Main image: Harry Charles and Romeo 88 were part of the gold medal-winning British team last week, image by FEI/Benjamin Clark.
Inside Paris | Presented by International Horse Breeders
Live Commentary with Martin Gostelow from 10pm AEST
Closing thoughts:
Well, what a night it has been here at the Paris Individual Jumping Qualifier! We’ve seen some truly spectacular performances, alongside moments of high drama and unexpected twists that have set the stage for an unforgettable final. The top 30 riders are advancing, and if tonight was anything to go by, we are in for a real treat in the final.
85. OAA Al Marzooqi (UAE) – Enjoy De La Mure
Great round from UAE, incurs one time fault and they will go through to tomorrows final.
84. Stephan Barcha (BRA) – Primavera
And they proved everyone they are worthy indeed, the tallest vertical on course rocks in the cups but stays there. We will see this pair tomorrow in the final.
83. Agustin Covarrubias (CHI) – Nelson Du Petit Vivier
A31 faults for this combination. Phillip Weishaupt now finds himself through to the final, which when you put things in context is deserved. So we know the 4 faulters are creeping in.
82. My Relander (EST) – Expert
What a great story, My and Expert have been together through Young Rider’s. Unfortunately Expert just didn’t like the water today and their day ends early.
81. Philipp Weishaupt (GER) – Zineday
Unlucky, he didn’t get his best shot out the turn and the planks come down. 4 faults in 28th position at this point, with 4 more due. It is on a knife edge on whether he goes through.
80. Janakabhorn Karunayadhaj (THA) – Kinmar Agalux
A foot in the water and misread into the double, this is going to take some jumping.
Unfortunately for the athlete, but well done by the ground jury, they ring the bell suggesting they have seen too many fences down.
79. Maksymilian Wechta (POL) – Chepettano
A solid round for this combination, unfortunately 12 faults. There is no disgrace, it was a strong ride, but these light poles come down so easily.
78. Cian O’Connor (IRL) – Maurice
Cian O’Connor has 4 faults, which puts him in 30th position. Taking 30 through, you would think we may get 1 more clear, but this class is full of surprises.
77. Edwina Tops-Alexander (AUS) – Fellow Castlefield
Well unfortunately 8 faults, our third team member on 8. Edwina felt she was a little off the last oxer, pressed, and had it down. That was unfortunately not the result we were chasing
76. Ben Maher (GBR) – Dallas Vegas Batilly
Ben’s balance and preparation was extraordinary on course, better than any other we have seen today. Dallas Vegas Batilly miss-read the wall, and brings it down like a lego wall. Now, like McLain Ward earlier, we wait to see whether 4 faults is in a fast enough time. The drama in this class is palpable!
75. Martin Fuchs (SUI) – Leone Jei
Martin, partner of Simone Pearce our Australian dressage rider, is onboard Leone Jei.
Fuchs was on absolute fire. This big rangy grey did look a picture, they too will go through to the final. In that shape and performance, I wouldn’t discount them tomorrow.
74. Gregory Wathelet (BEL) – Bond Jamesbond De Hay
Didn’t read the middle part of the combination for 4 faults, and then massively put their foot down to do the last line in 5 and 6. It’s quick, we will wait and see,
73. Harrie Smolders (NED) – Uricas V/D Kattevennen
He has done it!
I can’t run around the house for fear of waking everyone up, but I’d like to! Wow, my prediction, my horse for this games. I am so delighted to see them go through to the the final. This is a horse and a half.
72. Jose Maria Larocca Jr. (ARG) – Finn Lente
Strong round, for just the 4 faults to sit 23rd as it stands. A clear round will now confirm you in the final.
71. McLain Ward (USA) – Ilex
Well you could hear a gasp all the way from Paris. It was looking like the round of the day, they were jumping everything at 1.70m, never mind the fact it’s 1.60m+. I don’t believe what I have just seen, it was a foregone conclusion that we were seeing these guys in the final tomorrow. We have just not seen a horse with such scope, and he fell at the last fence.
And the slow-mo shows McLain thought he had it, and fell a little forward in the saddle, rolled the front rail. My goodness, that is real drama.
70. Ioli Mytilineou (GRE) – L’Artiste De Toxandra
Unfortunately the horse was very tight in the back end, falling short behind in the oxers. You get the impression they will back in the future. 12 impression.
