In a day defined by excellence, changes were afoot and margins narrowed ahead of the vaulting finals. Alice Layher of Germany held on to the top in the female competition while Sam dos Santos of the Netherlands soared ahead in the males, and French giants Theo Gardies and Noely Thibaudat left no doubt about their claim to the Pas de Deux gold medal.
Aussies in action in the Individual Female Technical Test
The level of the female competition was strong. Coming in reverse order, tension built as the competition progressed.
Australian vaulter Bronagh Miskelly and nine-year-old Hanoverian gelding Dinoso P (Danone 4 x Benvenuto) received a score of 6.759 for 30th place, while Ginger Kennett scored 6.641 with 17-year-old German-bred gelding Corazon Gran (Corlensky G x Akteur) to sit just behind Bronagh in 32nd place. Both vaulters improved their scores and placings from the initial Compulsory Test.
The USA’s Kimberly Palmer’s character came across perfectly as she moved through her routine in wonderful flow. The result from the judges was the first score of over eight, a huge 8.470 in the technical test, elevating her to bronze medal position after round one, 8.155. Averill Saunders put out a solid performance for Canada, however a lower horse and artistic score leaves her in fourth place with 8.106.
Germany’s Kathrin Meyer’s performance was truly beautiful. Vaulting with her heart she was near overcome with emotion on finishing her programme. The result, the top score of the day, 8.669. Teammate Alice Layher was last to go, and although she couldn’t quite match Meyer’s score she was close enough with 8.663, leaving Layher in the lead after round one 8.726, with Meyer closer than yesterday, 8.609.
Switzerland’s Danielle Bϋrgi climbed the rankings after an error in her compulsories had her finish day one in 12th place. A solid technical round improved her position to seventh, 7.754.
The first champions will be crowned Saturday in the individual and squad competitions.
Saturday, 15 August:
Individual Female Free Test
- Ginger Kennett and Corazon Gran (lunged by Benita Julia Golze, Germany): 5.35pm AEST (9.35am local time)
- Bronagh Miskelly and Dinoso P (lunged by Anke Granow, Germany): 5.45pm AEST (9.45am local time)
Squad Free Test
- Australia (Eliza Wark-Chapman, Ivy Sykes, Nicki Coleman, Erin Ryan, Bronagh Miskelly and Tegan Davis with Fuerstenstaedter and lunged by Susanne Kayser): 11.53pm AEST (3.53pm local time)
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Source: FEI press released, edited by Equestrian Life
