Michael Jung and Halunke FBW at Pau in 2015. Photo by Leslie Wylie.
Say “bonjour” to the newest four-star luxury sportscar in Michael Jung‘s equine garage. His name is Halunke FBW, and he cruised into the dressage ring at Pau today like he owned the place, besting big sis fischerRocana FST‘s then-leading score of 35.4 by 0.9 point.
If this horse can jump the big jumps half as well as he moves, hang on to your pants because we’re all in trouble. Halunke is an 11-year-old Württemberg gelding by the Czech-bred thoroughbred stallion Heraldik xx, who also happens to be the dam sire of La Biosthetique-Sam FBW.
Pau is Halunke’s debut at this level but he’s got a brick wall of a three-star record, with nary a cross-country jump penalty in 13 CIC and CCI3* events and a few little jewels in his crown, like team and individual gold at the 2013 European Championships. He has historically tended to pick up a time penalty or few, and a rail here and there in the show jumping, but Michael says he just keeps getting better and better — which is a bit scary if you think about it.
It’s difficult to resist thinking back to 2014, when Rocana — who had just one four-star under her belt at the time — got sent onto the field as a sub for Sam at the 2014 World Equestrian Games. A team gold and individual silver medal later, Rocana was suddenly giving her star sibling a run for his money at every turn, even one-upping him with a down-to-the-wire win at Rolex earlier this year.
With Halunke and Rocana sitting one-two heading into cross country tomorrow, everyone is looking forward to seeing how this “sibling” rivalry plays out!
Michael Jung’s Halunke FBW (GER). Photo by Leslie Wylie.
Next down the leaderboard is a double four-star rookie pair, Emily King and Brookleigh (GBR), who eased into third place this morning on the wings of a 38.3 score. Emily, the 19-year-old daughter of British eventing legend Mary King, rode a poised, elegant test on the German-bred gelding owned by Jane Del Missier.
The pair has had several impressive finishes since she took over the ride from Clayton Fredericks in 2012, and Emily says she can’t wait to have a crack at tomorrow’s cross country test. As for her mum, who looked quite proud at the press conference, Emily says that Mary doesn’t get nervous watching her daughter ride: “Oh, you’ll be fine!” Emily imitates, laughing.
In addition to her top three placing in the CCI4*, Emily is also leading the CIC2* division on Dargun. We had a great chat with her yesterday about her horses and her thoughts about the course, so we’ll dedicate a separate post to that this afternoon. Stay tuned!
Emily King and Brookleigh (GBR). Photo by Leslie Wylie.
There was a big cheer at the final salute for Frenchman Astier Nicolas and Piaf de B’Neville, who moved into fourth place on a 38.5 …
Astier Nicolas and Piaf de B’Neville (FRA). Photo by Leslie Wylie.
… and 2014 Luhmühlen winners Tim Price and Wesko of New Zealand, who also finished second at Rolex this year, scored a 40.0 to round out the top five.
Tim Price and Wesko (NZL). Photo by Leslie Wylie.
Swooning over Tim Lips’ Concrex Bayrom, who scored a 40.9 for seventh, was my guilty pleasure of the day. Jonelle Price’s Fairie Dianimo yesterday, Concrex Bayrom today … both of these striking greys seem to float around the dressage ring in a phantom mist, their feet never quite touching the ground. Or perhaps, just their tippy-toes.
It’s Friday, I’m in love … with this horse. Tim Lips and Concrex Bayro (NED). Photo by Leslie Wylie.
Yes, yes … but how about those North Americans? I thought they deserved their own post. A synopsis of how we’re sitting heading into cross-country day tomorrow:
Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda: 9th (42.6)
Rebecca Howard and Riddle Master: 21st (48.6)
Katie Ruppel and Houdini: 23rd (49.3)
Lillian Heard and Share Option: 34th (53.5)
Barb Crabo and Eveready: 38th (54.2)
Pau CCI4* dressage top 15:
More to come. Go Eventing.
Pau Links: Website, Entry List, Schedule, Cross Country Order of Go, Live Scores, Live Stream, FEI TV, Facebook, @eventingnation, EN’s Instagram