Comment from David Sheppard, Level 3 Australian Course Designer:
Just in from David Sheppard ” The games always throws up a sensation or two.. Vogel / Pederson (for today). The track is more careful than scopey, that will be for tomorrow. Always unlucky 4 faulters, to have clears up to the mid 20’s is a good result.”
69. Taizo Sugitani (JPN) – Quincy 194
4 faults at the water, he just didn’t get the shot he wanted.
Unfortunately not their best work, and I think Taizo would be the first to agree. A little twisted in the body, tight in the bridle, it wasn’t classic jumping from the man who produces some beautiful balanced rounds. 8 faults and 1 time.
68. Max Kuehner (AUT) – Elektric Blue P
One of the fastest 4 faulters of the day, at the moment with 30 due to go forward, they are in 21st. Some nervous moments now as they wait to see if they will go through.
67. Ramzy Al Duhami (KSA) – Untouchable 32
What a jumper, he is absolutely untouchable. He certainly has his own style, a super ride. All clear, and I am sure we will see them tomorrow.
66. Duarte Seabra (POR) – Dourados 2
Duarte is the one representative for Portugal, having ridden successfully in eventing and showjumping.
Solid round from Duarte, but with 8 faults they are unfortunately going to be going home.
65. Julien Epaillard (FRA) – Dubai Du Cedre
What a little character of a horse, he rides more like a pony than a horse! In a hackamore, he goes 7 to the last, and the French ride as one. Julien carries on his winning ways, can he medal tomorrow? Clear and the fastest round today.
64. Sergio Alvarez Moya (ESP) – Puma HS
Unfortunately not the best day at the office for Sergio. 12 jumping 1 time.
62. Luis Fernando Larrazabal (VEN) – Condara
A total of 20, unfortunately it possibly would suggest that the Olympics is a little out of reach for this combination. They could absolutely come back, no harm done, but some more miles to be achieved on the experience board before they can come to maneuver over these technical tracks.
Break – 12.40am
Well we have 15 clears now as there is another arena break. Great jumping, the course to me is big enough, wide enough, and simple enough if you get all of your lines like the Course Designers ask. I think tomorrow is going to be a crescendo of Olympic joy, we are going to see the world’s very best contend for the medals.
61. Peder Fredricson (SWE) – Catch Me Not S
Well the great horseman, he will unfortunately be going home after 8 faults in that round. He obviously knows his horse best and what works, but for me he was just lying on Catch Me Not’s neck a little in the oxer in the treble to then also have the verticle.
60. Eugenio Garza Perez (MEX) – Contago
They fought until the end for just 1 rail in the treble, they potentially could have a birth in tomorrows final.
59. Tiffany Foster (CAN) – Figor
Another rider that was carrying 4 penalties to the last line and then picks up another 4 to end on 8. It’s a shame as 4 may still have gotten them through.
58. Daniel Bluman (ISR) – Ladriano Z
Unfortunately a little behind his leg, but I think that was Daniels plan. He was potentially thinking 1 or 2 time faults will make the final, but after a 4 faults he moved up to his wall, didn’t get the best distance and opted to retire, Daniel accepting full responsibility.
57. Abdullah Mohd Al Marri (UAE) – McGregor
Another rider who sensibly thinks of his horse, and says it is not our day today so we will come back another day.
56. Yuri Mansur (BRA) – Miss Blue
Poor Yuri, just got ahead of the motion at the wall and had a disconnect with the bridle, Miss Blue didn’t appreciate going right to the base. Yuri acknowledges it was rider error for a stop and time.
54. Richard Vogel (GER) – United Touch S
Goes 8 between 1 to 2, not the 9 like the others. This is the Richie of old.
Has to wait in the 5 where others were doing 6, interesting.
Well unfortunately for the way European showjumping goes, there may be some questions asked about Richie. He tried to take strides out to the last, of course he had 4 and needed to make up time, but literally went 4 strides where others went 5. Another at the last where he went 5 where others went 6 to have the rail. United Touch a little sweaty, he potentially doesn’t appreciate the heat after a long season, but there will be a few thinking this horse didn’t get the best ride today. 12 faults.
53. Adam Grzegorzewski (POL) – Issem
A foot in the water and the plank for Adam and Issem, 8 faults.
52. Kristaps Neretnieks (LAT) – Palladium KJV
A solid enough performance at this level, on a beautiful black horse who would be at any movie premiere anywhere in the world. 16 faults.
