The word ‘marathon’, used in relation to a WEG, usually refers to the marathon of the Four in hand Driving, or the incredible (and inhumane IMO) distance of the Endurance race. But today the marathon is at the show jumping, and the athletes are the spectators. There are 33 teams in the competition, for cripe’s sake. I suppose there are people here who enjoy eight solid hours of show jumping, but I’m not one of them. I might feel differently if there weren’t so many crash-and-burns caused by dreadful riding.
I know I’m repeating myself but if the FEI doesn’t revise its qualification criteria before WEG 2018, the Bromont organizers had better include a large electric bill in their budget to cover the all-night lighting they will need to get through everyone. Yesterday there were 153 starters in the speed round. There’s a bit of attrition today – the Argentinian team pulled out en masse after two members didn’t make it around yesterday and the other two took half the course down between them. There’s globalization and then there’s letting in every Tom, Dick and Harry. The FEI needs to learn the difference, and also to have realistic expectations about how many countries in the world are rich enough and horsey enough to participate on a level that adds value to the sport. Okay, enough on that. I’m bracing myself for another four hours of jumping, having survived the first four relatively unscathed.
Speaking of Bromont, here is its representation on the course today, photo compliments of Jennifer Anstey, who got here early enough to walk the course.
Canada had a splendid start yesterday, with four clear rounds in the speed competition. Today is a bit of a different story I’m afraid. We drew early in the going, and with a couple of scratches Yann Candele ended up second in the ring this morning. Showgirl was spot-on for a second day in a row.
Yann and Showgirl , showing how it’s done (photo Jennifer Anstey)
Yann’s clear round today is much needed, now that we’ve seen two more Canadians go. Tiffany arrived at the water on a half stride and Verdi had a toe on the tape. Apparently he doesn’t like to make mistakes, and the rail he took a couple of fences later was the result of his discomfiture at having had a messy one at the water. Eight faults and we’re hoping that’s a throw-away score for Canada. Ian and Dixson had the oxer at ten, and those four faults will have to be counted. We’ve got just Capitaine L’Amazing left for us today. I’ll be back with an update at the end of the day.
Now, back to watching half the field with one eye closed.
