Sam Griffiths and Paulank Brockagh at Badminton.

© Kit Houghton/FEI

By Equestrian Life

Australian eventing star Sam Griffiths is back in the saddle — and the winner’s circle — following a serious neck injury earlier in the year.

Sam saddled up Paulank Brockagh (his 2014 Badminton winner and 2016 Olympic partner) and scored a win in the open intermediate section at an event in the south of England. It was his first competition following the forced break, and he had only been back in the saddle the week leading up to the event.

Sam and Paulank Brockagh led after the dressage on a terrific 24.8 penalties, and picked up just 6.4 time penalties cross country in what was the quickest round of the class.

Sam had a serious fall at Burnham in April, and although he had a sore neck he didn’t realise that it was in fact cracked — this was missed on the x-ray. In May, the full extent of his injury was discovered and he was forced to take a break from riding — spending the (European) summer in a neck brace. Fortunately Sam didn’t require surgery.

Fellow Aussie Shane Rose has competed many of Sam’s horses with plenty of success while Sam has been out of action, however he didn’t ride Paulank Brockagh.

The combination are now aimed at the CCI4* in Pau (25-29 October).

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