The Canadian team slipped to third after cross-country, having added some time faults over the three-star long format course. Designed by Frenchman Pierre Le Goupil, who will also be designing the Olympic course in Paris next year, the course featured lots of twists and turns with 37 jumping efforts over 4,425m. Only six entries of the 34 starters went clear without time penalties, and nine were eliminated on course.
The most experienced of Canada’s team, Mike Winter and El Mundo, were the pathfinders. The pair had a clear jumping round but came in 19 seconds slower than the optimal time, adding 7.6 points to their dressage score and ending the day in 10th.
“It’s always fun to ride your favourite horse,” said a delighted Winter after his ride. “He’s such a good boy.”