Main image: Shane Rose and Virgil. Image by Michelle Terlato Photography.
Inside Paris | Presented by International Horse Breeders
Eventing Jumping: Individual Final
The Individual Final has began at 11pm AEST.
UPDATE: Silver for Australia!
For a combination that has only been together since the start of the year and is really only having their second pedal-to-the-metal (or should we say medal) run together, what an amazing outcome. What a ride the past three days has been, and what a thrilling finish to see Chris and Shadow Man (22.40) on the podium with a silver medal to their name.
And what about Shane Rose? From a horrific accident in March to jumping clear with Virgil in the final round this evening for a top 20 finish (41.80) at the Games, Australia couldn’t be prouder!
Congratulations to Germany’s Michael Jung and Chipmunk (21.80) on taking home the gold, and to Great Britain’s Laura Collett and London 52 (23.10) on collecting the bronze.
25. Michael Jung and Chipmunk FRH (Germany, GER)
There is no one better to cope with the pressure that jumping in this position entails, and you can hear a pin drop in the crowd. He’s done it! Clear, and that’s a gold medal by the narrowest of margins; 21.8, what a score. It didn’t look like there was a second of doubt, they were totally in tune and on form today and what a masterclass.
24. Christopher Burton and Shadow Man (Australia, AUS)
They may be a newer combination, but what a picture Chris and Shadow Man look today. The 1 second of time in the last round will be fresh on Chris’s mind, and he will be looking to move. Wow, they have done it! A medal for Chris, who is circling the arena pointing at Shadow Man. A match that was always meant to be. Clear and under time, 22.40, what a finishing score. And that is Heath’s prophecy coming to life. Let’s see what happens with the final rider. Silver or gold?
23. Laura Collett and London 52 (Great Britain, GBR)
This big horse is giving the 1.30m plenty of space, and Laura is remaining completely in balance. A massive celebration from Laura who has secured another medal. Clear to finish on 23.10.
22.Tom McEwen and JL Dublin (Great Britain, GBR)
A big woah in the treble from Tom, he is completely in tune with JL Dublin and you can hear the crowd holding their breath. Big celebrations from Tom’s support team as he is really threatening gold, they finish clear to remain on their dressage score of 25.80!
21. Yoshiaki Oiwa and MGH Grafton Street (Japan, JPN)
At 16, MGH Grafton Street is putting in 110% effort in this round, but looks like he may be just a little more tired than earlier. Unfortunately just a single rail in the treble, they finish on 4.40 (one rail plus time faults) faults for a total of 30.30.
20. Felix Vogg and Dao de L’Ocean (Switzerland, SUI)
Felix will be looking to put on the pressure on following their expensive rail earlier, and unfortunately the vertical in the last double just drops for them. They finish with 4.40 (one rail plus time) faults for a total of 30.50
19. Kazuma Tomoto and Vinci de la Vigne (Japan, JPN)
This 15 year old is totally trying for Kazuma today, who is giving a masterful ride. Another double clear for this pair, and they remain on their dressage score of 27.40.
18. Tim Price and Falco (New Zealand, NZL)
Falco is such an expressive showjumper, and it is going to be exciting to see him around this larger track. He can spend some time in the air so Tim will be mindful to make sure he keeps moving, and that he does. Falco is loving every second of this track and looks like he could be jumping much bigger today, they retain their score of 28.50.
17. Stephane Landois and Chaman Dumontceau (France, FRA)
With not a time penalty up their sleeve, the pressure is on for Stephane. Unfortunately they take the second fence; a real shame for what is otherwise a gorgeous round. They drop 6 places, it is so tight at the top. They receive 4 faults for a total of 35.60.
16. Janneke Boonzaaijer and Champ de Tailleur (Netherlands, NED)
Champ de Tailleur got a little long towards the end of the last round, and you can see Janneke really working to keep the canter connected in what is looking like some short combinations. She is totally ecstatic finishing clear and under time, this pair have been a total joy to watch. They complete on a total of 31.90.
15. Boyd Martin and Fedarman B (United States of America, USA)
Federman B is a beautiful careful jumper, and you can see Boyd lightly steadying him in the treble to give him plenty of room. What a story and what a Games for this pair, another double clear and a very happy Boyd leaving the arena. Clear and also on 32.10, but Boyd will go ahead of Julia based on having a faster time.
