Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH are the leaders for Germany after the cross country phase.
© Michelle Terlato Photography
Germany leads the team and individual standings after the cross country phase at the FEI World Eventing Championships
By Equestrian Life
Despite gallant efforts and some superb individual performances, luck was simply not on the Australian eventing team’s side on cross country day at the FEI World Eventing Championships. The team has slipped to 10th position, while Germany holds the lead in both the individual and team standings heading into the showjumping phase.
As the trailblazers for Australia, Shane Rose and Virgil delivered; they flew around the course picking up just 2.8 penalties, which saw the pair finish the day in 24th position on 34.3 penalties. Speaking to the media after his round, Shane was clearly very happy with Virgil’s performance, yet expressed some disappointment in himself for picking up some time penalties and mentioned that he hoped the rest of the team could finish a little better. Unfortunately it was not to be.
Trailblazers for Australia, Shane Rose and Virgil.
© Michelle Terlato Photography
Next out for Australia, Hazel Shannon and WillingaPark Clifford produced an excellent round in perfect unison, clear of jumping penalties however the pair collected 11.2 time penalties as they negotiated the twisting, undulating course. Clearly delighted and full of admiration for her long term partner, Hazel Shannon had delivered a strong result for Australia on her international Championship debut. Hazel and WillingaPark Clifford head into the showjumping phase in 32nd position on 41.5 penalties.
Hazel Shannon and WillingaPark Clifford were impressive.
© Michelle Terlato Photography
Riding as individuals for Australia, Shenae Lowings and Bold Venture were in outstanding form. The pair looked to be on track to finish inside the optimum time, however a last minute change of line at the final water contributed to the pair collecting 8.4 time penalties in an otherwise brilliant round. Initially, the scoreboard showed the pair collecting 20 penalties for crossing their tracks at this fence, however the penalties were removed following a review – much to the relief and delight of Australian fans! This was a superb performance that saw the rising Australian star finish the day just behind Shane Rose in the individual rankings, on 34.7 penalties in 25th position.
A brilliant international debut for Shenae Lowings and Bold Venture.
© Michelle Terlato Photography
Kevin McNab and Scuderia 1918 Don Quidam set out at a fast pace and were producing a wonderful round until an extremely unfortunate tack failure occurred mid-way through the course. A snapped rein in the middle of a combination required quick thinking and action from Kevin. He managed to pull his horse up and secure the rein so that he could continue – an extraordinary feat – however, this devastatingly unlucky incident resulted in the pair finishing the course with a technical 20 penalties and 22.8 time penalties. Having been inside the top 10 after the dressage, Kevin was an individual medal contender and a critically important member of the Australian team and the Australian team and fans felt Kevin’s despair and disappointment when he explained to the media after his round that Scuderia 1918 Don Quidam was up on all of his minute markers and on track for a clear round inside the time had the tack disaster not occurred. Ultimately, they finished the day in 56th position on 70.5 penalties.
Kevin McNab and Scuderia 1918 Don Quidam were extremely unlucky, yet impressed everyone who witnessed their round.
© Michelle Terlato Photography
All eyes turned to Andrew Hoy and his brilliant Vassily de Lassos as the final combination for Australia; if they produced a fast clear round, there was still a chance for team medal contention. Unfortunately, despite jumping and travelling beautifully around the majority of the course, two uncharacteristic 20 penalty incidents for the pair saw them finish in 63rd position on 82.9 penalties, and therefore this was the discard score for the Australian team.
Andrew Hoy and Vassily de Lassos.
© Michelle Terlato Photography
Overall, 87 combinations contested the Guiseppe della Chiesa designed cross country course in perfect weather conditions, with 72 completing it, 11 finishing inside the time, 3 retiring and 13 eliminated on course. As expected, the undulating terrain and twisting course took caught out several combinations and caused significant changes to the leaderboard.
The German team claimed the lead from dressage leaders Great Britain, and will head into the showjumping phase on just 76.1 penalties. Hot on their heels are Team USA on 77.4 penalties; it was a brilliant day for the Americans who all rode with speed and determination.
Olympic champions Laura Collett and London 52 picked up 20 penalties as the trailblazers for Great Britain, however the team rallied and managed to finish the day in third place in the teams competition with 80.9 penalties. New Zealand are not far behind on 88.3 penalties, with Ireland in fifth on 100.5 and Switzerland sixth on 109.4. With so few penalties separating the top 4 teams, the stage is set for a thrilling showjumping phase.
In the individual standings, German Michael Jung added nothing to his leading 18.8 penalty dressage score, delivering a masterclass with 14-year-old fischerChipmunk FRH. If he can finish the event on his dressage score, he will beat the record winning score he set at the 2010 World Championships in Lexington, USA.
British young gun Yasmin Ingham is in 2nd position with Banzai du Loir on 23.2 penalties, while the USA’s Tamra Smith and Mai Baum are currently in the bronze medal position on 24 penalties ahead of World number 1 Oliver Townend and Ballaghmor Class on 24.3 penalties.
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