Jumping got off to a flying start at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Baji Koen with some big surprises and plenty of drama as Santiago Varela’s bright and beautiful 14-fence track weeded out the top 30 that will go into tomorrow’s individual final.
Daniel Meech and his mare Cinca 3 were the only pair of the three Kiwi combinations to make it through, and it went right down to the wire as though he was clear, two time faults meant that Daniel was the very last qualifier. In a particularly cruel twist, he was only able to progress due to the misfortune of team mate Bruce Goodin, the last rider out, who started strongly but eventually had three rails with Danny V.
A total of 73 horse-and-athlete combinations tackled the 14-fence course, and Great Britain’s Ben Maher was quickest through the finish with Explosion W who is one of the favourites for the individual title.
Reigning European champions, Switzerland’s Martin Fuchs and Clooney, were also impressive and look set for big things as the week rolls out. Of those qualified, 25 jumped clear rounds, four finished with a single time penalty and Daniel was clear with two time faults, which means he will be first to jump in the individual qualifier – though all riders start on a zero score. With the fastest time, Ben Maher will have the advantage of being last to go.
The biggest surprise of the night was that not a single member of the crack American side have made it through. Jessica Springsteen (Don Juan van de Donkhoeve) and Kent Farrington (Gazelle) collected four faults each while Laura Kraut (Baloutine) collected eight. They won’t be in action again until the team competition begins on Friday.
The third New Zealand rider, Uma O’Neill, had three rails down plus time faults with her stallion, Clockwise of Greenhill.
Former NZ rider, Katie Laurie, had an unhappy time of it riding for her newly-adopted nation of Australia; unfortunately, Casebrooke Lomond (Sparky) did not show his usual verve and Katie retired him after several rails toppled. The remaining Australian rider, Edwina Tops-Alexander, had a rail, so it’s the end of the road in Tokyo for their campaign.
