What a day at the cross country test at the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials! We’ve seen thrills galore and sadly a few spills too, but the crowd have definitely been treated to an eventing spectacle with many of the biggest names in the sport competing.

Two Thyme has two stops

A fair few people put their money on overnight leader Ruth Edge to take the title, but unfortunately Two Thyme stopped twice on course and the pair retired. Until 6.30pm on cross-country day, Marina Kohncke was leading the pack, but a query over her time has put her into second.

This of course means that Mark Todd and NZB Land Vision have gone into first place on a score of 43.6. Eventing fans everywhere would be delighted to see this legendary rider take the crown again.

Nicola Wilson creates a Buzz

However, there’s no room for mistakes. A mere 4.2 penalties separates the top 10 and Nicola Wilson is the next in line breathing down the top two’s necks on 44. Opposition Buzz is a crowd favourite and eventing fans would be delighted to see this charismatic horse win here at Badminton.

Behind Nicola is Andrew Nicholson on Nereo, Piggy French and Jakata, Laura Collett and Rayef, Mary King on Imperial Cavalier, Sam Griffiths and Happy Times, Nikas Lindback on Mister Pooh and the top ten is rounded out by Caroline Powell on Lenamore.

There were, as ever, some fallers on course. Ireland’s Elizabeth Power had a nasty fall at the Sunken Lane and had to be airlifted to hospital after being unconscious for ten minutes. Thankfully she came around before boarding the helicopter, but we’re yet to hear news on her. Another visitor to hospital was Ingrid Klimke, but just for precautionary x-rays on her knee after a fall at Huntsmans Close.

The Master leaves a leg

Former winner Oliver Townend had a heavy fall at the Quarry when Ashdale Cruise Master left a leg and flipped. Luckily both are alright.

Karen O’Connor’s fall was more dramatic for Mandiba than her. After stopping at the step on the Outlander Bank the horse slipped off the step backwards. He got straight back up, but there was a delay on course while he was checked over.

Spectators at the Lake witnessed Sarah Wardell taking an early bath. Killeenduff Boy decided her didn’t fancy getting his toes wet and stopped at the element jumping into the water, catapulting Sarah into the Lake.

Gemma and Gem take a tumble

We’re very sad to say that another faller was H&C’s Badminton blogger Gemma Tattersall. It was at the Quarry, which she admitted to being wary of when she walked the course. We’ve heard from Team Tattersall that both girls are okay, but a bit sore and we’re hoping to catch up with them tomorrow. Despite a disappointing Badminton run this year, we’re sure the future is bright for this rising star.

To find out how to top six riders are feeling about their cross-country and the show jumping tomorrow take a look at our press conference vide. You can also watch Christopher Bartle, chef d’equipe of the German team, explaining the timing error. Plus, take a look through all our photos from around the course on cross country day.