Global Champions Playoffs, 02 Arena, Prague, Czechia
AMID pyrotechnics, lights and big stadium atmosphere, the Global Champions Playoffs always produce high-intensity sport. The riders admitted to feeling the pressure, given the €11m (£9,640,660) prize money at stake, but some tremendous victors emerged.
Two technical rounds of jumping set by Uliano Vezzani for Saturday night's €1.26m Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) Super Grand Prix, which riders qualified for at each of the season's grands prix, resulted in an absence of double clears.
Flying Frenchman Julien Epaillard produced one of seven first-round clears but, with round two run in reverse order of merit, the pressure told and remarkably all seven then faulted, bringing time into sharp contrast. The world number seven Julien was drawn 14th of the 16 riders and had Henrik von Eckermann with King Edward's high-speed four-fault target to chase. So when the third fence tumbled, he and 10-year-old chestnut mare Dubai Du Cedre were playing catch-up.
This story is from the November 23, 2023 edition of Horse & Hound.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November 23, 2023 edition of Horse & Hound.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Better judges' cover a must to protect the sport's future
A group insurance option has been found to protect the officials showing needs but only if enough sign up
IVF with frozen sperm is a 'milestone' in equine breeding
The first successful use of frozen semen in the technique has been recorded in an American study
Challenging ourselves to be and do better for our horses
The 2024 FEI general assembly heard how we should all challenge ourselves to give horses the best lives possible
Scottish jockeys to benefit from fund's top services
A new centre in Galashiels has been built thanks to a legacy donation
How horse simulators could help encourage people into riding
It is hoped the new model will help break down barriers to the sector for a wide range of people
Many horses' needs aren't met: study finds chance to improve
Researchers say all must ensure horses have space, friends, forage and good experiences
Humble pie
How many ladies does it take to cook a shepherd's pie? It’s a complicated one, says Tessa Waugh, on a quest to find appropriate ovens for the impending hunt auction dinner
I love an underdog
The arrival of the winter mud brings with it a Venetia Williams hat-trick, but the day belongs to a warrior gelding, who never stops trying”
Jumping Jack cracks it
A scopey grey is learning to be quick” anda broodmare makes up for lost time
A star is born
A nine-year-old mare helps put Luxembourg on the map and we celebrate a remarkable grey’s comeback
