Main image: Kevin McNab and Don Quidam, by Michelle Terlato Photography.
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That’s a wrap
What an influential cross country day we have just witnessed.
Top team contenders Germany will slip right down the rankings following the fall of Christopher Wahler at 16ABCD, whilst Ros Canter’s controversial 15 penalties looks to have stood following an appeal process. That means France is hot on Great Britain’s tail, with GB heading into the final day on 82.5, France on 87.2 and Japan on 93.8.
It was heartbreak for our Aussies as Kevin McNab’s horse, Don Quidam, was retired toward the end of the course. The Australian vet has since released a statement to confirm that Don Quidam has suffered some soft tissue damage and will recover back to full health in due time.
Individually, Michael Jung and Chipmunk FRH of Germany were clear and under time, and the pair head into the show jumping in the gold medal position on 17.80. Just 2 seconds over time on cross country, Laura Collett and London 52 hold silver on 18.30, with our Aussie Chris Burton and Shadow Man hold bronze on 22.
10.42pm Lara de Liedekerke-Meier and Origi (Belgium)
Lara and her homebred Origi have come out on course on a mission, and Origi is putting in 110% over the early water combination. Laura will be working hard to balance the Origi’s electricity, with the accuracy that will soon be asked of the combinations at the second water. She’s a 5* Champion for a reason, and is giving us a final masterclass for the last combination around the Paris 2024 cross country. Seeing Lara’s groom crying happy tears as she crosses the finish speaks volumes, how we love this sport and what a village it takes to get these combinations around cross-country. All the feels as Lara finishes with 1.2 time penalties for a total of 31.20.
10.38pm Nicolas Touzaint and Diabolo Menthe (France)
Nicolas is out on his young and up-and-coming horse, who he views as on the rise and therefore pushed to have it on the team over his more experienced horse. A huge cheer from the home crowd once again out of the starting gates! The roar through the first water was deafening, this combination has France on their shoulders. Nicolas is chasing for the time, and finishes with just 3.2 time faults for a total of 30.40.
10.34pm Raf Kooremans and Radar Love (Netherlands)
A rider that competed at the Sydney Olympics when he was just 20 years old, Raf and radar Love are masterfully navigating this course. A big woah from Raf at 17AB, we are seeing a mix of 5 and 6 strides in this combination today, with Radar Love opting for the former. Just 5.6 time faults for a total of 32.60.
10.30pm Giovanni Ugolotti and Swirly Temptress (Italy)
A run out in the woods at the arrowhead out of 16ABCD, Swirly Temptress looked to ever so slightly be running away from Giovanni and wasn’t quite on the aids enough in this influential combination. 36.40 penalties for a total of 62.10.
10.26pm Kazuma Tomoto and Vinci de la Vigne (Japan)
This combination is out and means business. Kazuma is wasting no time at all through the second water and Vinci de la Vigne is taking to this course with such bravery. Another pair that has made this course look so easy and finishing with time to spare. They will carry forward their dressage score of 27.40.
10.22pm Tim Price and Falco (New Zealand)
Falco is light on his feet through the second water, looking like the water hasn’t sapped even a percent of his energy. This horse looks primed for cross country as Tim takes a beautiful forward spot after the water and is really covering the ground. Interestingly Tim chooses the long option at the last water, and if that was his plan the whole time, you can see why he was pushing for time so early. It’s close but he finishes with 5 seconds of time. Just 2 time penalties for a total of 28.50.
10.18pm Marcio Carvalho Jorge and Castle Howard Casanova (Brazil)
A sticky moment at 16ABCD, with Castle Howard Casanova dropping back to trot into the big drop-down and cautiously trotting into the ditch. A steady approach is exactly what he needed as he navigates the arrowheads easily. Unfortunately Castle Howard says no the arrowhead in the Woods, with Marcio opting to take the alternative. 42.4 (20 penalties plus time) for a total of 75.7.
10.14pm Rosalind Canter and Lordships Graffalo (Great Britain)
Masterfully through the first half of the course, you can see that Ros analysing every turn to every combination to ensure not a second is wasted. Beautifully balanced through the Whimsical Woods, they ever so slightly tapped the arrowhead flag, but it doesn’t look like it will have repercussions. Ros is quick to get up out of the saddle as she hunts the time after the last water, Lordships Graffalo finishing with his ears pricked. Clear and under time to remain on 23.40. UPDATE 10.44pm: A flag penalty (15) has come late for Ros, for 21B. This alters Ros’ total score to 38.4.