51. Thaisa Erwin (AUS) – Hialita B
What a disappointing Olympics we are having in lots of ways, not with performance per say, just the unluckiness of it all. This was shaping up to be one of the most outstanding rounds we have seen at a games for many years from an Australian competitor. The last line we had 4, but the line before that out of the treble we may have just slightly under rode. Ever so slightly they tapped the vertical out behind, and at 4 faults we were looking okay for the final, at 8 may be not. Thaisa, 3/4’s of that track was total world class, so unlucky.
50. Scott Brash (GBR) – Jefferson
Scott Brash showing that he knows Jefferson inside out, sometimes the forward distance, sometimes the outside line, it was like a chess game for a clear. We know how cool Scott can be under pressure, and tomorrow will be the who’s who of the world best.
40. Steve Guerdat (SUI) – Dynamix De Belheme
Guerdat the great, what a clear round. This individual final tomorrow is shaping up to be a classic. Some of the best horses and riders in the world, with other intriguing combinations sneaking in to the line up, what an event it will be.
39. Gilles Thomas (BEL) – Ermitage Kalone
It was all style from 26 year old Gilles on the brilliant young stallion at just 10 years of age. Of course we will see these two tomorrow on the hunt for a medal.
38. Daniel Coyle (IRL) – Legacy
Daniel Coyle and Legacy continue their winning ways, a stunning clear for the Irish. Kim Emmen and Daniel Coyle have just got me thinking.. when you are on your third round at the Games and are yet to have a rail, it is a very good habit to prepare for tomorrow. We must take these rider’s seriously for a medal.
37. Kim Emmen (NED) – Imagine
Kim Emmen, you absolute superstar onboard Dutch bred Imagine. Yet to have a fence at these championships – looking at the calmness, willingness and style of this combination, they are a great partnership and match made in heaven. You know what, if you were looking at an outsider for tomorrows gold medal, coming from left field, Kim Emmen may just fit that description.
36. Laura Kraut (USA) – Baloutinue
Added in the serpentine for the middle part of the treble combination, 4 faults total. Another fast 4 faulter, you may well see Laura and Baloutinue back.
35. Takashi Haase Shibayama (JPN) – Karamell M & M
The Japanese are on our doorsteps, and we should be riding more Nations Cups from Australia to be with our Japanese friends. They are riding better and better, and they would make for some great competition for our Aussies to compete with. A fabulous clear.
34. Katharina Rhomberg (AUT) – Colestus Cambridge
4 faults for this combination, they were incredibly forward and absolutely have their own way of doing things. Colestus Cambridge has a real pull on the bridle, another who may be on the cusp of a final!
32. Khaled Almobty (KSA) – Jaguar King WD
8 faults, unfortunately just the last fence after landing in the water earlier on course.
31. Simon Delestre (FRA) – I Amelusina R 51
Big rangy stallion by Dexter from the Dutch Warmblood Stud Book, they got a little flat and untidy in the bridle. Like all of the French riders, he was fast, and we will wait to see if he is in the final with 4 faults.
30. Eduardo Alvarez Aznar (ESP) – Rokfeller De Pleville
With three rails down, Eduardo looks after the 19 year old Rokfeller De Pleville and says “you owe me nothing my friend, let’s go home”, choosing to retire.
29. Rene Lopez Lizarazo (COL) – Kheros Van’t Hoogeinde
Unfortunately more adds in the course then a mathematics class at school, a total of 27.
28. Emanuele Camilli (ITA) – Odense ODeveld
What a super clear. Emanuele is Italy’s soul representative, and Odense ODeveld is incredibly scopey with a big stride. Emanuele no doubt taking note of his legendary father in law, Paul schockemohle. What a great job.
27. Rolf-Goran Bengtsson (SWE) – Zuccero HV
Super round for Rolf-Goran, just 4 faults in the treble combination. Rolf used all of his skillset to guide this relatively young horse at this level around, although 14 years of age, covid heavily reduced Zuccero HV’s exposure. Hopefully we will see them qualify with 4 faults in to tomorrow.
26. Federico Fernandez (MEX) – Romeo
Great job Fredrico, a solid round with 2 rails that on another day may have stayed up. He is a survivor, literally, after a plane crash many years ago, he spent hours on hours of surgery in burns units. He is one in a million, and we will see much more of Federico on the International circuit.
