A CRACKING CHRISTMAS CRACKER FOR MAX KÜHNER
The feature Show Jumping class of the day came from The Longines Christmas Cracker which saw 23 of the world’s finest horse and rider combinations take on Guilherme Jorge’s masterful course.
First to canter into the International Arena was World No.6 Julien Epaillard, who set the standard for the rest of competitors with a perfectly judged clear round. It was third to go, the popular duo of Joseph Stockdale and Ebanking who ensured there would be a jump–off. The young British rider’s result was also emulated by London International Horse Show Ambassadors, Harry Charles and Jodie Hall McAteer.
In total, 11 riders produced the exceptional levels of horsemanship required to proceed into the jump-off, returning in the same order as they jumped in the first round. One of the fastest riders in the world, Epaillard lived up to his reputation with a clear in the time of 30.05 seconds. The pressure was on the remaining riders to match the flying Frenchman’s time, with Under-25 World No.1 Harry Charles scorching down to the final Longines oxer to the delight of the fans, but he was just unable to match the speed set. Several other combinations tried and failed to beat the time, but it was Austria’s Max Kühner and EIC Cooley Jump The Q as last to go, whose forward and positive riding was rewarded as they crossed the line in 29.82 seconds to the rapturous applause and appreciation of the London crowds.
Speaking after the class Kühner said: “It was a tight jump-off but that is always how it is with Julien, so I was really pleased with my horse and my round. The crowd here is fantastic and truly supports us as riders, it is what makes the London International one of the best shows in the world.”
Max Kühner riding EIC Cooley Jump the Q, winners of The Longines Christmas Cracker at London International Horse Show @LondonInternationalHorseShow/Ashley Neuhof | Press Release London International Horse Show – nmcewen@revolutionworld.com
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