21/12/2013 Equestrian: Olympia Horse Show

So it is Christmas, it is Olympia, it is that combination of sport and

entertainment that just makes you smile. We do love this event, and

very soon we will see the riders, 37 of them, lining up, they will be

running up behind me, but as I mentioned, this is a golden time for

British show jumping. Olympic champions, European Champions, and

the top two the world, let's find out more about Ben Maher and Scott

Brash. This is what I have trained about for years, I am living my

dream. We are friends inside the ring and outside, I think me

becoming number one spurred him on. I had a great lead, I was there for

everyone to catch, I want to come back strong and maybe challenge him

for the next month's number one spot again. We were number one and two in

the world, so they have recaptured the glory days and given the younger

riders a lot of hope that they can compete with the best in the world

on a regular basis and beat them. This summer, the global champion

stadia brought a league show-jumping back to London in a nail-biting

finale, and Nick Skelton was pipped to the Grand Prix title. I think he

has done it! It is a superb British 1-2 here! She is not easy, she is

very temperamental, very much a own way, that is the particular horse

that I have to adopt my riding too. But she is an unbelievable horse,

she was on form, every angle, every turn was exactly how I wanted, it

was a great weekend. I will never forget it. In August, Great Britain

became only the second steam in history to hold Olympic and European

titles concurrently. Then and Scott won silver and bronze, but to them

it is only winning that matters. -- Ben. I am my own worst critic, I

will be the hardest person myself if I have done something wrong. For

example, in Geneva I was second last week, and I was kicking myself

because I did not win it. He is exactly as you see him, he's cool,

his conversation is limited, a few words here and there will do, but

he's totally focused on what he is doing. Ben is more of a talker, he

likes to discuss more things, they are both great guys, hugely

competitive. If it is between the two it will be very tight. Victory

for Scott secured him the overall title. The youngest rider to do so,

on his 28th birthday. It was a fantastic day. He jumped out of his

skin, I didn't think it was possible to win everything. A lot of people

had to do, you know, make mistakes or whatever for me to be number one,

I had to be the best I could be, to top the whole thing, and, yeah, all

on my birthday, it was a great day. This is Sanctos. Yes, That is

Ursula? Yes, Look how high she gets her knees. They are all different.

They have different techniques. Hello. Are you really grumpy? He is

scare odd a lot of thing, scared of flying. Are you scared of the

cameras. He is a superstar in the ring. It is amazing, people think

you can pop on any horse, but they are completely different They are

all different and you have to ride them accordingly. There is lots of

things you have to make sure is right, for him, to make sure he

competes at the highest level. Number two in the world. Ben Maher.

Olympia is a bit special for you. It is. It is where a lot started for

me. I was fighting to be in the top ten in England to make the show

there, that would have been the highlight of the year, now it is the

highlight for different reasons. It is going to be extra special for

you, because when you get introduced, they will say them say

here is the world number one. I am looking forward to it. The crowd is

amazing, for me that is what makes Olympia, the crowd, the applause we

get when we ride into the ring. The feelings are what Spurs me on to

keep going and keep improving and trying to be the best. To ride in as

number one is going to be special. Tim Stockdale is with me, who has

watched the guys growing up and seen them become the best in the world.

We stood here five years going it is all disastrous with British show

jump, where did it go wrong, now we are saying where did it go right?

The Olympic Games was a focal point for if sport. It harnessed everybody

together. It gave them something to aim for everybody got together, the

owner, rider, the manage. . Has made a massive difference. Ben and Scott

are great to on your side. The combination works so well, from that

it has been a Springboard and the sport has gathered momentum. The

other thing you need is riders doing well, we need events here in London

and we have one with the tour coming to Stratford. The jump saw off being

Nick Skelton and Ben may officer. Ben came out on top. We are on the

world stage, the focal point has pulled over to Great Britain. We

are, we are deemed as favourites where erwe go. It is a massive up

lift. For Ben it is a mixture, he is in the middle of a legal case, with

owners of a horse of his, and he is going to be distracted by that, but

can he, he seems to be able to just focus on the sport? Yes, I think so,

Ben is a tough Guy, and a tough professional and when you are in

this type of environment, when you are riding, that is the only thing

you are thinking about. He won't be thinking about other things while he

is here in the ring. Today he will be focussed. As Scott will be be. He

does it in a less intense way, it is softer, he is like a swan, on top of

the water but inside paddling furiously under the water. Both have

been travelling round the world. Ben said he has only had two weekends at

home in the last year. Scott was in Doha, that is where his big success

came, that sealed him the tour win and put him to number one and earned

him a huge amount of prize money. It is phenomenal. The sums we are

talking about are tennis players and golfer, you see there, he went in

there and he went to get the class and get it won. It takes a lot of

guts in that circumstances with that much money. He is not used to that

yet. He has a great temperament for this sport. Doha wouldn't be the

showjumping capital of the world but the global tour takes them

everywhere. They are talking about China I have come back from there.

