6 Year Old class
It may come as a bit of a surprise to hear that Michael Jung and Star Connection (below) were toppled from the leading place in the 6 Year Old class at Le Lion but even more surprising is who has achieved it. Young Vincent Martens from Belgium riding Eiskonig overtook Michael with a score of 41.90. Although not a well known name to us 27 year old Vincent Martens was the Belgian Champion in 2011 and this year was runner-up in the Belgian Championships for 6 Year Olds with Eiskonig and won the 7 Year Old class with Havano Saar
Michael remains in second place on a score of 42.70 while Australia’s Chris Burton and Dutch Man Retto (above), a gelding by Colandro who was fourth in the CIC1* at South of England in September is in third place on 44.40.
7 Year Old Class
While Thomas Carlile is in eighth place on Upsilon in the 6 Year Old, he is in second place on last year’s 6 Year Old winner Tenareze in the 7 Year Old class with a score of 42.70. Thomas was overtaken by his compatriot Nicholas Touzaint and Caretinhus (above) when all three judges agreed that he was the clear leader on a score of 34. Britain’s young Tom McEwan is in third place riding Toledo de Kerser (43.70), making the top three after dressage all Selle Francaise horses. Michael Jung and fischerRicona are in fourth place (44.20) and Michael admits that they made a couple of small mistakes, maybe because she is not quite as comfortable on the grass arena.
“But, she was very quiet and listening, so I'm still happy. The cross-country course is difficult, but benevolent. This is a very good course. The horses will learn a lot. The Mondial is a big step for young horses".
Despite the fact that Micahel is recovering from his recent broken collar bone, he is not concerned about riding the cross country tomorrow " It gets better. It's not perfect, but it's enough to run a one star and two stars. "
Paul Tapner and CounterParty are 24th in the 6YO
Very happy with 10th place in the 7YO - Canada's Lindsay Traisnel and Ulysse de Rubercy
Thomas Carlile and Upsilon (above) and Tenareze (below)
Tom McEwan and Toledo de Kerser
