Henrik Makes a Perfect Start

Sweden’s Henrik von Eckermann, defending Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ champion, leads the field at Riyadh after Day 1 of the Final. With his longtime partner King Edward, the Swedish juggernaut had the fastest time in the speed class, crossing the Longines beam in only 66.28 seconds with no penalties.

Von Eckermann’s compatriot Peder Fredricson is right on his heels with a clear time of 67.40 seconds. The Tokyo Olympics Team gold medalist was paired with Catch Me Not S, an 18-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding.

Third place on Wednesday went to Hans-Dieter Dreher of Germany and Elysium. The two clocked in at 68.41 seconds, showing exactly how exciting the competition — which included five former World Cup champions — was for both athletes and fans alike. Two more days of Jumping, on Thursday and Saturday, will determine if von Eckermann makes it a double triumph or if another contender goes home with the gold.

Speed was everything

Thirty-four combos representing 19 nations lined up at the start to have a go on Frank Rothenberger’s course in the stunning newly constructed state-of-the-art Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Centre (RICEC).

Speed was everything in the first day’s class, with 3 seconds added to each duo’s time for every fence down.

While there was no triple combination on German Rothenberger’s track, there were three doubles to manage. As well as stride choices, there was an option for a tight inside turn that could help athletes shave precious seconds from their times.

Both veterans and teenagers got caught out by the course. Two athletes were eliminated: Japan’s Shinichiro Sugiyama (Rising Sun) for two refusals at the water tray; and France’s Kevin Staut (Visconti du Telman) for a course error.

Only a handful of athletes had penalty-free rides. At the first interim, Germany’s Christian Ahlmann was in the lead with Mandato van de Neerheide on a time of 70.91 seconds.

Dreher's delight

Dreher’s time beat that in the next group of competitors. It wasn’t until the last four rides that Fredricson and then von Eckermann overtook him.

“I’m really proud of my horse, really proud of my round,” said Dreher afterward. To lose against Henrik and Peder…it’s not a problem.”

Fredricson was equally thrilled with his mount’s performance: “I was really happy with the way he felt today. It was a good start for this competition.”

Known for his calm “Iceman” demeanour in the ring, Fredricson is hoping he can keep his cool going through the end of the day on Saturday.

Von Eckermann felt his first day was even better than Day 1 last year at Omaha. “It was a great round today. I’m really pleased with it,” he said.

The course was a good one for the pair, with no chasing and an easy ability to keep King Edward’s huge stride going. Said the man in the white armband, ranked number 1 in the world: “The first day’s always the worst one. I’m glad to have it behind me.”

Henrik happy in Riyadh

Before heading to the prize giving, von Eckermann thanked his team behind the scenes, whom he credits for King Edward’s health and performance, along with giving him a bit of a break before Riyadh.

He also raved about the facilities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, who are hosting a World Cup for the first time. “For the horses, it’s great, fantastic,” he said, adding the ground and the warm-up arena were superb.

Von Eckermann will not only have Fredricson and Dreher chasing him to the podium over the next few days. Julien Epaillard of France (Dubai du Cedre) and Kent Farrington of the USA (Toulayna) are tied in fourth place, speedy Epaillard having achieved that position with 3 penalty points.

Rounding out the top 10 are Olympic champion Ben Maher of Great Britain (Dallas Vegas Batilly), Ahlmann, Max Kühner of Austria (EIC Up Too Jacco Blue), three-time World Cup champion Steve Guerdat of Switzerland (IS-Minka), and 19-year-old Skylar Wireman of the USA (Tornado).

Home athlete Khaled Almobty and his partner Spacecake, currently ranked in the top 18, will also have the advantage of the local crowd behind them. Lots can happen between Day 1 and the final day on Saturday.

Words by Patricia Salem | Image by FEI/ Martin Dokoupil

Result Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ – Final I

Standings after Final I