Michael Jung and Halunke FBW - winners FEI Eventing World Cup at Haras Le Pin
On Friday I interviewed Michael Jung, introducing him as Olympic, European and World Champion and a possible champion this weekend – it turns out I was right.
Last year there were very few clear rounds at this World Cup event and the riders were anticipating a tough showjumping course, so it was a relief when Gemma Tattersall on Chico Bella achieved the first clear round (accompanied by the music and hoopla which goes with a clear round here, which is great fun) soon followed by another British clear from Laura Collett on Noble Bestman who certainly didn’t look as if he would touch a rail. Sadly, Sam Griffiths and Real Dancer had 15 faults (two rails and seven time) and 14 faults on Paulank Brockagh (three rails and two time) but still finished in the top ten with tenth place on Paulank Brockagh.
Sam Griffiths and Paulank Brockagh Photo: Pauline Chevalier
The competition between the final few riders was always going to be tense with less than a rail between the top four. As these are some of the top riders in the world — Karin Donckers, Michael Jung, Nicholas Touzaint and Pascal Leroy — there was never any doubt it would be tough.
Young British rider Emily Baldwin, in eighth place, provided a copybook round on Drivetime to move her up to fifth place overall. The leader of the World Cup rankings (and now winner of this year’s series as none of the other riders close to him in ranking were present at this year's final World Cup event), Felix Vogg of Switzerland, had a surprise duck out at fence 3, then French rider Pascal Leroy provided a clear round, to the delight of the local crowd, to leave him in second place overall. The next French rider, Nicholas Touzaint, was not quite so lucky with 4 faults and then Michael Jung on his young horse Halunke jumped a perfect round to put the pressure on Karin. Unfortunately Karin and Lamicell Charizard had a fence down making Michael the winner, again!
His top horse, La Biosthetique Sam, may be on holiday until next season but Michael’s winning streak may continue in the near future as his plans are to take Halunka to Boekelo, Rocana to Le Lion d’Angers and Leopin to Les Etoiles de Pau.
Second-placed Pascal Leroy was also very happy with his horse Minos de Petra (pictured above), just back in competition after injury. He felt that the short break had benefited the horse as he found him much more rideable in the dressage and showjumping and he really enjoyed Pierre Le Goupil’s cross course, of which he said, “my horse just galloped around and was brilliant”.
Prior to the press conference there was a presentation by the Chinese delegation present at the event representing the Chinese Horse Industry Association. A book published in 1877 entitled Method of Therapy Yuan Heng for Horses was presented and will be exhibited at the National Stud of Haras for a while, next to their copy of the celebrated book by the French riding master La Guérinière.
Pascal, Michael and Karin enjoy some of Mumm's fine champagne
The combination of a post-event press conference with presentations by a Chinese delegation provided some interesting moments and Michael Jung looked slightly baffled at times but, as has been the case throughout this event, everyone was plied with Mumm champagne thanks to the generous sponsor, delicious nibbles and a wonderful translation service provided by Karen Duffy.
Le Grand Complet is a well run, friendly and stylish event which this year attracted around 12,000 spectators and top international riders. I can understand why Clayton Fredericks keeps coming back – we certainly will be.
Final results for all classes CLICK HERE.
