2018 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final Kicks off in Paris

Steve Guerdat and Alamo
Steve Guerdat and Alamo

Paris, France – April 11, 2018 – On the opening day of the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final, athletes had the opportunity to get their horses accustomed to the small, indoor stadium at the AccorHotels Arena during a 1.45m warm-up class in preparation for the four days of rigorous competition ahead.

A field of 41 horse-and-athlete combinations took to the two-phase competition designed by Spain’s Santiago Varela. Around half of the competitors completed the course, while others primarily took advantage of the class as a schooling opportunity.

The course allowed for a time of 30 seconds over the first six efforts and 43 seconds over the remaining seven, with phase two of the course beginning after fence five (a double combination). Athletes were only able to advance to phase two of the course if they finished clear over phase one.

Daniel Deusser and Cornet
Daniel Deusser and Cornet

Switzerland’s Steve Guerdat rode his second mount of the day, Alamo, Patricio Pasquel Quintana’s 10-year-old KWPN gelding, to a clean round, finishing the second phase in 33.98 seconds to top Wednesday’s class. Representing Germany, Daniel Deusser jumped clear into second place in a time of 34.81 seconds aboard Cornet, a 14-year-old Oldenburg gelding owned by Stephex Stables. Rounding out the top three was Estonia’s Rein Pill after putting in a clear jumping effort in 34.83 seconds. Pill rode A Brok, a 13-year-old KWPN gelding who he co-owns with Trojan Horses Ltd.

McLain Ward and HH Azur
McLain Ward and HH Azur

U.S. riders who have chosen to attend this year’s championship in Paris and successfully passed Tuesday’s jog include: McLain Ward, Beezie Madden, Charlie Jacobs, Andrew Kocher, Alison Robitaille, Devin Ryan, Sarah Scheiring, Richard Spooner, Kristen Vanderveen and Jamie Barge. Barge and Jacobs also finished among the top 12 in Wednesday’s warm-up class.

“I’m very happy and feel very fortunate to have Cassinja here with me in our third consecutive World Cup Finals,” U.S. rider Jacobs explained after jumping clear in Wednesday’s class. “She is feeling really good. Today was a good warm-up to get ready for a big weekend ahead. Hopefully four more great rounds!”

Charlie Jacobs and Cassinja S
Charlie Jacobs and Cassinja S

The first round of the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final will be held on Thursday at 8:30 p.m. in Paris (2:30 p.m. EST).

Results

Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final Warm-Up:
Place / Athlete / Country / Horse / Total Penalties / Time
1. Steve Guerdat / SUI / Alamo / 0 / 33.98
2. Daniel Deusser / GER / Cornet / 0 / 34.81
3. Rein Pill / EST / A Brok / 0 / 34.83
4. Paul Estermann / SUI / Lord Pepsi / 0 / 35.39
5. Simon Delestre / FRA / Chesall Zimequest / 0 / 35.96
6. Kevin Staut / FRA / Silver Deux De Virton H D C / 0 / 36.65
7. Jamie Barge / USA / Luebbo / 0 / 36.65
8. Eduardo Alvarez Aznar / ESP / Rokfeller De Pleville Bois Mar / 0 / 37.71
9. Simon Delestre / FRA / Chadino / 0 / 37.74
10. Harrie Smolders / NED / Emerald / 0 / 38.46
11. Billy Raymont / AUS / Oaks Redwood / 0 / 38.65
12. Charlie Jacobs / USA / Cassinja S / 0 / 38.99

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