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.
This story is from the April 25, 2024 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 April 25, 2024 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
Gemirande provides 24-carat magic
Venetia Williams sparkles again in the December Gold Cup and jockey brothers dead-heat
‘Happy hunting, everyone'
“The season for talks, dinners and parties has finally arrived for Tessa Waugh, whose distress about the snags of middle age fades away with some rousing festive spirits
'Monaco deserved this victory
Seemingly destined always to play the bridesmaid’s role, Harrie Smolders’ great partner Monaco finally tops an incidentpacked Rolex grand prix
'It had to end sometime'
The closure of beloved Hampshire saddlery Calcutt Sons is a loss to the hunting and wider equestrian worlds, as Octavia Pollock reports
'You couldn't want for more
The Ludlow's peaceful country makes for a day in \"hunting paradise\"
The greatest gift of all
Christmas is fast approaching and while we all like a bit of tinsel, the festive season is also a perfect time for giving to a horse charity. Niki Hinman finds out some of the options
Winter him well
A horse's winter routine can differ dramatically from his summer structure but what’s the knock-on effect? Ellie Hughes asks vets how to optimise routine management for the season
Neat feet
Excellent hoof care is a year-round concern but the winter months present their own problems. Richard Stephenson MRCVS explains the seasonal challenges afoot and how to stay one step ahead
In bygone days
Modern vets have much scientific knowledge behind them, but what about their forebears? Kieran O’Brien MRCVS opens up the world of Victorian vets in London
'When I joined the Pony Club it was just two boys and 48 girls'
Pepsi Kohler on being delightfully outnumbered by girls in the Pony Club, a leg-up from a royal and the H&H advert that changed his life
