Stars & Stripes take the lead after Day One of Inaugural Blenheim Challenge as Oliver Barrett Doubles Up For His Team

Dressage points begin to shape the Blenheim Challenge as the battle intensifies.

The first riding points are on the board at the Blenheim Challenge, with Stars & Stripes enjoying a strong opening day while the Rising Lions continue to hunt for every opportunity to close the gap. 

With all but Grace Taylor (USA) completing their dressage tests on Thursday, the scoreboard is beginning to take shape, with Stars & Stripes currently leading 5-0.

Oliver Barrett (AUS) and Sandhills Briar made the perfect start for Stars & Stripes, taking the early individual lead in the CCI4*-L with the highest-scoring test of the day and a career personal best, scoring 25.6. That earned a point for Stars & Stripes, which was doubled as Oliver was the team's joker.

His opponent, Rising Lions’ Josh Levett (GBR) and Huberthus AC, scored 39.2.

Oliver said: “I was thrilled. Sandhills Briar has got a cool personality, I’m really fortunate that when I get on him, he’s so in tune with me and he’s quite a character but he has a lot of presence about him and I think that showed in the dressage. The Blenheim Challenge is a really cool initiative and I’m really fortunate to be a part of it.”

Olivia Dutton (USA) was also among Thursday's point scorers, producing a lovely test with Jewelent to score 32.9 and clinch the point from Izzy Cook (GBR), who delivered a personal best on Cymoon “F” Z of 33.7, putting another point on the board for Stars & Stripes.

There was plenty for the Rising Lions to celebrate too, with Barnie Brotherton, their joker holder, producing a smart test with DHI King Nelson to score 31.9.

With his opponent Grace Taylor (USA) not due to take to the dressage arena until tomorrow, however, the deciding point for this duel will have to wait.

The battle between Jess Rimmer (GBR) and Tommy Greengard (USA) was another closely watched contest. Jess scored 39.4, before last-to-go Tommy Greengard produced a 32.1, adding yet another point to the Stars & Stripes tally.

With the standard proving high across the arena, the margins between the riders have been fine, but that is precisely what makes the Blenheim Challenge so compelling: every mark has the potential to change the team score.

And with the dressage phase not yet complete, the Rising Lions still have their opportunity to strike back.

The current Blenheim Challenge score is:

Rising Lions - 0

Stars & Stripes - 5