Team GB Eventing Gold at Tokyo 2020
Team GB secure eventing gold at Tokyo 2020, for the first time in 49 years!
The Team GB Olympic debutants pulled it out the bag after in the team showjumping phase. They managed to maintain their strong gold medal position, even with faults on course.
Leading the field as they headed into the showjumping phase, the trio felt the added pressure of Tokyo. With no discard score in this year’s competition, every round counted.
Tom McEwen was up first for Team GB with gelding, Toledo de Kerser. One of the best jumping horse’s in the field, alongside Tom, the pair rocketed up the leaderboard with a completely clear round. Starting the competition in 12th position, they finishing the team round within reach of a medal. They climb nine places, going into the individual jumping phase in bronze medal position, just 3.3 points behind the leader.
Next on the course for Team GB was Laura Collett and London 52. Storming through the cross country phase, London 52 is known for his explosive and forward jumping style, which usually lends a hand for jumping phases. However, going into the showjumping, Britain had five fences in hand.
Only achieving their first major win together in 2018 at the Blenheim Palace CIC3* 8/9yo class, the partnership have progressed incredibly to be on the Olympic stage. Taking down one fence, Laura managed to regroup to get over the next double, clear. Keep Britain safe with just 4.00 penalties, Laura and London 52 finished on a score of 29.80 points, and are now in 5th.
The final Brit and rider to take on the Tokyo Olympic showjumping course was leaders, Oliver Townend and Ballaghmor Class.
A tense watch, the grey gelding began brushing a few fences at the start of the course. This ultimately result in knocking one pole, at fence 10A. Oliver managed to pick up the grey gelding, finishing excellently with some quality jumping work. Only gathering 4.00 penalties on the course, the duo secured team gold in the effortless style they are known for.
The 4.00 penalties added to Oliver’s score does mean that they slip down the individual ranking, now in second with 27.6 points. However, just 1.00 point behind German leader, Julia Krajewski with Amande de B’Neville, it’s all to play for going into the individual showjumping final.
Elsewhere on the field, Austrailia’s Andrew Hoy climbed up the ranks. As the oldest and post experience competition on the field, a clear cross country and showjumping round, means he head into the next round strong. Currently still on his dressage score of 29.60, another clear round may see the Austrailian with ride, Vassily De Lassos, within medal contention.
France’s Christopher Six and Totem De Brecey are also ones to watch. Also producing a clear showjumping round and currently on a score of 31.20, small mistakes from the current leaders may mean Chrispother walks home with a medal. Meanwhile, region Olympic Champion, Germany’s Micheal Jung is also within reach of medal, currently standing in 8th with Chipmunk FRH.
The Individual Showjumping phase is set to begin at 12:45pm BST. For the full viewing schedule and how to watch the Olympic Eventing, click here.
Header Image; Oliver Townend with Ballaghmor Class in the Tokyo 2020 Eventing Showjumping Team Phase (British Equestrian/Jon Stroud)
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