The sport has gone global. The, we have a Brazilian rider here today,

it is going worldwide. For Great Britain to be at the top it is a

real boost. The exciting thing for fan, you can book tickets to see the

global champions tour will be back here August 16th and there will be

live coverage on the BBC. Let us concentrate on Olympia, one of the

most popular classes of the week is the Puissance, it is a winner takes

all format. It is about how high can you

some animals jump for necessity, some jump simply for joy.

The greatest of all jumper, is the humble flee, leaping up to 150 times

its own height. The Puissance is the ultimate high jump for horse, it is

the French word for power. 100 stone of horse and rider facing

a six foot wall. The wall gets higher with each clearance, should

you or a brick come a croper, you are out. It is an event to test

horses and riders to their limit. Both will need to be brave as they

attempt to leap into the unknown. Even the greatest have been known to

falter. Nerves will be tested and only the

most brave will survive. The rider must guide his or her mount to the

best place for take off. Success sees the animal kingdom at its most

graceful. At but the tiniest error from horse or rider and the wall

comes tumbling down. Some horses make it look very easy.

Ben Maher won the class last year. They have to clear every fence. That

includes, this one. Some unfortunately that meant

whether he cleared the wall or not he was out. You can't believe what

happened. It has happened to me with a good horse, that you continue

because you want to show the crowd I would have been in the sharp end of

this competition, but in his mind he will be going "I can't believe I

have knocked that small jump down." This is a proper Puissance horse,

very brave, so something as small as the first one, probably didn't get

his attention. Watch how he comes in, looks at the wall and thinks I

will jump that easy. Very nice. Well, let us find out how the others

fared, because... It was the same fence here, the silver fence, and I

knew when they put it in there, today, he doesn't see it so well,

and, just gets distracted and intense, and that is the way it

goes. That was Ben's reaction. Then these

were the four rider who were left in. Four in total. Three for

Britain, one for Italy. Let Usman Ali join the commentary team has the

wall reached six feet nine. -- let us join.

So the big problem for Guy Williams is to stop the ma erection re taking

the wall on. She is -- the mare. Slow the canter

There she goes. Yes! Absolutely spot on. That was

easier that time. That was better. She didn't take it on too much. She

used her enthusiasm, spot on. Lovely shape.

Really works her body. Front end, back end. Flicks the back legs away.

Runs right into the bottom and then really pushes, and that is the style

that workforce this horse. Guy picks her up and she flicks the

back end away. Lovely shape. Maybe you have picked the winner,

Mike, she is looking impressive there.

Two metres 20, they jumped in 2011, they were actually fifth but now

this man, he looks to be enjoying himself, you have to say that. I

love the way he goes up to the wall, shows it to her, big smile on his

face and says come on, girl, you can jump that.

Now can he join Guy Williams into what would be round four? This is

currently the second jump-off. It is the Italian, luke Certainly got the

power. That action with the front legs isn't going to cause a problem

at some point. It works again. Fantastic. The

higher it goes the neater this horse is in front. That to me was, that

most impressive jump in this competition for this horse and

required: This is a different technique but fantastic to watch

Luca, he loves his horse, he gives them the freedom to ex presence

themselves, a very untidy jump. You will see a strange twisting of the

front leg, under the body. It makes it harder because the shoulders have

to go higher. It has put a big smile on the, on the face of Luca there,

he is loving it. Is it scary going over the wall? She

is honest and try, so she is a good, she is a good jumper. You are one of

the favourite, you have won it before, but there has been strange

stuff going on in the Puissance? There is every year na, is why the

crowd come to watch it, and you know, and hopefully we go well.

Britain's leading lady rider, Lori Winick -- Laura Renwick on Roller

Coaster. Oh, well done! Well done, the source

has got to jump the wall. Laura knows what he is doing, he keeps is

I away from the fence around the corner so we cannot get too

excited, and when she sees the stride she wants, straightens his

body up and let him jump it. There he is, he has seen the stride, and

what a powerful horse! You see, it is a long way down, Laura getting

thrown forward by the incredible power of this jump. It is starting

to hop up now, isn't it? It is, ranked 33 in the world, she has

climbed right up the rankings. You were delighted! Yes, she is so

brave! I am impressed, and our stick, she really wanted to lead me,

and I trust her. You are having a good show already, could the

puissance be yours, too, do you think? Why not? At least you had a

good time when you was wishing! It is always good to think positive in

my opinion. And here is a man who has actually been top of the world

rankings in the heady days of Milton, in particular. He, of

course, has ridden in more Nations Cup than anyone else, so

experienced, still loves the game. This charge is Zantos II.

