Day 8 - England - Heartbreak

We rose bright and early to get to Badminton after hearing many horror stories about the traffic jams and parking. Fortunately the competitors pass allowed us to park really close to the action. I am sure that and our stupidly impractical yet fancy car made the officials think we were owners and more powerful than the plebs we actually are.

We caught up with Bronte and gave Clifford a pep talk, then found our way to a great viewing spot. It was surprising not more people were there, but we soon realised most folk move between fences. 

As an aside, Badminton food prices are the worst in the world. Someone tried to sell me a coffee for 6.50 POUNDS!! I snorted and walked away to a much cheaper, awful coffee for 4 pounds. A box of fish and chips was 15 pounds. We bought an ice cream for $8aud. It has put all other food shopping in perspective.

Anyway, we bagged our great spot at the Vicarige V and played cards till the event started. It was a big, stiff course this year and one of the early riders was badly injured so that made me even more nervous for Hazel. We had a radio so we knew she started and made it past the first water obstacle and would soon be passing us. You can imagine then our horror when it was Clifford with no rider who galloped down the hill towards us. He didn't jump the broken bridge at all well and Hazel had come off, eliminating them from the competition. While it was very sad both horse and rider were fine, which was more than others could say. About a third of the starters were either eliminated or withdrew.

After that we sadly made our way through lots of traffic to a good pub, drank a pint and had an excellent dinner. Alcohol helps most things I have found.

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