14. Julia Krajewski and Nickel 21 (Germany, GER)
Julia and Nickel 21 gave us a masterclass in the first round, and they have done it again in the second round. Nickel 21 is totally focused on Julia every step of the way, and you can see the trust they have in each other. How exciting it will be to follow this combination in the years to come. Clear for 32.10.
13. Frida Andersen and Box Leo (Sweden, SWE)
Frida does a marvellous job at keeping the canter connected with this big horse Box Leo, jumping their second clear and under time of the day to finish on their dressage score of 33.0, what a result!
12. Karim Florent Laghouag and Triton Fontaine (France, FRA)
The French flags are out as Karim enters the arena on board Triton Fontaine, who is not looking at all tired to be out again today. Unfortunately a late rail but just 4 faults for a total of 37.60.
11. Elisabeth Halliday and Nutcracker (United States of America, USA)
Another to just take out the first rail, Nutcracker looks to have not quite respected the fence with his back legs. A slightly conservative ride on time. Another incredibly exciting horse for LA! Just 5.2 penalties for a total of 40.
10. Clarke Johnstone and Menlo Park (New Zealand, NZL)
Unfortunately Menlo Park and Clarke look to have a miscommunication into fence 1, to take the tall vertical rail. A rhythmic ride, the pair end with 4.8 penalties (one rail plus time) for a total of 39.70.
9. Lara de Liedekerke Meier and Origi (Belgium, BEL)
World number 4, Lara is riding a masterful round on the ever scopey young Origi. Quick thinking in double by Origi but Lara looks to have been one of the quickest so far, clear to finish the best of the Belgians on 35.60.
8. Karin Donckers and Leipheimer Van ‘T Verahof (Belgium, BEL)
Karin needs to really move onboard Leipheimer Van ‘T Verahof to make the time, he takes a gorgeous jump over the light planks to give them plenty of respect. A very happy Karin who is just a smidge over time. They finish on 38.20 with just 0.4 time faults.
7. Evelina Bertoli and Fidjy des Melezes (Italy, ITA)
A tap of fence 1 to stay put, we see the second fence fall. The distances are coming a bit short for this horse, but no other rails this round. Another pair to have just 1 second of time, they finish with 4.40 penalties. They finish on a total of 42.6.
6.Nicolas Touzaint and Diabolo Menthe (France, FRA)
The roar of the crowd as the first French rider of the second round enters the arena. Unfortunately the pair just tap the very light plank at 3 and a rail on a later oxer, for 8 faults. Another big horse for the future. They finish on 46.40.
5. Austin O’Connor and Colorado Blue (Ireland, IRL)
Austin moves to fence 5 and Colorado responds jumping up to Austin, and is totally concentrated on the course at hand. Another clear an under time. Clear for 39.70.
4. Shane Rose and Virgil (Australia, AUS)
A big tap of fence 2 but luck is on Shane’s side as stays up. Virgil looks to be full of jumping still and it is another clear and undertime. Shane remains on 41.8.
3. Rosalind Canter and Lordships Graffalo (Great Britain, GBR)
Lordships Graffalo gives the first double a little tap but the fence stays up, for another balanced clear. This course seems to not be causing too many issues, and it will be interesting to see if it has any affect on the rankings. Clear to remain on 42.40.
2. Louise Romeike and Caspian 15 (Sweden, SWE)
We saw glimpses of the scope of Caspian 15 in the last round and wow has this young horse stepped up to this height. The distance looks ever so tight in the doubles to be the second to go clear with just 1 second of time, which is influential enough to drop her one place behind Alex. 0.4 time faults for a total of 44.50.
1. Alex Hua Tian and Jilsonne van Bareelhof (China, CHN):
It’s not an easy job to be first out but what a masterclass from Alex. He makes this 1.30m Individual Round look absolutely rideable, with time OK, no doubt this will give the later combinations confidence that this is doable. Clear to remain on 44.20.
