A clear round was not to be for Daniel Coyle when his mare lost a shoe, and Shane Sweetnam’s Kann Cruz tipped a fence. From the 30 starters only three riders had a clear round and there was a jump off for the three medals. As he walked the track, designed by Spain’s Santiago Varela, Lennon revealed: “There won’t be many go clear today.
Clear rounds will be in short supply.” Advertisement Advertisement Get the latest Horse Week news direct to your inbox Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Farming Life within your account. The County Down veteran rider wasn’t wrong as only three riders had zero score, and the eventual winner Christian Kukuk with Checker were the only double clear of the competition.
Marion Hughes who attended the Olympics with her friend, US ace Gail Greenough, added: “This is some track, it's full on and huge.” As the class began, the big names fell foul of faults with disappointment for Tokyo champion Ben Maher and Dallas Vegas Batilly, Laura Kraut with Baloutine and stars such as Austrian Max Kuhner on Elecktric Blue who hit two fences. Even the French groaned as Simon Delestre and his big hope I Amelusina went out on eight faults.
It was eighth to jump, Christian Kukuk on the grey Westfalien Comme Il Faut gelding Checker 47 who soared over each oxer and vertical, meeting all the lines head on and cutting corners to produce the opening clear round much to the delight of his owner Ludger .