Eventers All Fit and Rearing to go After Second Inspection

Hong Kong – All 57 horses presented at the final veterinary inspection for Eventing were passed fit to compete by the Ground Jury this afternoon, although there were some anxious moments for both America’s Gina Miles and Australia’s Sonja Johnson.

With eight of the 68 participating horse-and-rider combinations eliminated on yesterday’s cross-country track, and three more withdrawn including Danish rider Peter Flarup’s Silver Ray and the Swedish horses Keymaster (Magnus Gallerdal) and Bally’s Geronimo (Viktoria Carlerback), the number going into this evening’s final Jumping phase has therefore been reduced.

The majority were in great shape after yesterday’s tremendously exciting challenge and the stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the 2008 Olympic Eventing contest.

Germany holds the advantage on both the team and individual leaderboards and their horses looked stunning once again as they trotted up with a real spring in their step. The Italians were really impressive yesterday when moving up from fifth to fourth place in the team rankings and their equine athletes also looked fresh, although Stefano Brecciaroli was much more enthusiastic about the trotting business than his Irish-bred Cappa Hill who could see no good reason to hurry and, instead of trotting up beside his rider, was quite happy to just tow along behind.

Gina Miles’ McKinlaigh was sent to the holding box to the dismay of the American supporters and, shortly afterwards, Australia’s Sonja Johnson followed suit with Ringwould Jaguar. On returning to the inspection ramp, Gina had to undergo an agonising five-minute consultation between the Ground Jury and veterinary team before eventually getting the nod, while Sonja simply trotted her gelding once more before earning their approval.

One of the most impressive horses of the afternoon was Sweden’s Stand by Me who is ridden by Linda Algotsson and who looks far younger than his 18 years. Lying 18th individually as the action begins tonight he will be one to watch as is the only other 18-year old in the competition, Eric Vigeanel’s Coronado Prior who is lying 30th for France.

Meanwhile it is interesting to note that, amongst the starting field of 69 horses in the Olympic Eventing discipline 18 (26%) are Irish-bred, and every one of them have made it through to the closing stages of this most demanding of equestrian sports.