Eventing Jumping: Team Final & Individual Qualifier
It’s the final day of eventing at Paris 2024, and what an exciting day this will be. Following trot-up this morning, there has been a slight change to the team standings with Japan slipping down the list following Ryuzo Kitajima withdrawing Cekatinka in the holding box. Japan will need to take on 20 penalties for a substitution, leaving them in 5th with Switzerland now in the bronze medal position.
UPDATE: Gold to Great Britain
Great Britain has claimed the gold medal on 91.30, with France in the silver medal position on 103.6, and Japan claiming a historic bonze on 115.8.
Individually, Shane Rose and Chris Burton have both qualified in the top 25 and will progress to the individual final. Shane and Virgil are on 41.8 in 22nd place, while Chris and Shadow Man hold the silver medal position on 22.4. They are less than a rail off the leaders, Germany’s Michael Jung and Chipmunk (21.8).
58. Laura Collett and London 52 (Great Britain, GBR)
London 52 is looking strong over the first 6 fences, but we know it’s the later part of the course that we are seeing some rails. London 52 looks ever so slightly at 9, but no issues. A beautiful cle- oh no! The very last has fallen late with just 1 second of time. Heartbreaking for Laura, it barely looked like a tap. Team gold goes to GB! Wow the individual has opened right up. They add 4.8 penalties (one rail + time) to finish on 23.10… and drop below Chris Burton! Chris will enter the individual round in the silver medal position, with Michi Jung having just one rail in hand over the Australian. Heath Ryan predicted one rail over the two rounds for Laura, so he’s on the money at this stage. Don’t go anywhere, the individual final is going to be fierce.
57. Stephane Landois and Chaman Dumontceau (France, FRA)
France are needing a clear to stay in the hunt for gold, and you can hear a pin drop in the stadium. Stephane is another to have 9 down, Chaman Dumontceau just takes a glance at the water tray. They finish with 4.4 faults for a total of 31.60, but a huge cheer as we know France is now at least the silver medal.
56. Felix Vogg and Dao de L’Ocean (Switzerland, SUI)
Felix has to work hard into the treble but Dao de L’Ocean responds to keep them up. Unfortunately they too just have the rail at the oxer at 9, which means Chris is back up to bronze. Felix finishes on 26.10 after adding just the 4 faults.
55. Lara de Liedekerke and Meier and Origi (Belgium, BEL)
Origi is another horse that is giving these fences plenty of space. Just getting a little flat at 9, unfortunately they pay the price at the tall upright at 10. What an exciting horse for the future. 4.4 penalties, for a total of 35.60.
54. Yoshiaki Oiwa and MGH Grafton Street (Japan, JPN)
The pressure is on for Yoshiaki and the ever experience MGH Grafton Street who does not have even a rail in the team placings. A bit of a scary moment into the upright wall but it stays up. It looks like they are ever too tight in the final double, but not even a tap and they are clear with just a second overtime. 0.4 of a time fault to finish on 25.90. That is a monumental confirmed medal for Japan!
53. Tim Price and Falco (New Zealand, NZL)
Plenty of room at the first fence for Falco, with his back legs almost higher than the wings, he was not going to have that one down. He is looking to give them all significant air, it will be interesting to see if his time in the air affects the time. It doesn’t, a beautiful clear for the pair who carry forward. They retain their score of 28.50.
52. Frida Andersen and Box Leo (Sweden, SWE)
Frida is working hard to keep the canter connected, with this big horse really looking to keep the rails up. A tap at the final double, it stays put and she is clear and inside the time. Important for Sweden who didn’t have even a point spare to stay above the US. They will retain their score of 33.30.
51. Boyd Martin and Fedarman B (United States of America, USA)
Fedarman B gives plenty of scope over the third oxer, and is not looking to touch anything with his back legs today. Fedarman B is incredibly careful, and goes on with 32.10.
50. Austin O’Connor and Colorado Blue (Ireland, IRL)
A little tap through the treble, the rails remain up and you can see Colorado Blue is completely focused on Austin. A great turn into 10, with a really unfortunate late falling rail in the B element at the last combination, and the last fence. He should still be able to qualify forward to the individual final. They finish on 8 penalties for a total of 39.70.