Break one – 11.10pm
25 horses have gone for 8 clears. It is time to make a cup of tea, we still have 49 horses to come.
If you missed it, Hillary Scott and Milky Way had a very forward, professional and disciplined approach to their jumping. They did have two fences down – just a little early to the double coming out the water on the 5. A really great ride and fabulous jumping, certainly not in any way out of place.
25. Erynn Ballard (CAN) – Nikka VD Bisschop
Well, that was unfortunate. A really solid performance from this combination for just 1 rail. It will remain to be seen if they can move forward to tomorrow.
24. Robin Muhr (ISR) – Galaxy HM
The theme of the round was forward, but unfortunately it just got a little flat. 8 faults.
23. Salim Ahmed Al Suwaidi (UAE) – Foncetti VD Heffinck
Lovely example, 16 faults. Another round that just had a couple of unbalances, but at 10 years of age this horse is one to watch for the future.
22. Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA) – Major Tom
I said in my preamble watch out for the maestro, he could still come back and do something special. Well, if that isn’t the round of the day so far, I’ll give the game away. Rodrigo in his 8th Olympics, that was major class, Major Tom gave every jump room. Hello, Rodrigo is back.
21. Christian Kukuk (GER) – Checker 47
Well Christian Kukuk and his coach, the maestro Ludger, worked out they were going to go the direct route. It was on point, just unfortunately the last of the treble for 4 faults, but it may have been the fastest 4 faulter of the day.
20. Andreas Schou (DEN) – Napoli VH Nederassenthof
Goodness me, I was so hoping this combination would go clear. Andreas is a rider and a half, he had a variation of seats, incredibly modern style. He goes down the last line looking for the 6, and he almost waits too long, almost wanted 7 in his head, for 4 faults on the last. A really tough result for what is an absolutely talented rider and horse.
19. Dawid Kubiak (POL) – Flash Blue B
Here is another really solid round, but again ending on 8 faults. There really were no big issues to speak of, a smart round for this combination.
18. Hilary Scott (AUS) – Milky Way
Great riding, the round had rhythm and style. A little early on the 5 out of the water for 4. They then just got a little unbalanced into the treble, but they got all of their lines, the canter was on point and on another day, you never know if there would have been 8 penalties on the board. Well done Hilary and Milky Way.
17. Victoria Gulliksen (NOR) – Mistral Van De Vogelzang
Well done Victoria from the famous Gulliksen family. Norway only had one spot in the individual at these games, and Viktoria beat her own brother to have the place. We will see that combination tomorrow,, all clear.
16. Harry Charles (GBR) – Romeo 88
Great job Harry, he chose the outside line on the curve for 8 and then 6. Great riding from the young man, at 26 years of age and a new Team Gold medalist, we will see him tomorrow.
15. Edouard Schmitz (SUI) – Gamin Van’t Naastveldhof
The last line rides 6, and unfortunately Edouard in his first Olympics goes the 7, and takes the last fence. A total of 8 faults.
This is really forward jumping, and if you add, 9 times out of 10 you will pay the price.
14. Jerome Guery (BEL) – Quel Homme de Hus
The veteran Belgium rider has 4 faults on board the veteran horse Quel Homme de Hus, who is 18 years young. It remains to see if they can sneak into the final, but what outstanding management to have an 18 year old at this level of competition.
13. Shane Sweetnam (IRL) – James Kann Cruz
Great job for the Irish Shane and James Kann Cruz. More hard wear in his mouth then you could find in bunnings, but a fantastic forward clear. Just as the class is meant to be jumped.
12. Maikel van der Vleuten (NED) – Beauville Z
So unlucky to have the last part of the treble down – they hardly breathed on it and it fell. One of the fastest, if not fastest of the 4 faulters so far. Should a 4 faulter go through, it may just be this pair.
11. Karl Cook (USA) – Caracole de la Roque
Karl strikes me as very much a thinking rider, he came home on the 5 and the 6, but elsewhere he added with no time faults. Very intelligent rider, still yet to have a fence down. All clear.
10. Eiken Sato (JPN) – Conthargo-Blue
Another rider to go 6 out of the double. It rides 5, and they should be riding 5. The 6 results in the 4 faults.
Another rider who I take my hat off to for horse welfare, Eiken with 3 or 4 down decides to retire. A beautiful horse, and I am sure we will see more of this pair at future championships.
