Mixed Fortunes for GB Show Jumpers in Individual Final
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Great Britain experienced mixed fortunes in today’s individual show jumping final at the 2008 Olympic Games in Hong Kong.
Team GB qualified three individuals for today’s final, the last of the equestrian competitions at the Games. Nick Skelton riding Lisa Hales’ Russel finished the first round on a total of twelve penalties, finishing in overall twenty-ninth place and missing out on the second and final round. Speaking after the first round, a disappointed Nick said:
“He shouldn’t have had any of those down, he simply didn’t try enough tonight. It was a nice course and it shouldn’t have caused any trouble but he’s not the easiest horse to ride as he doesn’t listen very well and can be headstrong.”
Tim Stockdale riding John Bosher’s Corlato produced a foot perfect clear round in the first round to finish in the top ten going forward to the second. Speaking after the first round Tim said:
“I’m absolutely delighted, she’s been going well all week and the fences she had down are more than she’s had all season. I was lucky at the last – I’ll put it down to jockey nerves – it is the Olympics after all!”
Ben Maher riding Daniel Paul’s Rolette emulated Tim’s first round fortunes jumping yet another breathtaking clear to book their place in the second round. Ben speaking after his first round clear said:
“She’s jumping as good as she needs to be and hopefully I’ll be there or there about when it matters”.
The second round however bought disappointment to the British camp when Tim and Corlato crossed the line with an uncharacteristic sixteen penalties to finish in sixteenth place. A disappointed Tim commented:
“Her preparation outside was very good and I thought a clear might be on the cards but once in the arena she was jumping high enough but not wide enough. That’s the way it goes.”
A delay to proceedings shortly before Ben’s second round due to mishap with a water tray in the main competition arena temporarily interrupted his preparation, however finishing with an unexpected twenty penalties meant they had to settle for twentieth place overall. A reflective Ben said:
“In the first round she was fantastic – as good as any night so far and I felt confident warming up. But I felt I had to carry her a little. She has a big heart but one fence down and she gave up on me. She wasn’t the same horse and was running on empty. I came here thinking I could I win but it as not meant to be. This was my first Olympic Games and I have had a great time here in Hong Kong, it has been a fantastic experience”.
Despite the disappointment for the Brits, today’s final turned out to be one of the most exciting Olympic finals in history. A double clear from Sweden’s Rolf Goran-Bengtsson and Canada’s Eric Lamaze meant a jump off ensued to decide the gold and silver medals. The Canadian produced yet another clear to take the gold with Rolf Goran-Bengtsson lowering a single fence claiming the silver.
Seven combinations finished on four faults and had to jump off for the bronze. America’s Beezie Madden produced the fastest clear to take the bronze.
- Gold - Eric Lamaze Canada
- Silver - Rolf Goran-Bengtsson Sweden
- Bronze - Beezie Madden USA
