BRITISH TEAM GALLOPS INTO THE LEAD, BUT GERMANY’S JUNG STILL HEADS INDIVIDUAL RANKINGS…..by Louise Parkes
Lexington, 2 October – After walking the cross-country course earlier in the week, riders agreed that the result of the Eventing Championship at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Kentucky would not be decided in the dressage arena, and they were proven right today. But no-one could have imagined just how influential Mike Etherington-Smith’s 28 fence track would be. On a day of high drama and fantastic competition, and in front of a massive crowd of over 50,000 spectators, the dressage team order was dramatically altered as the British were the only ones to stand firm. However Michael Jung kept the German flag flying high with a brilliant late run from La Biosthetique Sam to hold onto individual pole position.
“The atmosphere all around the park with such huge crowds was very special for me,” a jubilant Michael Jung said. “I had a lot of fun today, and so did my horse. I’d put the saddle on him and ride it all over again right now if I could!” said the excited leader.
ROCKETED UP THE LEADERBOARD
As the final jumping phase gets underway tomorrow morning Jung has a nine point advantage over Britain’s William Fox-Pitt who rocketed up the leaderboard from 12th to second place when one of 12 to come home clear and inside the time today. And America’s Becky Holder lies third, separated from silver medal position by only 0.5 penalties after a thrilling cross-country run with the aptly-named Courageous Comet. She cannot rest easy however because Germany’s Ingrid Klimke and FRH Butts Abraxxas are just 0.4 further in arrears while New Zealand veteran, Andrew Nicholson is less than one point further adrift in fifth place with Nereo.
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