Oh! John Whitaker, three times winner in the past is in the in

round four, four to take the next round on. Trust John Whitaker, he

came into the class at the last minute, declared just before it

started, and there he is, he is the group, riding as well as ever. He is

even smiling! He was working quite hard, I think John's heart was

beating a little bit faster than usual, because it was untidy, to say

the least, but he has made it happen. You have a very specific way

of riding to that of all, don't you? Well, I have only done it on a

couple of horses, the first one I ever did it on, she took me in a

more powerful way, I didn't have too much control, whereas Roller

Coaster, I know him so well, and I have still got him in my hands, so I

was a little bit further away than I wanted to be, but he tried really

hard for me. It is a trust thing, and I do trust! I hope the trusts

me! This is turning into quite a competition now. Yeah! A lot of the

favourites went out at the start, but Guy can jump a huge fence, Lugar

is the same, so this is going really well as well. Let's hope we can go

another couple of rounds. And there is confirmation, seven

feet, 213 centimetres, four through to the third jump of, that is of

five possible rounds, and we have still got two past winners in the

field, . In comes Guy Williams, third jump

off, fourth round. Now, can he get another puissance under his belt?

He's a cool kooky, this man. Remember, this is Guy Williams,

Richi Rich. First to go at the wall, round four. Very quiet

cantered through the corner, waiting for the explosion of pace. I am

still in there! Fantastic job again from Guy Williams. He has got his

technique spot-on. Very quiet cantered through the corner, stays

as cool as a cucumber and then really works hard to pick her up on

that last stride. I am a great fan of this guy, because he is a hard

worker, he really fights, and he dates deep when it really matters.

British riders are known throughout the world for being competitive, but

this man, nobody is more competitive than Guy Williams!

I think we are just having a little chat in the EA year, come on,

darling, get me over that all! Only a nine-year-old, and that is pretty

young for international jumping, and I think a puissance horse, too. Yes,

very young for a puissance horse, this one.

So this is the Italian, Luca Maria Moneta, looking to get through to

the last round. Quite steady, quite close, and done

it again! You get the feeling that he did not expect to still be in.

What a crowd pleaser, everybody here is absolutely loving this

experience. Look at him, giving his full is a titbit before she jumps,

she gets another one afterwards. That is horse. He is a fabulous

oarsman, and what a crowd-pleaser. In that round, Andy, you really get

the tremendous feeling of this man's position in the saddle,

probably the most stylish riding reform is over that fence that we

have seen. Yes, he is in balance, he is loving every second of it. I have

never seen anyone smile as much in the ring. Well, this is going to

live up to expectation, we have got two through to the next round. Now,

can Laura Renwick joined them on Roller Coaster? Oh, no. What a pity!

What a pity... Well, that bar has been the undoing of people in the

past, so annoying. Will she jump the war? No. Both going. They have hit

the limits, but roller-coaster certainly not stretched in any way,

just did not quite make it on either, and getting lots of parts,

so Laura Renwick boughs out. We have got two clear rounds, and still be

great John Whitaker to come. Lugar, you looked surprised to have

managed that! Yes, because I tried not to disturb, and she is amazing,

it seems that she likes it. I am happy. Good luck in the fifth round.

I will not go. She is only nine. She offered so much, I don't want that

she feels that she cannot do it and feel difficult. She must stop, that

is it. It is a game, but you need to learn to lose sometimes if you

respect the horse. Thank you. Now, what can John Whitaker do? The

crowd would love this man to jump here, that is for sure.

Oh! Well, it was untidy in the last round. Very, very erratic approach.

And that was just one step too far, and John Whitaker has entertained us

tonight, fabulous value for the crowd. It has been a pleasure to see

him. A huge pleasure, huge pleasure! This man still enjoy this is jumping

as much as ever, and more than most, that is for sure. What a

contribution! Let's have another look there, very untidy. Almost went

to stop, John had to sit back, hunting style, and just to save and

solve there. Never really left the floor that time, but John is up for

the challenge. I am sure his heart was in his mouth of there! But

thankfully horse and ride OK. We are hearing news that, actually, Luca

Maria Moneta may not want to go in the next round. Now, that would mean

we have got a winner. We are just awaiting the confirmation of that.

