quiet a change since her last run “I’ve not actually been here for six years, the last time I was here I was riding the Under 25s, so it all feels a little bit strange”

On how she feels Bramham has changed over the years “it’s bigger, the layout has changed and the stables are in a different place now so it’s a lot quieter for the horses, which is really nice”

Yorkshire man Oliver ‘Oly’ Townend, finishes his afternoon in third riding his second mount of the day, Sandiman II. Oly was very pleased following his dressage score, although he felt he isn’t at Bramham with the finished article. Describing Sandiman II he went on to say “he’s not always easy but he’s a very nice horse we like him a lot, he’s had an awful lot of time put into him”