10.10pm Louise Romeike and Caspian 15 (Sweden)
Can they make it three clear-under-time rounds for Sweden? A good ride for Louise through 16ABCD, with Caspian 15 almost drifting off that first arrowhead question. Brave through the last water, Louise is hunting for that time. A slight knock of the flag at the apex out of the water, we will await to see if that has any consequences. Appears to be clear, with just 0.8 time faults for a total of 38.50.
10.06pm Robert Powala and Tosca del Castegno (Poland)
A bit of a scare at the first water as Tosca del Castegno adds into the A, meaning Robert has his work cut out for him to keep the impulsion through the water. Robert will be riding the remaining waters positively. Unfortunately a stop at 13A, which looks like Tosca del Castegno may have just miss-read the question. Knowing he has had the earlier penalties, Robert chooses to take the alternate in the Whimsical Woods. They will add 60 penalties to their score to finish on 94.70.
10.02pm Boyd Martin and Fedarman B (USA)
Here we go, Australian born Boyd Martin is off for the US on the late Annie Goodwin’s horse Fedarman B. A round that’s been beautifully in balance, Boyd will have pulled all of the information he can from his teammates and has ridden this course to perfection. Just 1.6 time faults for a total of 32.10.
9.58pm Felix Vogg and Dao de L’Ocean (Switzerland)
All focus at the second water, Felix is giving this course every ounce of respect it deserves. They are looking quick across the course so far. You can see how fast this pair are going through the woods, with a slight stumble before they make 21ABCD look easy. It’s hard to imagine this has caused so many other issues today! A time of 8.52, they were flying! Clear for a total of 22.1, just 0.1 behind Chris Burton.
9.54pm Austin O’Connor and Colorado Blue (Ireland)
It’s always such a joy to watch this combination, and you can see Colorado Blue just locking on to every question Austin asks. You can see Austin tactfully riding that last water taking it slightly right, giving Colorado Blue plenty of time to consider the last major question, of which he does with no issues. Wow! Spot on 9.01, he will go forward with 0 XC penalties. The retain their dressage score of 31.7.
9.50pm Jessica Phoenix and Freedom GS (Canada)
Another with issues at 7AB, heartbreaking from Jessica. It’s tricky to see just what’s happened to have the run out, Freedom GS looks to be a little disconcerted with the lighting on this tree covered bank. Having had the early issue Jessica looks to take the longer route at the last water for a confident finish. A total of 32.40 (20 plus the time faults) for a total of 67.8.
9.46pm Christopher Burton and Shadow Man (Australia)
All eyes are on Chris as he sits in joint bronze position overnight. They were clear and quick through the first water, and not wasting any time, this is the fastest cross country rider in the world! Chris looks like he hasn’t missed a minute of eventing, and is giving us a total masterclass on cross country. He takes the final water a little right giving plenty of space for that apex in the water, and he has finished 3 seconds inside the time. A total XC master, Australia was with you every step Chris! Remaining on his dressage score of 22 and in the clear bronze medal position.
9.42pm Michael Jung and Chipmunk FRH (Germany)
They start their round as the leaders, following dressage leaders Laura Collett and London 52’s fraction of a time fault earlier in the day. Here we go, Michi and Chipmunk aren’t wasting anytime and are masterfully through the second water. Chipmunk sees a going stride to the ditch before 16ABCD, which sees Michi having to make some big holds. It pays off as Michi punches the air in what we imagine is relief, he will have wanted to ride that carefully after his teammate Chris Wahler saw issues there earlier. What a ride, easily inside the time. Tomorrow will be exciting! Remaining on 17.8.
9.38pm Nicolas Wettstein and Altier D’Aurois (Ecuador)
The first we have seen to go long at 7AB, the jump up was ever so slightly unbalanced for Altier D’Aurois and it was quick thinking from Nicolas. Unfortunately a side-step at the very final combination on course for a late 20, such a shame so close to home! 50.40 penalties (including a missed flag penalty alongside the 20 plus time) for a total of 92.7.
