Edwina Tops-Alexander and Identity Vitseroel soaring high at Tokyo 2020. © HippoFoto - Dirk Caremans

Thrills and spills in the first night of Jumping action at Tokyo 2020

By Equestrian Life

The opening night of Jumping at Tokyo 2020 was a thrilling display of skill as 73 horses and riders tackled the complex course constructed for the Individual Qualifier.

Faced with a time limit of 89 seconds, the riders were forced to set a cracking pace as they chased that dream of an individual medal around the course.

For Australia, the two riders representing the green and gold were Katie Laurie and Edwina Tops-Alexander.

Edwina, riding Identity Vitseroel, made excellent time around the course coming in at 87.93 seconds but unfortunately nicking a rail to land them 4 jumping penalties.

Katie Laurie and Casebrooke Lomond got off to a rocky start, quickly racking up 24 jumping penalties before Katie made the call to retire mid-way through the incredibly tough course.

Katie Laurie and Casebrooke Lomond during the Individual Qualifier at Tokyo 2020. © HippoFoto - Dirk Caremans

However, the New Zealand-turned-Australian rider was not the only one who came unstuck on some of the cleverly crafted combinations and turns.

Only 25 of the 73 riders jumped clear and under time, with plenty of refusals and several riders taking tumbles.

A particularly nasty fall was Syrian rider Ahmad Saber Hamcho and Deville whose bridle came away leave the horse’s head completely free from gear.

Only the top 30 riders have progressed through to Wednesday night’s Individual medal decider.

Unfortunately for Australia, Edwina Tops-Alexander has just missed out on making the top 30 coming equal 31st with 10 other combinations, meaning the Australian Equestrian journey at Tokyo 2020 has finally come to an end.

The 30 riders heading into tomorrow night’s individual medal decider are:

1 Ben Maher (GBR) and Explosion W

2 Darragh Kenny (IRL) and Cartello

3 Ashlee Bond (ISR) and Donatello 141

4 Maikel Van Der Vleuten (NED) and Beauville Z

5 Mario Deslauriers (CAN) and Bardolina 2

6 Bertram Allen (IRL) and Pacino Amiro

7 Gregory Wathelet (BEL) and Nevados S

8 Luciana Diniz (POR) and Vertigo Du Desert

9 Scott Brash (GBR) and Jefferson

10 Peder Fredricson (SWE) and All In

11 Jerome Guery (BEL) and Quel Homme De Hus

12 Daniel Deusser (GER) and Killer Queen

13 Niels Bruynseels (BEL) and Delux Van T & L

14 Yuri Mansur (BRA) and Alfons

15 Harry Charles (GBR) and Romeo 88

16 Malin Baryard-Johnsson (SWE) and Indiana

17 Nicolas Delmotte (FRA) and Urvoso Du Roch

18 Fukushima Diasuke (JPN) and Chanyon

19 Martin Fuchs (SUI) and Clooney 51

20 Kristaps Neretnieks (LAT) and Valour

21 Henrik Von Eckermann (SWE) and King Edward

22 Marc Houtzager (NED) and Dante

23 Nayel Nassar (EGY) and Igor Van De Wittemoere

24 Saito Koki (JPN) and Chilensky

25 Cian O’Connor (IRL) and Kilkenny

27 Sato Eiken (JPN) and Saphyr Des Lacs

26 Geir Gulliksen (NOR) and Quatro

28 Beat Mandli (SUI) and Dsarie

29 Mouda Zeyada (EGY) and Galanthos SHK

30 Daniel Meech (NZL) and Cinca 3

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