49. Janneke Boonzaaijer and Champ de Tailleur (Netherlands, NED)
This grey is looking a gorgeous picture, with Jenneke seeing a great open stride into the treble and Champ de Tailleur giving it plenty of respect. A balance into the tall brick wall at 8, Champ de Tailleur is total class over the tall 10 and Janneke cheers in joy over the last. They retain their score of 31.90.
48. Karl Slezak and Hot Bobo (Canada, CAN)
An early rail at fence 3 for Hot Bobo and Karl, this horse makes a gorgeous open shape over the triple bar and is quick to balance into the treble. 12 penalties total for 52.60, unfortunately that will push Karl out of the top 25 for this afternoon.
47. Rafael Mamprin Losano and Withington (Brazil, BRA)
Beautifully navigated through the treble, Withington makes a lovely shape. Unfortunately Withington too just can’t keep his front legs out of the way into that tall fence 10, with a slightly short approach from Rafael. A total of 5.20 penalties for 46.80 overall.
46. Evelina Bertoli and Fidjy des Melezes (Italy, ITA)
Fidjy des Melezes is another to fall victim to that upright vertical at 10, in what would have been an otherwise masterful ride. They end on 5.2 penalties, and you can see how happy Evelina is to have finished! A total of 38.20.
45. Michael Jung and Chipmunk FRH (Germany, GER)
Chipmunk is looking completely on form, with Michi giving this course a very similar ride to Chris. A tighter turn to 10 will be where Michi is looking to make up the time, oh no, another to take that first oxer in the last combination with his back legs. This will drop him down to second behind Laura should she jump clear, the individual final will be fierce. Just the 4 faults for 21.80. One rail, just as Heath Ryan predicted.
44. Christopher Burton and Shadow Man (Australia, AUS)
Chris said yesterday that if there was a 6* this horse could jump it, and what a horse Shadow Man is. A woah into the treble, Shadow Man is clear through this question, and is looking ever so down on the pace. They masterfully finish the course, just 1 second of time and that will be expensive. 0.4 time to finish on 22.40, which will see him drop him below Felix Vlogg, who is still to come and in 22.10. But not many have jumped clear!
43. Malgorzata Korycka and Canvalencia (Poland, POL)
Beautifully ridden by Malgorzata with an add in between 10 and 11 for clean, which just sees them a little backward into that final combination to have them both down and add a stride. Malgorzata Korycka and Canvalencia finish on 70.6. 10 penalties for a total of 70.60.
42. Tom McEwen and JL Dublin (Great Britain, GBR)
No stranger to pressure, Tom and JL Dublin navigate the treble with ease. You can see JL Dublin giving the fences plenty of respect. Tom is another to opt for a wider rollback turn into 10, and he has done it! Clear on time and penalties, keeping GB with 3 fences in hand. Tom remains on a total of 25.80.
41. Karim Florent Laghouag and Triton Fontaine (France, FRA)
The pressure is on for Karim, who is really having to tactfully ride the eager Triton Fontaine. Another to just tap that first oxer at the final combination, for a total of 4 penalties and no time penalties. That gives GB a little bit more breathing room. They finish on just the 4 for a total of 33.6.
40. Robin Godel and Grandeur de Lully CH (Switzerland, SUI)
The second horse in a row to take the rail at that 3rd oxer, Switzerland drop a major 2 places to boost Japan back into bronze, the place they held before their substitution this morning. This could be monumental. Robin ends on 13.3 penalties (three rails + time) for a total of 52.
39. Karin Donckers and Leipheimer Van ‘T Verahof (Belgium, BEL)
Karin has an unfortunate early rail to bring Japan up into 4th, and shows all of her skill around the remainder of the course with Leipheimer Van ‘T Verahof for 4 faults for a total of 37.8.
38. Kazuma Tomoto and Vinci de la Vigne (Japan, JPN)
This course really moves the stride and is filled with nuances, opening up the horses at the triple bar to bring them right back into the triple. Balancing them at the tall vertical at 10 to then send them forward into a longer line, it is fabulous to watch! A slight knock at that influential number 9 oxer, it stays up and they are clear. What a round for Japan, we will see these two back later today.
No penalties to add here, for a total of 27.40.
