So near, yet so far

Sian Wynne Morris was only a hair’s breadth from enjoying a Badminton debut most riders can only dream of. She was one of only four riders to finish inside the time yesterday around a cross-country course that caused problems for even seasoned Badminton campaigners – like Andrew Nicholson, who had walked the course with Sian and advised her which lines she should take.


“Andrew told me to stick to my plan and ride positively, so that’s what I did,” said Sian, who has previously completed Burghley on two occasions and Pau CCI**** once before with the 14-year-old Just Appeal.

Nevertheless Sian admitted to being surprised at finishing inside the optimum.

“I set out hoping I’d be near it and he’s got a good gallop, but as I went round I kept looking down at my watch and thinking: ‘Wow, I’m well up there with my minute markers,’” she said.

Sadly, Just Appeal sustained an overreach yesterday that prevented him from showjumping.

“But we’ll be back for Burghley,” said Sian, who has just finished setting up her own yard in North Wales.