Image: Edwina Tops-Alexander and Fellow Castlefield, by Michelle Terlato Photography.
Catch up on the Qualifier as it happened with Martin Gostelow here.
The Paris Individual Jumping Qualifier saw an evening filled with exhilarating performances, intense competition, and surprising turns of events. With the top 30 riders advancing to the final from 6pm AEST tomorrow, the stage is set for a dramatic conclusion to this prestigious event.
The course, masterfully designed by Santiago Varela and Gregory Bodo, posed a formidable challenge with heights of up to 1.65 metres and spreads reaching 1.70 metres.
Julien Epaillard of France delivered a flawless round on Dubai Du Cedre, the fastest clear of the day at 73.07 seconds. Spurred on by the French crowd, the pair executed masterfully.
Ireland had a brilliant night, with Shane Sweetnam on James Kann Cruz and Daniel Coyle on Legacy both delivering faultless rounds. Shane’s round was a masterclass in control and strategy, clocking in at 73.35 seconds. Daniel followed suit with a similarly smooth and controlled performance at 73.64 seconds, positioning themselves as strong contenders for the final.
Harrie Smolders of the Netherlands on Uricas V/D Kattevennen confirmed his place in the final with a clear round at 74.02 seconds, and will be a top combination to watch on Tuesday.
Kim Emmen also delivered her third clear round of the Championship on Imagine at 75.33 seconds, whilst Karl Cook from the United States continued to showcase his strategic acumen, completing a third clear round on Caracole De La Roque in 76.97 seconds.
Australian riders: bravery and determination
The Australian riders performed strongly around a significant track, and demonstrated great skill and determination.
Commentating on the rides, Martin Gostelow shared with EQ Life:
“Our Australian girls were fantastic tonight, and have a lot to be proud of. Hilary Scott and Milky Way had a very forward, professional and disciplined approach to their jumping today. The round had rhythm and style, a really great ride and fabulous jumping for 8 faults.
“Thaisa’s round was shaping up to be one of the most outstanding rounds we have seen at a games for many years from an Australian competitor. They finished on a total of 8 penalties late in the course, but three-quarters of that track was total world class, so unlucky.
“Edwina aboard Fellow Castlefield had a little bit of a sticky start, adding 10 strides between one and two where others did 9, but she used all of her skillset to negotiate these big maximum height fences up to 1.65m. Unluckily she just had to push to the last to have that down, for a total of 8 penalties, but what a rider she is for Australia.”
A night of surprises
The evening was not without its surprises. McLain Ward of the United States, riding Ilex, had everyone on the edge of their seats. His round, which seemed destined for a clear, ended with a rail down at the last fence. “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, giving plenty of space. I don’t believe what I have just seen,” Martin remarked.
Philipp Weishaupt of Germany on Zineday were another to have 4 faults, but time has ensured they will start in the final on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Ben Maher, the reigning Olympic gold medalist, is through to the final despite incurring 4 faults. Martin observed, “Ben’s balance and preparation was extraordinary on course, better than any other we have seen today. Dallas Vegas Batilly misread the wall, and brought it down like a lego wall. The drama in this class is palpable!”
Rodrigo Pessoa of Brazil made a triumphant return with a powerful clear round on Major Tom, showcasing his expertise and adding to the evening’s highlights. Martin enthused, “Rodrigo in his eighth Olympics, that was major class. Major Tom gave every jump room. Hello, Rodrigo is back.”
In what may have been the most surprising development, Richie Vogel onboard United Touch S of Germany did not make it through to the final. Despite their form this season, the 12 faults were too expensive, and the pair’s Olympic campaign has come to an end.
Final standings and results
The top riders advancing to the final are as follows:
- Julien Epaillard (FRA) on Dubai Du Cedre – 0 faults, 73.07 seconds
- Shane Sweetnam (IRL) on James Kann Cruz – 0 faults, 73.35 seconds
- Daniel Coyle (IRL) on Legacy – 0 faults, 73.64 seconds
- Harrie Smolders (NED) on Uricas V/D Kattevennen – 0 faults, 74.02 seconds
- Martin Fuchs (SUI) on Leone Jei – 0 faults, 74.20 seconds
- Steve Guerdat (SUI) on Dynamix De Belheme – 0 faults, 74.33 seconds
- Henrik von Eckermann (SWE) on King Edward – 0 faults, 74.50 seconds
- Emanuele Camilli (ITA) on Odense ODeveld – 0 faults, 75.10 seconds
- Kim Emmen (NED) on Imagine – 0 faults, 75.33 seconds
- Abdulrahman Alrajhi (KSA) on Ventago – 0 faults, 75.35 seconds
- Harry Charles (GBR) on Romeo 88 – 0 faults, 75.72 seconds
- Scott Brash (GBR) on Jefferson – 0 faults, 75.78 seconds
- Stephan de Freitas Barcha (BRA) on Primavera – 0 faults, 76.03 seconds
- Victoria Gulliksen (NOR) on Mistral Van De Vogelzang – 0 faults, 76.24 seconds
- Gilles Thomas (BEL) on Ermitage Kalone – 0 faults, 76.68 seconds
- Karl Cook (USA) on Caracole De La Roque – 0 faults, 76.97 seconds
- Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA) on Major Tom – 0 faults, 77.03 seconds
- Andres Azcarraga (MEX) on Contendros 2 – 0 faults, 77.21 seconds
- Ramzy Al Duhami (KSA) on Untouchable 32 – 0 faults, 77.48 seconds
- Takashi Haase Shibayama (JPN) on Karamell M & M – 0 faults, 78.97 seconds
- Omar Abdul Aziz Al Marzooqi (UAE) on Enjoy De La Mure – 1 fault, 79.56 seconds
- Maikel van der Vleuten (NED) on Beauville Z – 4 faults, 70.94 seconds
- Gregory Wathelet (BEL) on Bond Jamesbond De Hay – 4 faults, 71.97 seconds
- Christian Kukuk (GER) on Checker 47 – 4 faults, 72.00 seconds
- Simon Delestre (FRA) on I Amelusina R 51 – 4 faults, 72.64 seconds
- Max Kühner (AUT) on Elektric Blue P – 4 faults, 73.04 seconds
- Laura Kraut (USA) on Baloutinue – 4 faults, 73.22 seconds
- Ben Maher (GBR) on Dallas Vegas Batilly – 4 faults, 73.24 seconds
- Jose Maria Larocca Jr. (ARG) on Finn Lente – 4 faults, 73.33 seconds
- Philipp Weishaupt (GER) on Zineday – 4 faults, 73.42 seconds
Looking ahead to the Final
As the competition moves towards the Individual Final, the intensity promises to escalate. The top 30 riders will start with a clean slate, raising the stakes even higher. With the world’s best set to compete, the final is poised to deliver unforgettable moments and potentially new champions.
You can tune in to our site for live commentary from 6.00pm AEST tomorrow.