37. Clarke Johnstone and Menlo Park (New Zealand, NZL)
A little spook by Menlo Park into the first fence has Clarke giving a little encouragement to really get the canter moving. Unfortunately they too take the oxer at 9, with Menlo Park looking to have ever so slightly hesitated at the water tray underneath. An otherwise fantastic round for 4.4 penalties for 34.90 overall.
36. Louise Romeike and Caspian 15 (Sweden, SWE)
This beautiful young grey has such a powerful back end, and you can see Louise needing to just keep the balance. Caspian just pulls a little too much into the treble to take the first rail, and Louise is really needing to keep him together down the last line. 5.6 penalties (one rail + time) for a total of 44.10.
35. Elisabeth Halliday and Nutcracker (United States of America, USA)
Elisabeth Halliday is showing her years of experience around this course, although Nutcracker may be ever so slightly steady. A little tap at the final combination, but clear jumping and 0.8 of a time fault for a total of 34.80.
34. Susannah Berry and Wellfields Lincoln (Ireland, IRL)
11 year old Wellfields Lincoln is jumping the first part of this course with Susie beautifully, another who is quite economical in his way of going. They too fall victim to the oxer in the final double, to finish with 4 penalties for a total of 52.20.
33. Raf Kooremans and Radar Love (Netherlands, NED)
Raf and Radar Love are jumping a great first half, but unfortunately have a bit of a communication error into the treble for the first down. Radar Love is thinking completely forward and really making Raf work for the balance, which unfortunately results in a few later rails for the pair. Another one who you might not think did over 5km of galloping yesterday! 12.80 (three rails +time) penalties for a total of 45.4.
32. Michael Winter and El Mundo (Canada, CAN)
Good riding by Michael with El Mundo who looks like he might drift off the side into the treble, masterfully they navigate it clear. Heartbreakingly just that last plank for the combination, ending on 4.00penalties for a total of 53.60. What a partnership these two have.
31. Marcio Carvalho Jorge and Castle Howard Casanova (Brazil, BRA)
Marcio is navigating Castle Howard Casanova with a beautiful softer connection, giving him plenty of space between the fences. Unfortunately they too are victims to the same oxer in the last combination as Shane was earlier today. Castle Howard Casanova walks out on a lovely loose rein, not looking at all fussed by the huge atmosphere! Just the 4 faults for a total of 79.70.
30. Giovanni Ugolotti and Swirly Temptress (Italy, ITA)
A few early rails from Swirly Temptress, she is just not getting out of the way with her front legs in a few instances. Masterful riding from Giovanni, you can assume that this may not be Swirly Temptress’ strongest phase. A total of 22.00 penalties for an overall score of 84.10.
29. Julia Krajewski – Nickel 21 (Germany, GER)
A short break for arena maintenance and we are back. Julia and Nickel 21 are really moving right from the start, Julia has trained this horse right up the grades, and you can see Nickel 21 staying completely in tune with her. A beautiful wider turn to that tall vertical at 10, a total masterclass by Julia for just 0.4 of a time fault for a total of 32.10. That slightly wider rollback turn may have taken that second from her, but gorgeous round from this combination.
28. Shane Rose and Virgil (Australia, AUS)
Virgil is giving the first three fences plenty of space, and is straight as a pin into 9 to clear. A little left of that tall fence at 10, Virgil tries extra hard to be clear through this related line. Unfortunately Virgil just taps the first oxer in the final combination with his back legs to finish on 4.4 faults (one rail + time) for a total of 41.8 penalties. What an incredible story for Shane, we will await to see if he qualifies in the top 25 this afternoon.
27. Robert Powala and Tosca del Castegno (Poland, POL)
Robert looks to be a little down on the pace comparative to Ros, but is managing a gorgeous clear round into 10. A heart in mouth knock at the last double, the fence stays up to ensure a clear on jumping and just 1.6 time faults for a total of 96.30.
26. Rosalind Canter and Lordships Graffalo (Great Britain, GBR)
Ros does such a masterful job of keeping the quality of this big canter, but heartbreakingly Lordships Graffalo just resisted into the oxer at 7 to take the rail. An otherwise masterful round under the time, to add 4 faults for a total of 42.4. GB still has two rails in hand.
