If anyone doubted that William Fox-Pitt was ready to return to international competition following his serious fall on cross-country at Lion d’Angers last October, they’re holding their tongues now.

The 47-year-old British eventer made a triumphant return this weekend (June 4-5) at the Tattersalls International Horse Trials in Meath, Ireland, placing first in both the young horse CCI* on Little Fire (owned by Jennifer Dowling) and in the CCI** with Secret Night (owned by Catherine Witt). Pitt led from the start on the 11-year-old Secret Night after laying down a dressage score of 39.7 and added just one show jumping time fault to his dressage score of 35.6 with Little Fire.

Despite eventing for more than three decades, a “visibly moved” Fox-Pitt told Horse & Hound that his emotions have changed since his accident last year. “I just have to recognize that things are a bit different now. I’m lucky to be here,” said the rider, who went on to thank his team for their support and dedication during a difficult winter.

This weekend, Fox-Pitt and longtime mount Chilli Morning will head to Bramham in North Yorkshire, an important Olympic qualifying event for the 2016 British Team.

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