9.34pm Miloslav Prihoda Jr and Ferreolus Lat (Czech Republic)
A little heart in mouth moment at the bridge into the second water for this combination, but quickly recovered. There really is no part of the Vauban Citadel combination that is easy, although the bridge has otherwise been riding with no issues today. Ferreolus Lat is a little cautious down the drop at 16ABCD and you can see him just trot into the ditch, but it proves to be worth it as he clears the big arrowheads without issues. Unfortunately Ferreolus Lat isn’t happy with the drop in the Woods and takes 20 penalties. Ferreolus Lat is looking to be tired and it looks like the ground jury may be pulling him up, but he is cantering on. From the looks of the scores, he is now eliminated.
9.30pm Harald Ambros and Vitorio du Montet (Austria)
You can ever so slightly see Vitorio du Montet drifting out of the second water, and Harald is quick to just close that drift to make it straight through the flags. It is milli-seconds like this that make the sport of eventing. You can see Harald using all of his experience for this round. 6.80 time faults for a total of 43.3.
9.26pm Noor Slaoui and Cash in Hand (Morocco)
Another gorgeous grey who is looking completely in tune with Noor. Noor is seeing some gorgeous open strides to the “let up” fences, the big galloping fences in between combinations. Staying open at these fences will be vital to making time. Careful down the bank, and a big smile and pat once Noor is through that combination. And she’s absolutely ecstatic! They weren’t breaking speed records but what harmony this combination has, that was just a joy to watch. Clear with 24.00 time faults for a total of 60.40.
9.22pm Manuel Grave and Carat de Bremoy (Portugal)
Heartbreaking, Carat de Bremoy has left a leg at the third fence and unfortunately, they have had a fall. Both horse and rider are on their feet, and the vets and medics are quick to respond.
9.18pm Alex Hua Tian and Jilsonne van Bareelhof (China)
What a cross-country rider Alex is, this will be an exciting round to watch. The combination has taken a flag at 21ABCD in the woods and have given a flag penalty for the combination, but this will be reviewed again utilising the cameras after the round. Alex has added 15 penalties for the flag, and 5.6 time faults for a total of 42.6 at this stage.
9.14pm Alexander Peternell and Figaro des Premices (South Africa)
Clear through the first water. This horse is just 9, so it will be interesting to see what Alexander chooses in terms of routes on this challenging course. Quick thinking at the second water by Figaro des Premices, he certainly has impressive footwork! Alexander is not part of a team and is riding as an individual for the Games, and you can see he is taking it a little steadier than others have. What an exciting horse this is! 33.20 penalties for a total of 72.20.
9.10pm Sanna Siltakorpi and Bofey Click (Finland)
Powering through the woods, just banking that table-top with a slightly scary moment but galloping on. Unfortunately Sanna Siltakorpi and Bofey Click have taken the frangible pins at the large apex out of the last water, which will be disappointing for the combination. This is the first frangible pin activation we have seen today. 33.20 penalties for a total of 68.
9.06pm Tine Magnus and Dia van het Lichterveld Z (Belgium)
Tine has to think quick at the second water with Dia van het Lichterveld Z taking a massive jump into the water. Whilst it looks impressive, that C element comes up quick and Tine has to work hard to stay inside the flags. What a ride. It’s all grey power out on course at the moment, and Tine is looking quick. Just 2 time penalties, for a total of 46.
9.02pm Stephane Landois and Chaman Dumontceau (France)
The cheers when the French riders are out on course is just electric! Chaman Dumontceau is such a brave cross-country horse, taking to the early water combinations strongly. You can see Chaman Dumontceau ever so slightly acknowledging the surrounds with his ears, but is a total professional with not a fault. The crowd is ecstatic at the last water, and Stephane is absolutely ecstatic as he comes through the finish flags. Just 2.8 time faults for a total of 27.2.
8.58pm Sanne de Jong and Enjoy (The Netherlands)
This beautiful grey was bred by Sanne’s parents when she was 14 years old, and they are the definition of an unwavering partnership. You can see Enjoy’s ears flickering forward and back listening to Sanne, having a joyous time out on course through the Woods. Enjoy is just a little tired into the last water, with Sanne quickly opting to take the long route. It will be interesting to see if they mark this as a 20 from the deviation off of the direct route. Enjoy jumps the large apex alternate well and looks to have picked up again, Sanne will take it steady home. They’ve been awarded 13.20 time faults for a total of 48.