25. Nicolas Touzaint and Diabolo Menthe (France, FRA)
And the crowd erupts, our first French rider is out for the day! Diabolo Menthe is looking expressive and full of energy before the start, a positive for France who are hot on GB’s tail and will be looking for a clear. A rail again at that tall 10 and another to lake the last plank, that will be disappointing for France who were hoping to not increase that margin. 8 penalties for a total of 38.40.
24. Melody Johner and Toubleu de Rueire (Switzerland, SUI)
Unfortunately Melody and Toubleu de Rueire take quite a few bricks down at the wall, which counts the same as a rail. Toubleu de Rueire looks to get just ever so slightly away from Melody at the last double to take another rail, finishing with 8.8 (two rails + time) for a total score of 50.40.
23. Tine Magnus and Dia van het Lichterveld Z (Belgium, BEL)
We are really starting to see some great rounds as the riders and coaches observe the earlier rounds, and Tine and Dia van het Lichterveld Z just tap the plank at the last for 4 faults. A shame as this was looking to be a really strong clear for the pair! Just the 4 penalties for a total of 50.
22. Toshiyuki Tanaka and Jefferson (Japan, JPN)
This combination is riding for another ‘team only’ score, subbing in just for this jumping phase after the withdrawal of a Japanese horse in the second horse inspection earlier today. Previously ridden by Christopher Burton, Jefferson and Toshiyuki are giving this round total respect. I will be interested to see the time as they look to be steady, yes a little down on time for just 1.6 time penalties.
21. Jonelle Price and Hiarado (New Zealand, NZL)
Jonelle is a master to watch show jumping, and the connection she keeps in the canter with Hiarado is fabulous. Unfortunately they do see some issues at that narrow vertical at 10 which just throws the focus for the later part of the course, to finish on 12 penalties for a total score of 71.20.
20. Sofia Sjoborg and Bryjamolga VH Marienshof (Sweden, SWE)
This horse was a joy to watch yesterday across the country and is putting in 110% today. Unfortunately just a rail in the treble which has not caused too many issues yet today, to finish with 4.8 penalties (one rail + time) for a final score of 53.10.
19. Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Blake (United States of America, USA)
HSH Blake is ever so economical not giving the fences much spare space, but so far clear. Oh no, commentator curse and they take the same oxer at 9 as Shenae. Beautifully finished for a total of 4.4 (one rail + time) penalties for a final score of 66.80.
18. Aoife Clark and Freelance (Ireland, IRL)
In as a substitution for Ireland and therefore jumping solely for the team score today. You can see Aofie is really masterfully navigating this course, balancing Freelance into that tall number 10. Unfortunately they are another to fall victim to the final double taking the first rail.
17. Sanne de Jong and Enjoy (Netherlands, NED)
Sanne rides the triple bar to treble related line masterfully, and unfortunately the pair just take the rail at the oxer after, which is relatively straightforward compared to the rest of the course, such a shame. Beautiful footwork in the final double to finish with one rail and 1.2 time faults for a total of 88.20.
16. Jessica Phoenix and Freedom GS (Canada, CAN)
Freedom GS is another that is not looking like she ran XC yesterday, giving plenty of air to these 1.25m fences. Jessica is keeping the canter connected but looks to be well up on time, another clear and undertime! That was a joy to watch. Clear for a total of 67.80.
15. Ruy Fonseca and Ballypatrick SRS (Brazil, BRA)
This horse looks full of jumping, and unfortunately just takes two rails down that final related line, which is proving influential today.
14. Pietro Sandei – Rubis de Prere (Italy, ITA)
Pietro looks to be riding a steady round with an early rail, to be another that just taps the last plank for 8.40 penalties. Rubis de Prere looked totally relaxed in this big atmosphere.
13. Christoph Wahler and Carjatan S (Germany, GER)
This will be a total masterclass, Christoph looks to be really moving and will be chasing the time. Another one that squares that turn into 10 with three strides prior, that was a class round for Germany with no penalties. It is such a shame these two had a fall yesterday, but all eyes will now be on Julia and Michi Jung.
12. Shenae Lowings and Bold Venture (Australia, AUS)
Here we go! Subbed in today follow Don Quidam’s injury, this will be Bold Venture’s first time in this arena in a competition environment. He’s a great showjumper and is off to a strong start, Bold Venture giving the treble plenty of respect. Unfortunately a little crooked into that big oxer at 9 to take the rail, and just a tap over the last fence at 13. Shenae’s feedback to Shane and Chris will be pivotal now. They finish on 9.2 penalties (2 rails + time).
