Jumping

Olympics

Martin Gostelow’s Paris Jumping Guide: Who to watch and when on day one of the Team Qualifier

All four combinations have passed the first trot up this morning, with the team competition set to start on Thursday at 7pm AEST...

Martin Gostelow

Published 31 Jul 2024

Main image: Hilary Scott and Oaks Milky Way have passed trot up this morning. Image by Michelle Terlato Photography.

Inside Paris | Presented by International Horse Breeders

The Jumping gets underway

The anticipation is palpable as teams prepare to vie for medal positions. Australia’s all-girls team is making history, featuring Edwina Tops-Alexander in her fifth Games, alongside debutants Thaisa Irwin and Hilary Scott. Thaisa, now based in the US, and Hilary, training in Holland, bring fresh energy and determination to the team. Hilary’s journey with her 17-year-old mare, Oaks Milky Way, adds a touch of fairy tale magic, as she’s known the horse since it was a foal.

Amber Fuller serves as the traveling reserve with Nopal van Talaert. Amber’s recent form, including a strong performance in Rotterdam, keeps her in the running for individual competition.

All 4 combinations have passed the first trot up this morning, with the team competition set to start on Thursday at 7pm AEST.

Thaisa Erwin and Hialita B. Image by Michelle Terlato Photography..

Who to watch

The French team, the gold medallists from Rio, are strong contenders with Julian Epaillard, Simone Delestre, and Kevin Staut. The home team advantage always plays a significant role, and the French are known for their strong performances.

Germany’s team, led by Phil Weishaupt, Christiane Kukuk, and the in-form Richard Vogel with his incredible stallion United Touch S, are also in the spotlight. United Touch’s agility and speed make them strong individual medal hopefuls.

Great Britain’s team, featuring talents like Harry Charles, Scott Brash, and Ben Maher, the reigning gold medallist, is another team to watch. Harry Charles, son of London 2012 gold medallist Peter Charles, is a rising star, and Scott Brash and Ben Maher bring a wealth of experience and skill.

The Swedish team, the reigning World and Olympic champions, led by Rolf-Göran Bengtsson and Henrik von Eckermann with King Edward, are formidable. King Edward’s recent wins at the World Cup Final and European and World Championships make them serious contenders.

Japan’s Taizo Sugitani, competing in his seventh Olympics, is another veteran to watch.

The US team, featuring Laura Kraut, Kent Farrington, and McLain Ward, also looks promising, with McLain potentially standing out in the individual event.

Edwina Tops-Alexander and Fellow Castlefield. Image by Michelle Terlato Photography.

Format

Day one will feature a first-round speed class, setting the stage for the team qualifiers. Australia’s best team performance was seventh place, achieved twice, and Edwina Tops-Alexander’s ninth-place individual finish remains a standout achievement.

In the days ahead, the spotlight will be on Richard Vogel and United Touch. Everything they touch seems to turn to gold, and they’re strong contenders for the gold medal at the Palace of Versailles.

Stay tuned to Equestrian Life’s Facebook page, Channel 9, and Stan Sport for all the live updates.

Travelling reserves Amber Fuller and Nopal Van Tallaert. Image by Michelle Terlato Photography.