9. Gerfried Puck (AUT) – Naxcel V
Added after the water, Gerfried changed his plan and had the first of the treble down. Unfortunately a total of 12, and that will be their day.
8. Abdulrahman Alrajhi (KSA) – Ventago
Great start for the Saudi team in the Individual, Ventago did have a little rub at the vertical out of the treble, and it rolled in the cups. Nerve-wracking, but the pole stayed, and we should see this pair in tomorrow.
7. Olivier Perreau (FRA) – Dorai D’Aiguilly
So unlucky, a rush of blood to the last in front of the home crowd, the Frenchman just got a little quick to have the last down.
6. Ismael Garcia Roque (ESP) – Tirano
Unlucky for Spain, 4 faults and should not have had the 4. The horse was going so well, Ismael got a little in front of the movement, and a fault at the front rail of the oxer. Really unlucky.
5. Henrik von Eckermann (SWE) – King Edward
This will be a litmus test for how King Edward is feeling, European and World Champion.
I mentioned earlier in this competition that Henrik may not be having his strongest tournament. von Eckermann buries King Edward on the 4 stride early in the piece, and King Edward just says “I am not having any of that” and nearly jumps half a metre higher. This horse’s work ethic is beyond the norm. You can see why they are world class, when the jockeys not on, the horse steps up. A great clear.
4. Andres Azcarraga (MEX) – Contendros 2
Fantastic, our first clear. Contendros 2 by the lovely Contendro 1. A little weak on the 7 and a little away at the water. They came home with style, and we should see this combination in the final.
3. Andrius Petrovas (LTU) – Linkolns
Unfortunately something wasn’t quite right with Linkolns and Andrius chose to retire. Great to see the horses welfare come first.
2. Mario Deslauriers (CAN) on Emerson
Really smart forward round by the Canadian veteran. Interestingly he went 8 in the 1 to 2, for a late falling rail on the back rail of the oxer. Otherwise tremendous ride.
1. Isabella Russekoff (ISR) on C Vier 2
Definitely with 5 down you may say a little out of their depth, but you know, it was not too bad. Got all of their lines, Unfortunately starting 1 – 2 on the 9 strides to 4 faults really carried on. But I really believe it is experience, and we know this horse can handle this style, a big future for Isabella.
Welcoming Thoughts- 9.50pm
Welcome, everyone, to what promises to be an exhilarating evening following the individual qualifier! Tonight’s course, designed by the brilliant Santiago Varela and Grégory Bodo, is set to challenge our competitors with heights reaching up to 1.65 meters and spreads of up to 1.70 meters.
David Sheppard, one of Australia’s leading Level 3 course designer, has sent in his thoughts on the course tonight, “Another masterpiece from Santi and Gregory. Plenty to think about for the riders. I think this course is tailored for horses with a big stride, particularly the likes of McLean Ward, King Edward and United Touch.”
From my perspective, we have a very technical track, particularly the challenging seven strides to the water and five strides to the first double combination, both at 1.60 meters high. It’s going to be a demanding start for the riders, setting the tone for an intense competition.
We will see our first Aussie out tonight, Hilary, at number 18.
Individual Qualifier
The Individual Qualifier at 10.00pm AEST (2pm CEST) on 5 August is set to feature 74 participants, with a maximum of three horse-and-rider combinations per nation. The starting order is determined by a draw. This event, judged as a Table A against the clock without a jump-off (FEI Jumping Rules art. 238.2.1), will include 12-14 obstacles and up to 17 efforts, with fence heights ranging from 1.40m to 1.65m.
Individual Final
The 2024 Olympic champion will be decided on 6 August, with the final open to the top 30 horse-and-rider combinations from the Individual Qualifier. Judged as a Table A against the clock with a jump-off (FEI Jumping Rules art. 238.2.2), the final will feature 12-15 obstacles and up to 19 efforts, with fence heights of 1.40m to 1.65m. The top 30 pairs start on a score of zero, with the starting order reversed from the individual qualifier rankings.
Top Combinations
Across the Jumping Team Qualifier and Team Final, only four combinations managed to produce two clear rounds without any time penalties:
- Karl Cook and Caracole De La Roque (USA)
- Kim Emmen and Imagine (The Netherlands)
- Philipp Weishaupt and Zineday (Germany)
- Daniel Coyle and Legacy (Ireland)