8.54pm Evelina Bertoli and Fidjy des Melezes (Italy)
The course seems to be riding better and better, and touching wood, we haven’t seen any troubles for some time. It looks to be a combination of feedback coming back to the riders and the sun just drying out the ground a little in the Whimsical Woods. Evelina and Fidjy des Melezes finish strong. Just 6.4 time faults for a total of 33.
8.50pm Yoshiaki Oiwa and MGH Grafton Street (Japan)
A little sticky at 16ABCD with the drop just taking MGH Grafton Street by slight surprised. Quickly recovered and they are on their way. A quick choice to go the long route at the final water and a little bit of a hairy moment at the apex, the frangible stays up. It looks like MGH Grafton Street wouldn’t mind taking over the reins. They are inside the time and finish on their dressage score of 25.50!
8.46pm Clarke Johnstone and Menlo Park (New Zealand)
Clarke is off with a flash and navigates 7AB masterfully, no doubt having de-briefed with Jonelle earlier in the day. Heartbreaking news for team NZ who has been given the first missed flag penalty (15 penalties) of the day at the Menagerie Water. I would imagine this will be reviewed again at today’s conclusion. Heartbreaking for Clarke and Menlo Park who are otherwise making this course look easy. 19.80 penalties and a total of 45.5 at this stage.
8.42pm Rafael Mamprin Losano and Withington (Brazil)
A confident round for Rafael and Withington, who are strong through the final combination and cross the finish line with a big smile. 9.2 time faults for a total of 41.60.
8.38pm Laura Collett and London 52 (Great Britain)
Here we go, the rider we have all been waiting for. She’s coming into XC in the top place, with an Olympic Record in the dressage yesterday. With Michi Jung just a whisper away, they will need to be fast. A big jump into the B element of the Menagerie Water, you can see Laura really using her body to really encourage London 52 to be bold into the water. Bold he is, giving the big jump in plenty of scope. Some encouragement into the Whimsical Woods from Laura and London 52 makes it look easy, the footing here seems to be holding up much better. Laura has opted to take the long route at the last water, you can really see the encouragement into the water fences she needs to give London 52 and she must know she has some extra seconds to play it safe. 0.8 of a time penalty from Laura, Michi Jung is quick so it will be interesting to see what he can do here. Laura is on a total of 18.30.
8.34pm Frida Andersen and Box Leo (Sweden)
You have to admire these amazing horses crossing the water pontoons, which are floating and do not touch the base of the water, without even flinching. At this level they are so focussed on their task, and what a ride this combination is having. As straight as a pin through 16ABCD, Frida holds a light contact, and you can see Box Leo responding to every aid. They are inside the time! These Swedes have got this figured out. A total of 33.3, their dressage score.
8.30pm Jan Kaminski and Jard (Poland)
The first to choose the alternate at the second water, unfortunately Jard is just not wanting to lock onto these brush combinations today. Stopping at the alternate, and then again at the second choice, it is just not their day as Jan chooses to retire.
8.26pm Elisabeth Halliday and Nutcracker (USA)
Slightly close to the apex out of the second water, Nutcracker is quick to respond with some very smart footwork. This has been a really exciting ride for the Americans, with Elisabeth Halliday and Nutcracker – who were a late addition to the team following the withdrawal of Will Coleman – showing the exciting depth of American eventing. Just 6 time faults for a total of 34.
8.22pm Robin Godel and Grandeur de Lully CH (Switzerland)
This pair are wasting no time through the second water, it looks like there may be a boot or shoe that has come off but is not affecting Grandeur de Lully CH at this stage. The riders are permitted to dismount to fix gear at any point on course and get back on without penalty, although that won’t be needed for Robin today who masterfully executes this course. 9.60 time faults for a total of 38.70.
8.18pm Susannah Berry and Wellfields Lincoln (Ireland)
Susie Berry navigated 16ABCD well, although you can see the masterful riding this combination requires. Opting to take the longer route at the last water, Susie may have felt Wellfields Lincoln just starting to tire. Susie is a great rider, and will be listening to Wellfields Lincoln every step home. 15.20 times, for a total of 48.20.