Oh, there is... I hear the word is negotiation! Somebody is probably

twisting his arm. John, your luck kind of run out. It did a little

bit, we nearly dumped it, it felt like it. Just got a little bit

strong, got a little bit too close to the wall. But when it gets that

size, you have to push a little bit, and we may be pushed a little bit

too hard. But very good experience, you know, it feels like next time he

could go all the way. Have you enjoyed your puissance comeback? Not

really! No, it was good. The crowd loved it, it is nice to keep

pleasing the crowd. You did a great job, thank you, John.

Seven for the last round, 2.18 metres, scurrying back into the ring

to say we have got two in, that is confirmed. It is between Guy

Williams and Luca Maria Moneta, who has been a start tonight with Quova

de Vains. -- start. So there is Guy Williams, Richi Rich. Can he jumped

the wall at seven foot two? Last round, two to go, one for

Britain, one for Italy. Guy Williams trying to win the puissance again.

Richi Rich showing that fabulous action over the triple bar, very

quiet approach, the same as all the way through.

Not to be! Not to be, got to the bottom of it, did everything right,

great effort. Did not quite get up in the air, but a very light touch,

that was unlucky. If you were critical, we can look at it again,

Andy, he always comes in quickly, but I felt he came in even a shade

quicker. It is all about running into that exact take-off point,

maybe she got a fraction close, but another time she would have got away

with this. Probably, you know, a tiny bit close, but once it gets to

seven foot two, everything has to be perfect, and it did not quite get

the shoulders high enough. But great efforts tonight from this

partnership. It wasn't meant to be for you. I was

trying to stop her running and cheer settled. She is second, that is

good. It has turned out to be a fantastic Puissance Yes, the crowd

enjoyed it so that is what it is all about. Thanks Guy. So the last to

go. I suspect the crowd will have a real soft spot for this combination,

Luca Maria Moneta, with a nine-year-old mare, He is looking

more serious now. Looking a lot more serious. Now he is smiling.

Luca Maria Moneta. He is looking to win the Puissance 2013. Triple bar.

Now the wall, seven foot two, between him, and the winner's prize.

He has done it! Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant. Absolutely

brilliant, and he will be thanking them for that. This is the man that

was not going to jump, he has no Puissance form coming into this

competition. What an achievement. They are all standing, and saluting

this man. Tremendous performance, he won't forget this night for a very

very long time P He is a wonderful horse, we need to have another look

at that, because it was obvious that he didn't really want to go into

this last round. Let us look at him coming down, and what an effort this

mare makes. She turnped herself inside out.

Still that untidy style. The front legs get stuck almost underneath the

should evers and the body has to get so high. She breaks the body up to

make the effort. -- the shoulders.

There he is, he is looking more serious over the top of the wall. As

soon as he lands he is on Cloud Nine. Who can blame him. Who can

blame him? You did want to do that fifth round, now you are the winner

of the Puissance. I was feeling bad for my mare, it is too big, but they

ask me please, because the crowd, because this is a show, and I ask

her, I say I will not force you, you are allowed to do whatever you like.

She says I am a good mare and I do it easy. She turned herself inside

out to get over that She is unbelievable. She loves it. She

likes to be a superstar. She wants the crowd. She is only nine. Yes,

you know, she do everything, she win speedy class, she compete in Grand

Prix, she do everything for me, it is nice what she offer, I love her,

I think she loves me. I think she loves you and the crowd love her.

Congratulations. Thank you so much. That was a popular success and the

trophy was presented to Luca Maria Moneta by the Duchess of Cornwall.

Massive reception here and everybody relieved he changed his mind about

whether he wanted to come out for the final round. Decided to go for

it and emerged victorious. So that was if Puissance, we are in

the arena, Tim and myself, where the course round us as been built and is

walked by the rider, this is for the World Cup class, a London bus in the

middle of it. Yes, it is a very fine fence, because it makes appearances

at the Olympic ps and now every show in London. It is a Dickens of a jump

to scrum. Let us have a -- to jump. Cian O'Connor has been staying with

Ben Maher because he turned up with a load of horses and said can I move

in and Ben went how many have you got and how many people need beds.

