Britain’s show jumping hopes at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Kentucky now rest on Yorkshire-born Robert Smith who is the only member of the team through to the final 30 in the individual competition.
Smith, one of the most respected competitors on the international circuit, only faltered in the second round of the team competition, with two fences down on Talan.
‘That’s two soft faults,’ admitted Smith. ‘Talan felt pretty good but his eye wasn’t on it tonight. Normally he’s good under floodlights, so no excuses. There are two big rounds to come, so if I can jump clear, I’m still in with a shout.’
The team finished ninth, ahead of the USA, who had been favourites to win, thanks to a final clear round by Michael Whitaker. Germany took the gold medal, their first on the world stage since 1998, and Brazil’s former world and Olympic champion Rodrigo Pessoa leads the individual standings.
Meanwhile, Scotland’s Joanne Eccles is doing Britain proud in the vaulting competition – she leads the female classification – and Sophie Wells riding Pinocchio has added to the gold medal haul in the grade lV para-dressage competition.
Follow results on www.alltechfeigames.org
