Olympic hopefuls take the rains

Spectators in stout raincoats and boots had to keep making a dash for cover and takings must have been slim at the Pimms bar.

But leading riders from this country and abroad will be competing over the weekend, many with an eye on Olympic selection, which is imminent. Following the cancellation of other events owing to waterlogged ground, organisers pulled out all the stops to accommodate 100 extra riders this weekend.

British hopefuls include William Fox-Pitt, who is currently in the lead, Nicola Wilson, Zara Phillips, Tina Cook and Lucy Wiegersma.

Dressage continues today with the cross country tomorrow and Sunday.