Cylana & Tracey arrive in Greenwich (photo courtesy of Reed's FB)
If you’ve got some free time on your hands this lovely Saturday, or you want to wind down after your own spectacular jump rounds, you can have a quick peek at the Showjumpers today, who started their first round this morning in London. So far, McClain Ward with Antares jumped double clear, as well as Rich Fellers with Flexible. Crowd favorite Reed Kessler had one time penalty on Cylana, and we are waiting on Beezie Madden with Vio Volo to jump next. Those American jumpers are kicking butt!!
Showjumping continues Sunday and Monday, with a break Tuesday and then the final two rounds are held on Wednesday.
All the riders compete in the first qualifier today, and the top 60 individuals as well as all Team riders ranked lower than 60 move onto the second round tomorrow. After the second round, the top 45 individual riders (based on cumulative scores) and the best 8 teams move on to the third qualifier. On Monday in the third round, final placings for the Team event are determined, as well as the final 35 competitors for the fourth round. However, same as Eventing, a country can only send a maximum of three riders into the fourth round.
The fourth round (final round A) on Wednesday will be narrowed down from 35 to top 20 who progress to the fifth and final round (B). Both of these are held on the same day, and after a long week of continuous jumping, these horses are going to be a bit tired. The final round determines the individual placings by the sum of the scores from final rounds A & B. Should there be a tie for any medals at this point, there will be the most intense, emotionally charged jump off that you’ve ever seen. Olympic athletics at its best.
Didn’t understand what I just said?? It’s ok, here’s a more comprehensive explanation.
Go Showjumping!
