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Portofino would have been our best chance of an individual medal. Luck really isnt on our side with the Olympics this year, is it?
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I'm not sure I agree with that statement...
Portofino has been out of form all summer really, and Peppermill is generally considered to be the backbone of the British team these days.
I wouldn't be too upset at having Russell come in as a reserve either....he has been one of the most consistent horses in Nations Cups over the years without ever really being a 'big class' winner.
I would say from all out competitive point of view, albeit as a real outside chance, that Ben and Rolette would could surprise...we'll see.
My money is still on Team Silver and an outside chance of an individual medal of some sort
I think that Nick and Russell still have a good chance, and i think that Peppermill has been on better form than Portofino lately anyway, what an awful blow to Michael and the team tho!
Not sure how you can say that when we won team bronze and individual bronze yesterday
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I was talking about the show jumping, not the eventing! They did a fab job yesterday - they certainly didnt have any luck involved whatsoever, what with all the setbacks beforehand. Those two medals yesterday were won by hard graft and team resolve
I was surprised when Portofino travelled. There were lots of strong rumours about her soundness. We still have a good team. Like Ken i am concerned it will blow Ben's Mare. She is still a relative Baby. Talking to people who had a hand in her production they seem to be worried that this Competition will burn her out as she is quite a sensitive Mare (their words not mine).Very often horses with real potential that jump at the Olympics lose their sparkle for the Job afterwards.
I would have taken Peter Charles instead of Michael.
Tim deserves his place and has worked so so hard for it over years and years. I will be routing for him every step of the way. Nick is a Master at the Job and blossoms under pressure. I just hope Russell behaves and is honest.
As for John ...he'd get a Blackpool Donkey round...well he is God isn't he????
although she hasn't been on great form recently (i think! )...Really pleased for Nick Skelton and Russell and John...well no-one deserves it more and Peppermill is fantastic on his day-good luck to them all, hopefully Ben's mare will do well-it seems the young one's have been doing well so far at these games so like Miners Frolic hopefully they can get into the medals.Will be watching nervously!