KING EDWARD added yet another jewel to his gleaming crown by successfully defending his FEI World Cup Final title with Henrik von Eckermann. At the end of three days’ jumping in the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh, King Edward was the only horse to go through the three classes without lowering a single pole. He won the speed class, he won the jump-off class and on the final night, he won the two-round decider.
As the only pair to complete the five rounds on a clean sheet, this valiant chestnut was spared a jump-off as the outright winner of the finale.
He is the first horse to win back-to-back World Cups since Shutterfly did so in 1998/1999, joining an illustrious list that also includes Milton and ET.
But it was not totally plain sailing, as the Swede fell off in the warm-up.
“I’ve been second a few times lately, so yesterday in the jump-off I did not want to be second again; maybe I exaggerated that and paid the price today because it was not as smooth,” said the world number one. “It was a long week. I feel empty now, like someone has pulled the plug out! It is pressure but I like being in pole position so I can focus on myself, and not hope the others have faults.”
Henrik’s jump-off round on day two was astonishing. Landing deep at the second last he “had to go for it to the last and got a bit of a flyer”, to beat compatriot Peder Fredricson and Catch Me Not S by more than two seconds. Peder in turn was nearly three seconds ahead of eye-catchers Jill Humphrey and Chromatic BF. It was an extraordinary rout of a stellar field.
この記事は Horse & Hound の April 25, 2024 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は Horse & Hound の April 25, 2024 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
'Sorry, but I wasn't feeling it'
Fresh from the opening meet, Tessa Waugh hasn't quite yet been bitten by the hunting bug. Without the crisp autumnal air and cheek-pinching cold she hoped for, it's a sluggish start
New pair pull off a win
A former European Championships pony is on form with his new rider, while elsewhere former showjumpers and eventers take ribbons
Lording it over the rest
Horses who have returned from injury, a second generation homebred and a long format specialist score on the final weekend of the British season
Smith hits flying form
A \"her way or no way\" mare helps Zoe Smith to an impressive ribbon haul and a rider beats his own boss to the top spot
Jankorado hits the jackpot
Paul Sims is triumphant despite his interrupted jump-off preparation and a borrowed horse comes up trumps
Peanut
From \"dangerous, scary\" to hedge-hopping brilliance, hunting has been the making of this unstable but very lovable equine character
She's a corker
Communication, says long-standing and highly respected Belvoir master Lady Sarah McCorquodale, is the key to all, as Catherine Austen discovers
Access all areas Cavalier Centre
The Cavalier Centre is a fully accessible, state-of-the-art equestrian centre designed to improve lives through horse-based activities. Ellie May Forrester pays a visit
'Use it or lose it'
Not everyone wants to reach for the pipe and slippers at a certain age. Becky Murray speaks to some veteran horse-and-rider combos for their secrets of human and equine longevity
A new way forward
Worm control in horses is vital, but established methods will not remain effective for much longer. Tim Mair FRCVS explains why and how we need to change
