Show jumping hots up in Greenwich...Part 1

Edwina Tops-Alexander and Itot du Chateau go clear

The Olympic show jumping contest continued in rainy London today. The top eight teams, or those tied in eighth place, are heading back for the final after today’s action; so this is a round that really contributes to medal placings.

First up for Australia at Greenwich Park was James Paterson Robinson, with Lanosso – a combination described as being One To Watch by Rolex. James, based in the Netherlands, was really unlucky to have a foot in the water, adding four fresh points to get a tally of eight. Popular with the crowd due to his prominence at England’s Horse of the Year Show, James went into eighth place.

The glamorous Julia Hargreaves was next to go for Australia, but unfortunately had the second part of the double down, as well as the rail at the post box fence, giving her eight penalties after yesterday’s clear round, to join James in joint eighth place. Julia, riding the ten year old Vedor, has worked her way up via the Australian elite squad, and was thrust into the international limelight just last year after some high profile wins – she was also on the winning Australian team in the Nations Cup at the Horse of the Year Show. Another globe trotter, she was born in Hong Kong, raised in America and is based with team mate Edwina Tops Alexander, in Holland.

James Paterson Robinson, with Lanosso, had a foot in the water.

To be continued…