11. Wiktoria Knap and Quintus 134 (Poland, POL)
The first senior championships for Wiktoria, Quintus 134 stands right off the treble to add 2 strides in each, but makes it through with penalties. You can see him reacting to the atmosphere and going a little into himself as opposed to getting hotter, but well navigated by Wiktoria. 22.80 penalties for the substitute rider who has just been subbed in for the jumping phase (and therefore no total).
10. Alex Hua Tian and Jilsonne van Bareelhof (China, CHN)
This horse is just gorgeous, and Alex is always such a joy to watch. He opts for quite a tight turn into 10 which pays off, to be clear on jumping – Jilsonne van Bareelhof didn’t look like they were going to touch any of the fences today! Still not inside the time – this is going to be tight.
Clear with 1.6 time faults for a total of 44.20.
9. Harald Ambros and Vitorio du Montet (Austria, AUT)
A long one into the water tray but it pays off, unfortunately slightly crooked into 10 to take the rail. Millimetres will count at this fence, well most of them! You can really see this horse trying for Harald, and they end with a total of 10 penalties (two rails + time) for a final score of 53.30.
8. Veera Manninen and Sir Greg (Finland, FIN)
Sir Greg is giving a few early fences a rattle but all clear up to 9. A beautiful turn into 10 with three straight strides prior, for our first clear jump penalties round! A little bit of time for the pair, it is certainly going to be an interesting balance act for those in contention. Clear with 1.2 time faults for a total of 56.40.
7. Noor Slaoui and Cash in Hand (Morocco, MAR)
This horse is just wonderful, ears pricked and giving the treble plenty of air. Unfortunately they take the front rail of 9, you can hear Noor just needing to give Cash in Hand some encouragement. Unfortunately they just pay for this with a few later rails to finish with, but wow does Noor look happy leaving the arena. A total of 20.80 penalties and they finish the Games on 81.20.
6. Balazs Kaizinger and Herr Cooles Classico (Hungary, HUN)
Unfortunately the narrow fence 10 has dropped for this pair in what has been a great round, and they have paid for it a little by also taking the oxer following. It will be a fence that the others will be really thinking about the approach too. A total of 10 penalties (two rails + time), for a total of 71.80.
5. Peter T. Flarup and Fascination (Denmark, DEN)
The first half of this course looks to be riding quite well, with the focus really required after the treble. Beautifully navigated by Peter, with an unlucky two down the final line that consists of a double into a final vertical. You really do need to ride right until the end of this course. It will be nailbiting later on! They finish on 9.60 penalties (two rails + time) for a total of 75.6.
4. Esteban Benitez Valle and Utrera AA 35 1 (Spain, ESP)
Unfortunately that upright vertical into the trouble has dropped for this pair, I don’t think that will be the last rail we see here. A few later rails for this pair, means they end with 29.20 penalties for a total of 98.10.
3. Alexander Peternell and Figaro des Premices (South Africa, RSA)
At just 9 years old this will be a big atmosphere for Figaro des Premices, with Alexander just giving him a look at that treble. What a gorgeous young jumper, artfully through the treble and clearing the height with ease. They don’t look to be pushing for time opting for a confident clear. Unfortunately the last fence down for 5.60 faults (4 faults + time) for a total of 77.8. What a horse for the future!
2. Nicolas Wettstein and Altier D’Aurois (Ecuador, ECU)
Another to take the first fence, we will see a few different approaches to this fence later on today and the later riders will be closely watching this approach. A bit of a miss into the treble and stop at the B, they will need to re-build the fence and represent. They added 50.80 penalties for a total of 158.50.
1. Miroslav Trunda and Shutterflyke (Czechia, CZE)
The course is set at 1.25m for this first round, with the top 25 individuals set to go forward and jump again later today. Unfortunately this pair take the first rail at fence 1, with a few rails across the course. The treble will be interesting to watch tonight, with a skinny upright at fence 10 also looking like it will need respecting. They add 30 penalties for a total of 155.