8.14pm Karl Slezak and Hot Bobo (Canada)
This horse is having the best time, what a joy to watch. A heart in mouth moment in the Whimsical Woods with Karl slightly unseated but regains balance quickly. 4.8 time, and a great ride for the Canadian duo. A total of 40.60 to end the day.
8.10pm Kevin McNab and Don Quidam (Australia)
Kevin has come out of the gates like a rocket with Don Quidam, he means business. We are not sure if we have seen anyone else come out the gates at this speed, a really positive start for the Aussies. Not a hint of hesitation at the second water for Don Quidam and they are absolutely flying. A slight hesitation at the significant drop down at 16ABCD which just saw trouble for Christopher Wahler, but Don Quidam is clear through this combination, and we all sigh in relief! Beautifully ridden through the Whimsical Woods by Kevin, he kept the canter connected and looks like he may have been given a heads up on the conditions through here. Kevin has stopped on course and is off Don Quidam; it is heartbreak for Australia. We await an update, but it looks to have been after the final water, so close to home. It’s looking as though he’s retired, rather than a fall. More to come. UPDATE 11.28pm, statement from the Australian Equestrian Team: “Today, during the cross-country phase of the Eventing competition, Australian team member Kevin McNab elected to retire his horse ‘Don Quidam’ on course in the horse’s best interest. The horse has been assessed by the Australian team veterinarian, who advised that ‘Don Quidam’ has sustained a soft tissue injury and is currently undergoing treatment. The horse is expected to make a full recovery. Reserve athlete Shenae Lowings will step into the team position to complete the jumping phase tomorrow.”
8.06pm Christoph Wahler and Carjatan S (Germany)
And we are back to the Team rotation. This will be another masterclass ride. Three strides in the AB at that first water and they make it look easy. A direct route and bold through the second water.
Oh no, Christopher Wahler has fallen at the influential 16ABCD, it looks like Carjatan S may have just left a leg in the ditch, and he wouldn’t be the first to have done that today. They are both up and walking away ok,ay and unfortunately Germany’s chance at a medal in eventing has ended.
8.02pm Esteban Benitez Valle and Utrera AA 35 1 (Spain)
The sun is now out at 19 & 20 casting some stark shadows, but causes no issues for Utrera AA 35 1. Another who navigates 21ABCD with ease. A really beautiful ride from this combination, finishing with 14 faults for a total of 53.9.
7.58pm Peter T. Flarup and Fascination (Denmark)
A refusal at 16B and took the alternative option, so 20 penalties. Opting for the long route at the final water, Peter looks to have taken his foot off the gas and is taking it easy home. A total of 33.60 faults, to finish on a score of 66.
7.54pm Veera Manninen and Sir Greg (Finland)
What a story this combination has had, Sir Greg was Veera’s first Young Rider Championship mount, and now they are at the Games. It is the fairytale story. Masterfully ridden through the Whimsical Woods for this pair, who probably hadn’t yet received the feedback that this was slippery riding. Veera sits in such perfect balance between combinations, keeping the canter rhythm and not interfering with Sir Greg. What a combination! 18.4 time faults for a total of 55.20.
7.50pm Ronald Zabala G. and Forever Young Wundermaske (Ecuador)
This is the oldest horse and rider in the field; Wundermaske is 21 years of age, while Ronald is 57 years old! They’ve been together since 2016 and competed at the 2018 WEG in Tryon. What a horse! Slightly to the right at that big brush apex out of the second water, but you can see Forever Young Wundermaske listening to everything Ronald is asking of him. Another one who has had trouble at the last arrowhead in the Whimsical Woods, the turn paired with slippery ground is just taking the power out of the canter. I am interested to see how the later riders approach the footing here. An unfortunate fall off the side for Ronald and Forever Young Wundermaske at the last water, who were so close to home. Both horse and rider walked away, but that is sadly elimination for the pair.
