CCI4*
In the Luhmühlen CCI4* only 31 of the 46 starters completed.
Ireland unfortunately lost Sarah Ennis and Horseware Stellor Rebound, who had been the highest placed combination after dressage. After a glance off at 17b (the second water complex), Sarah decided to retire, to save him for another day. James O’Hare and China Doll did not complete the course, and Ciaran Glynn withdrew Killossery Jupiter Rising, before the start of cross country , as he felt that he was not 100 percent, so was not prepared to take any risk.
Cathal Daniels and Rioghan Rua, unfortunately incurred 50 penalties for a missed flag, having being one of the few combinations to return within the time. Michael Ryan and Dunlough Striker were another combination to fall foul of the flag rule, so go into the final phase in 28th position.
Edited: The penalty points have been removed from Cathal Daniels score. He has moved into 8th position.
A perfect clear round from Patricia Ryan and Dunrath Eclipse, saw them adding just 16.4 time penalties to finish on 49.0, and in 16th position.
Sam Watson moves up to 7th position
Sam Watson and Horseware Ardagh Highlight, made a massive climb from 29th to 7th position after producing a clear cross country within the time allowed. He is also in 25th position With Imperial Sky on 82.8.
The Top 10 on the leaderboard of the CCI4* at Luhmühlen
1 – Boyd Martin (USA) with SHAMWARI 4
2 – Jonelle Price (NZL) and Faerie Dianimo
3 – Laura Collett (GBR) with MR BASS
4 – Willa Newton (GBR) with CHANCE REMARK
5 – Rosalind CANTER (GBR) with Zenshera
6 -Kitty King (GBR) with CEYLOR L A N
7 – Sam Watson (IRE) with HORSEWARE ARDAGH HIGHLIGHT
Since publication, the 50 penalty points for missing a flag, have been removed from Cathal Daniels and Rioghan Rua. The latest placings are below
8 – Cathal Daniels (IRE) with Rioghan Rua
9 -Liz Halliday-Sharp (USA) with DENIRO Z
10 -Vittoria Panizzon (ITA) with CHEQUERS PLAY THE GAME
11 – Anna Freskgård (SWE) with FLY AWAY VD N.RANCH
CIC3*
Julia Krajewski and Samurai du Thot held onto the lead. Photo© Thomas Ix
In The CIC3*, Bramham winner, Germany’s Julia Krajewski who took the lead on SAMOURAI DU THOT, on a score of 19.9 penalties, came home clear to remain on her leading dressage score. For Ireland, Michelle Kenny goes into the final phase in sixth place.
6th – Michelle Kenny & CARLCHEN clear with 7.6 time penalties on a score of 31.5
20th – Aidan Keogh and PRIDE OF TREDSTEP went clear with 6.4 time penalties on a score of 40.4
29th – Michelle Kenny & RLE ASPE clear with 12 time penalties on a score of 44.5
37th – Sarah Ennis & WOODCOURT GARRISON clear with 19.2 time penalties on 54.1
Axel Z euthanized after rotational fall on cross country
Today’s cross country was marred by the tragic loss of Axel Z, ridden by Belgian competitor, Chloe Raty .
Axel Z was euthanized after examination at a veterinary clinic, to which he had been taken, found that he has sustained spinal injuries. The combination had a rotational fall at fence 18b (water complex). This was a frangible fence, but sadly the MIM clip did not deploy.
The horse was sedated at the scene, before being taken to the clinic. Chloe Raty received medical assessment in hospital after the fall, and no injuries were found.
This was their first entry at 4* level.
Mike Etherington-Smith summed up the cross-country day by saying that he is pleased to have seen so many strong rounds in both classes today. However, the accident in the fourstar is terrible and extremely sad and he would like to express his condolences to Chloe and her team. The many riders he spoke to commented on how much their horses grew in confidence along the way and how well the tracks were prepared by the team. “I am getting used to the venue now, I am settling into it, and I am looking forward to next year
It has been a very long cross-country day today and event director Julia Otto explained how she spoke to Chloe just before the end of the day: “Chloe is inconsolable for losing her partner Axel Z, but I ensured her that we would do anything to help her cope with her loss.
We are here for her if she needs someone to talk to.” She continued by saying how proud she feels for working with such a fantastic team. Everybody is doing their best to ensure horses and riders, team members and spectators are looked after the best they can be. The cross-country team has worked tirelessly to ensure the ground and jumps were in perfect condition for the competitors. I would like to say ‘thank you’ for all their efforts. And last but not least Julia wanted to congratulate horses and riders for performing superbly throughout the day!
