London 2012 Olympics: Zara Phillips pleased with Olympic debut

Phillips pleased with Olympic debut as royal star helps keep Team GB in medal mix

By
Sportsmail Reporter

PUBLISHED:

10:40 GMT, 29 July 2012

|

UPDATED:

10:40 GMT, 29 July 2012

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Zara Phillips's Olympic debut went according to plan as the London 2012 eventing competition continued at Greenwich Park.

Phillips, watched from the main arena stands by her mother the Princess Royal and grandfather the Duke of Edinburgh, put in a solid display on High Kingdom.

Their score of 46.10 put them into equal ninth position and also kept Great Britain firmly in the team medal mix.

Nay problem: Phillips enjoyed a steady start on her Olympic debut

Nay problem: Phillips enjoyed a steady start on her Olympic debut

She received a rousing ovation from a bumper crowd before and after her dressage test, with few signs of empty seats that have been seen at some other Olympic events.

Phillips's previous Olympic hopes in 2004 and 2008 were dashed by injury to her world championship-winning horse Toytown.

'It was incredible to be selected, and to be here at home for the Olympics is an amazing feeling. You try to do your best for the team,' she said.

By royal appointment: Princess Anne and the Duke of Edinburgh were in attendance

By royal appointment: Princess Anne and the Duke of Edinburgh were in attendance

'It was probably his second big test after Burghley last year. His first change was disappointing, but his other ones were really good.

'But he coped with all the crowd, and he is only getting better. He is very chilled and getting stronger all the time.'

Phillips will next be seen in Monday afternoon's cross-country phase, and she added: 'He is a good jumper and cross-country is his strongest phase.

'He is quite quick and easy to turn, so it will hopefully be good. 'I think he wants to get out there now. He's a bit bored of dressage!'