British Riders Continue to Shine in this week's International Round Up
Tuesday 27 August 2024
Robert Murphy comes agonisingly close to a three-star Grand Prix victory with Hulde G
Robert Murphy came so close to taking victory in the 3* Grand Prix at Azelhof Jumping in Lier, Belgium, but had to settle for second with Hulde G by a fraction of a second.
Robert’s form was timely, underscoring his talent and selection to Great Britain’s Team Audevard at the CSIO5* Nations Cup of Brussels this coming week.
Fifty-nine competitors came forward to face the 1.50m Grand Prix track as 21 found the key to qualify for the jump-off, although three opted to withdraw at this point to leave 18 battling against the clock.
Mid-drawn Robert skilfully guided Jos Lansink Horses BV’s 12-year-old Vigo D’Arsouilles x Warrant mare into the top spot with a series of smooth, deceptively fast turns. They remained ahead despite a couple of serious challenges until late-drawn Amanda Slager for The Netherlands made a supreme effort on Cornet Blue PS to snatch victory by only one tenth of a second.
Matt Sampson stepped Pretty Pi’Que De Luxe up a level for the first time and jumped into third in Saturday’s world ranking 3* 1.45m. A big entry of 99 was reduced to 15 for the jump-off, Matt and the Party Dance eight-year-old mare finishing 0.67 seconds off the pace.
Izac Ketteridge scooped a win in the final day’s 3* 1.35m Speed & Handiness with the 13-year-old Galerius (Diamant De Semilly x Sandro Boy), beating their 32 rivals with 1.19 seconds to spare.
Nathan Bull was also a winner, galloping ahead in Saturday’s 44-strong 3* 1.35m two-phase by 0.90 seconds on the Cupido 12-year-old Milton Van Vrijhern.
Ice-cool Scott Brash delivers on the Global Champions League at Valkenswaard
Scott Brash posted a vital double clear to help his New York Empire team to second place in the Global Champions League on the Longines Global Champions Tour of Valkenswaard in The Netherlands.
The New York Empire’s pairing of Scott and Richard Vogel, powered by Lugano Diamonds, led the way at the halfway stage as the fastest of the three teams on a clean sheet. Richard on Phenyo Van Het Keysersbos and Scott with Hello Valentino both returning quick clear rounds to take the top spot by more than nine seconds in hand.
Both riders swapped horses for the second round and the pressure was on as last to go as Riesenbeck International’s Philipp Schulze Topphoff (Carla NRW) and Philipp Weishaupt (Coby 8) had provided a second round zero score. But first for the team Richard clipped a rail on a midway oxer on Cydello, and suddenly the New York Empire ere fighting for second place. Known as the iceman, team anchor Scott proved once again why he is chosen as last man, delivering a flawless clear on the 11-year-old Chacco-Blue daughter Chadora Lady to break the finish beams three seconds faster than third-placed Cannes Stars to secure second place.
“I thought both horses jumped fantastic [in round two] and I thought Richie was very unlucky, but I’m very happy that we got the second [place] and hope we can go one better in one of the last legs. We had a quick chat to just keep it sharp on the time without taking too many risks and it paid off,” said Scott.
Richard added: “It was a cool atmosphere. The show facility in general is outstanding, unbelievable. The atmosphere, especially this afternoon, this crowd was right there cheering for everyone but also had our back and that always helps and gives you a better feeling.”
Image: Scott Brash and Chadora Lady Credit: Longines Global Champions Tour
t2sy00khtg50.jpg "BEF and member bodies monitoring EHV reports in France – extra vigilance required")
