There are not great surprises at the trot up, although with Australia, New Zealand and Germany down to three combinations each, after the cross country, the potential for disaster loomed large. They all passed easily – and while the majority of the horses looked fine, the ones that didn’t, still got through. The only one of note is Phillip Dutton, whose horse did not look right (one of the photos on cross country doing the rounds of facebook may indicate why) but passed anyway…
Karim Laghouag trots up Entebbe
Time for the marathon of showjumping that has been forced on us by the IOC to provide one event for the team, one for the individual medals.
I reckon what would be best is to run the three Olympic disciplines as individual contests with individual medals, and then let the combined results determine Team Medals for Equestrian. That would make it interesting…
On to the team show jumping…
First team rider, Gemma Tattersall on Quicklook, just one rail, which given her dressage and cross country disasters, is something of a triumph. They finish on 140.8.
Sad for the locals, Brazil’s Ruy Fonseca has a fall from Tom Bombadill Too, and after getting all this way, is eliminated. Still Mark Todd has done a good job with the Brazilians and they had four still in the competition after the cross country.
First of the French, Karim Laghouag and Entebbe, great clear, just one time, and the Frenchman waves two hands above his head. (By way of a footnote, Entebbe’s sire Embassy I was put down five days ago) They are a real threat…
Karim Laghouag and Entebbe
First of the Germans, Sandra Auffarth and Opgun Louvo, finally they get their act together. Clear, no time to finish on 65.40. I guess it has been a long, long time since Sandra last picked up a 60+ total.
Sandra Auffarth and Opgun Louvo
Next, Thibaut Vallette and Qing du Briot, another great clear for the French, who are getting increasingly hysterical behind me…
The big threat – our Kiwi cousins, and Jonelle Price is such a stylish rider, and her grey mare, Faerie Dianimo is a jumper despite her dressage breeding. One down, two down, who’s cheering, not me, but we have a little breathing space as Stuart Tinney and Pluto Mio enter the ring…
Stuart Tinney and Pluto Mio
Third down, fourth down, just scraping over, second and third of the treble, 16 jumping, one time for a 76.6 and right now the Kiwis have grabbed the lead.
Ingrid Klimke and Hale-Bob, couple of rattles but a super clear. 65.5 total.
Ingrid Klimke and Hale-Bob
Mathieu Lemoine and Bart L, going great then the second last and the last down. The Frenchies have quietened down for the nonce.
Clarke Johnstone and Balmoral Sensation – all class, all clear.
Sam Griffiths’ bay mare looks so strong, so switched on, gives the third last a rattle, but the rails hold, home clear, no time.
Sam Griffiths and Paulank Brockagh
Phillip Dutton’s Mighty Nice rattles most of the fences but they all stay up, just one time for 47.8.
Stylish clear for William Fox-Pitt and Chilli Morning for a 67.4 total. Will this be the last time for this great rider on the international stage?
Just how good Toddy’s job with the Brazilians is underlined when Carlos Parro on the Thoroughbred, Summon up the Blood, comes in 7th after the cross country. Middle and last of the treble down, then the second last, 63.3, but what a performance.
Michael Jung and Sam. Currently second. Not used to taking rails… And he doesn’t this time, 40.9… no breathing space for Christopher. Astier Nicholas who has starred right from the start is clear, no time for a total of 42.
Michael Jung and Sam
Mark Todd, slow and steady, horse looking great, then one down, first and second of the treble, then another. 16. Aussies back in the lead.
All down to Christopher Burton and his beautiful black ‘baby’. Three rails – the French have won, Germany, second, Australia, third… Great sport, but how many what ifs are floating out there.
Christopher Burton on Santano II
Astier Nicolas on Piaf de B’Neville celebrates France’s win
Well done guys great effort great to see Australia back in the medals ✨✨✨
what a night [here]
edge of the sofa stuff
and so much good riding!
Christopher Burton is, in my opinion very much the future “magical Michi” in waiting – so stylish, so effective, so everything the thinking caring event rider needs to be. (if there were more of him about the sport internationally I would be more than happy to once again fully embrace eventing like I used to)
such brilliant horses – every single one of them.