7.42pm Miroslav Trunda and Shutterflyke (Czech Republic)
A big jump into the A element at the first water for what looks to be a glance off at B, with Miroslav opting to take the alternate. It will be interesting to see if they deem it a glance off or intentional. Confirmation that he has received 20 penalties. This horse has scope for days, as can be seen by the giant leap down 16ABCD drop. Luckily there’s enough space for Miroslav to straighten for the ditch. A run out at the D element of 21ABCD, with Shutterflyke not locking on and running out of room. They finish on 72 penalties for a total of 125.00.
7.38pm Balazs Kaizinger and Herr Cooles Classico (Hungary)
Another who has slipped at 21ABCD, I think it may be the ground. Taking the long route at the final water, Herr Cooles Classico has really tried around this course. They finished with 16 time faults for a total of 61.80.
7.34pm Carlos Diaz Fernandez and Taraje CP (Spain)
This pair are having a great time, with Carlos giving Taraje CP plenty of praise in the gallop stretched. Plenty of smiles from Carlos into the separately numbered log piles, a little stand off into 20 and Carlos will need to work quickly to reconnect for 21ABCD. Another to slip but this time between the C and D element, it may be the footing but looks like Taraje CP may be ever so keen to continue on. They are through the last water although have to work had over the final corner, with the water just sucking out some of the power in Taraje CP’s canter. 17.6 time faults for a total of 47.80.
7.30pm Karin Donckers and Leipheimer Van ‘T Verahof (Belgium)
Sticky at the Menagerie Water, but made it through. They are going to need to get going now as the questions will continue to come quick and fast, with no time to be cautious. Karin is having to really ride into the second water after Leipheimer Van ‘T Verahof lightly steps behind the tow rail into the water, she is showing her years of experience with this ride. A little slip after the 21ABCD combination in the Whimsical Woods; they are not the first to have stumbled here and it will be interesting to see how this ground rides later in the draw. Just 7.2 time faults for a total of 33.80.
7.26pm Karim Florent Laghouag and Triton Fontaine (France)
There’s a roar as the first French rider is out on course, this will be electric for Karim. Not even a hint of hesitation at the second water for Triton Fontaine, who seems to be loving the crowd. I wouldn’t imagine they have ever ridden in front of a louder crowd on XC. Despite leaving the back legs in the ditch at 16 ABCD, they masterfully, and narrowly, clear the arrowhead at D. That could have been a close call for France. Clear and under time to retain their dressage score of 29.60.
7.22pm Janneke Boonzaaijer and Champ de Tailleur (The Netherlands)
Another mare that loves her job, Champ de Tailleur’s ears are pricked and she has immediately locked onto the B element of the first water. Now this is XC. Another one who has our heart in mouth as they take a stride out and narrowly clear the LA gates, they’ve done it inside the time by 1 second and that risk may just have been worth it! They finish on their dressage score of 31.90.
7.18pm Pietro Sandei and Rubis de Prere (Italy)
This is the first phase for this combination, who were subbed in for the XC after a teammate was eliminated in the dressage phase due to blood in the mouth being found after the test. This gorgeous big horse looks to be taking it easy around the course with his big ground coverage, he may be slightly off the time but is navigating the combinations tactfully. A scary moment at the second to last, with Rubis de Prere standing off to the very upright LA gate, but recovered. A total of 14 time faults; no overall running score for this combination other than the time faults as they did not ride the dressage phase. The Italian team took a 100-penalty hit for the other rider’s dressage elimination, plus 20 penalties for enacting this substitute combination.
7.14pm Ryuzo Kitajima and Cekatinka (Japan)
A little bit of a miss-step into the big “V” brush with a ditch in front of it at the second water 10ABC for this combination, but well recovered. A total of 6.4 time faults, for a final total of 40.9.
7.10pm: Jonelle Price and Hiarado (New Zealand)
The NZL speed queen is out on cross country, and we will be looking for a fast round from Jonelle. Total class through the first water, Oh no! Hiarado didn’t look to lock on, with a miscommunication at 7AB, and has a run out at the frangible birch log at B. Expensive for NZ! A final score of 28.4 for this combination, Jonelle will be disappointed with that early error around a course that they otherwise had no trouble with. Added to their dressage score, they finish the day on 59.2.
7.06pm: Carlos Parro and Safira (Brazil)
The sun is out for Carlos and Safira, which will be interesting to see how the ground reacts as the course goes on today. Carlos opts for the long route at the last water on Safira who finishes with 22.40 penalties; all time faults. Just under a minute over time. They end the day on a total of 60.10.
