The police thought they were being helpful when they put metres of this plastic 'crime scene' tape around the road crossing area where the Para horses had to pass before entering the indoor competition arena. I stayed with Sally a few years ago when she was living in Singapore. Lots of fun. She is a steward and nearly got arrested as she took down the tape as it was blowing in the wind and frightening the Grade 1A horses.
The policeman came up to her and told her it was 'a Federal offense to move the tape'. She replied that it was dangerous and could not be used. He just repeated that it was illegal to move it. She won and the tape stay down!
We finished early today and some of us stayed to watch the Show Jumping. The top 30 horses from the previous three days of competition jumped in two rounds. The top 4 riders ride their own and each others horses in the finals tomorow night. It is a unique format for World Championships. The riders are Philippe Le Jeune (Belgium), Rodrigo Pessoa (Brazil), Eric Lamaze (Canada) and the 28 year old Abdullah Al Sharbatly from Saudi Arabia. The Saudi's are also staying at the Marriott hotel so I hope I can get to sleep before the partying gets too noisy!
Between the two rounds we stayed in our seats as we were in the Riders stand and did not want to lose our places. Watching the course being changed and 'dressed' was most entertaining. So much micro-management!
When the gates were opened for the course walk for the second round we could not believe the number of people who surged through the gate.
All these people for 25 competitors. Nobody paid any attention to the announcement asking non-competitors to leave. I do not know how the riders could work out their exact lines.
Modern courses at major competitions look spectacular. So much attention to detail.
Too late - the partying has begun downstairs. Early start again in the morning. We have 4 riders competing and then, hopefully, watch and support Eric Lamaze in the Show Jumping.
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