7.02pm Tom McEwen and JL Dublin (Great Britain)
Clear through the first water for Tom and JL Dublin, who is looking full of running. All eyes are on the GB team today who head into XC with a sizeable lead. Tom is wasting no time through the second water, opting for the right apex. Very narrowly to the right at that first arrowhead just tapping the flag at 16 ABCD, we will await the judges’ verdict. It looks to have been marked as clear. Tom is pushing at the last fence, and he has done it! Clear under time, so finishing on his dressage score of 25.8 today.
6.58pm Sofia Sjoborg and Bryjamolga VH Marienshof (Sweden)
A big effort over the large oxer at the final water for this pair, and Bryjamolga VH Marienshof is looking full of running. They have done it! Our first pair under time today. They will finish the day on their dressage score of 33.3. So it is achievable. Chris Burton will be watching that round closely…
6.54pm Malgorzata Korycka and Canvalencia (Poland)
What a jump this horse has! This combination had 21.20 time faults but jumped clear to finish on a total of 60.6 penalties.
6.50pm Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Blake (USA)
And our first US rider is off. At just 9 years old with 30.4 penalties, this will be a big ask for this combination. The pair are strong through the wooded area although look to have taken a flag at the Whimsical Woods ABCD, we will wait to see what the jump judges say. There looks to have been a run out at 16C for this pair, a skinny set of arrow heads following a huge drop. A shame for the pair who were looking on top form, this horse will be one to watch for LA! They end up with 20 jump faults, 12 times faults and an overall total of 62.40. The missed flag remains on their card towards the end of the competition with a few horses still to go.
6:46pm Melody Johner and Toubleu de Rueire (Switzerland)
This beautiful grey is making this course look like a breeze, although Melody does have to give a bit of a steady before the log piles at 20 and 21. The rain yesterday will mean riders opt to stay steady in this tree covered area, where we saw Shane also take an add. They took the direct line through separately numbered 25 and 26 to come home with just 3.2 time penalties for a total of 41.6.
6:42pm Sarah Ennis and Action Lady M (Ireland)
Wow, what a horse. Action Lady M clears fence 2 with plenty of scope. This is a mare who loves her job. Sarah opts for the right side corner of the second water, wow this mare is keen and I think may have opted to take another stride out if she could! Action Lady M’s ears are pricked at fence 26, but her jump is slightly flatter, which may be the only hint of slight fatigue. They have finished with 3.2 time penalties, for a total of 41.20.
6.38pm Michael Winter & El Mundo (Canada)
A positive approach to the second water for this combination, who are on fine form. The pair have a narrow ride through fence 26 at the Cornelian Dilemma but are inside the flags. 14.4 time penalties for the pair but clear around the course, and a great result for the first ride for Canada. A total of 49.6.
6.34pm Shane Rose & Virgil (Australia)
9 weeks ago he had 19 broken bones, and today we see him on XC at Paris. Go Shane, Australia is behind you! Shane also opts for the direct route at the first water, a slight look at the change in ground on the step up out of the water, but easy work for the rising 19 year old Virgil. They are clear through the second water at fence 10, and Virgil is looking full of running. Shane and Virgil have added a stride between 19 and 20, taking it easy on a slippery section of course. Knowing time is tight it will be interesting to see if he can make this up. They are into time and end with 2.8 penalties, well done team! What an effort, Shane will head back to Kevin and Chris and give them the run-down on how the course rides.
6.30pm Julia Krajewski & Nickel 21 (Germany)
There are no better trailblazers to get us started today than Julia and Nickel 21. This combination is fresh from a win at Aachen in the CCIO4*-S and will give this course everything they have. Julia and 10 year old Nickel 21 are looking concentrated in the start box, heading out with a 26.90. Wow what a horse, giving the first two fences plenty of room. Julia opts for the direct route in the Menagerie Water and makes it look easy, total class. Nickel 21 has to work hard through the last water taking the wider side of the corner, but the combination has finished with 4.8 time faults and therefore a tota score of 31.70. As reigning Olympic champions, we can only imagine that time is going to be tight for all!