How do you think the course is walking? It is nice, delicate,

careful, so it is light. I think we have seen bigger World Cup courses

here, but it is difficult enough. It is a strong field, so time allowed

will be short. It is not easy. What the horse you are riding? It is

Cooper, he was second in the Grand Prix a few months ago. Hopefully he

will go well. Laura Kraut is representing America and the partner

of Nick Skelton. Your week has been going well. So far so good. Today

with a win would make it better. How hopeful are you? Yes, I am riding

the mare jubilee who won on Wednesday, she is in good form right

now, and so, if I ride well, we have a shot. I was talking to Nick

backstage, he is over there, who says unfortunately he is not riding

this week, big star at the moment has a tiny injury, he is distracted

by the racing with his son. In fact I think I am going to be jumping the

same time as willow will be running. -- Willow will be running. His

loyalty may be divided. We wish you well, you can see Nick giving

advice. Here comes Scott Brash and Ben Maher. Ben is riding Tripple X

who is a brilliant horse He is, I have to say he has been out of sort,

I am not saying this course suits him, he is a big jumper, if the

course was more substantial in size, it is delicate today. It a poly type

of arena and could suit Scott's horse. Let us have a word with Scott

Brash. How you feeling about this class? Good, really.

I have seen it bigger in this ring, but I think it is still, the

combination, it is five-and-a-half strides, so it will be tricky

enough, there are plenty of places to catch people. Think they will get

ten clears really. And you are riding the mare Ursula, who you were

telling me is very careful She is a cracker, I think the world of her, I

think he is a top horse, so she feels, I rode her this morning, she

feels in good form. Good luck to you, number one, I have to keep

saying that. Tim, you were saying you walked the course, where do you

think the problems will lie? They are coming to the parallel here That

is near the end. There is a centre line type of combination, a triple

bar, five-and-a-half strides with a triple combination, but it is only

three poles in each of the jumps. It is more careful than it is

substantial looking, riders have to make the decision whether they go

five or six and the horse has to be careful and focus on the top rail.

It is not just about the power. And you can see as well, the

decoration, it is so beautifully done, because course designing is an

art form, it is about getting the height right. The distances tricky

enough but not impossible but about making it look lovely Bits of snow

everywhere, but this can distract. The horse can look at that as

opposed to focus on what is in front of them. It is about the design the

course, to cause problem, You have looked through the field, who do you

see as the key contenders? It is more a careful type of horse's

course today. John Whitaker on Argento, I have noticed a spring in

his step, he is thinking "This suits my horse." He can be fast in the

jump-off. He could put a marker, he iserly -- early to go so that

doesn't suit him so much. There is German, Peter Charles' horse, that

could suit Peter, there is no doubt about it. Simon Delestre from

France, he is on a good horse, he will be close today. Kevin Staut as

well. Notice there, Peder Fredricson, I have never seen that

before, he is writing it down. He is second to go.

It is such an advantage if you are drawn later, if you jump clear, it

means you will go later in the jump Sometimes it can work to your

advantage, certainly, a lot of the riders are saying it is about care.

You can put a marker down early, before you know it you could make an

early mistake by not concentrating on every jump. Two to three is

difficult enough, because that is a short distance, it is a wide

parallel, so it is going to get you a bit earlier within the course.

I am going to have a wander over here, because the team manager,

excuse me, the team manager of British showjumping is in

conversation with Ben Maher, although we heard from... Rob? We

heard from Rob in that feature we were doing on Ben and Scott. We want

to say congratulations to you in person, for the state of British

showjumping right now, well done, you have done a great job It is a

great team, I have great horse, rider, owners and my job is easy.

And I would be great to see one win today? It would be fantastic, we

have riders on form, I mean Scott been going great. Ben is on form.

Peter Charles' horse is going well. We have a lot of chances. John is

58, isn't he? He is getting on. It is amazing the longevity in

showjumping terms. It would be like trying to go on until you are 100 in

other sports He looks fantastic on a horse. He is as young as he feel, he

will be round for a while. Ben is deep in concentration, he is walking

the course there, trying to stride it out and make sure he gets his

angles right. He is having a chat with Bob Ellis, the course designer,

Andy Austin is going to be part of the commentary team. Bob? How are

you? Nice to see you. A Christmas kiss. Yes, Are the riders saying

great course or what have you done to us? They are friendly about it.

They think it is very fair, big, fair, it is worrying when hay don't

complain. Then you think have I made it too easy. They are happy. I

think, eight, nine clears, That would be perfect for the jump-off.

Absolutely. I guess you are not allowed to say o who can you think

might win It would be nice to have a Brit winner but there are others on

form. You have Scott, who is flying at the moment. So, that would be a

nice winner. Brilliant. Well done, let us grab a word with Ben Maher,

didn't want to disrupt him when he was striding out the distances.

Wanted to check how you are feeling and how Tripple X will go He had an

outing last night and was surprised by the crowds, we kept him for this

class and I think he is feeling good. Brilliant. We wish you well,

thank you very much for coming and chatting to us. Tim, everybody seems

to predict eight, nine, maximum clear rounds, that would be a good

class It will make an exciting jump-off. I think they have it about

right. I think the field is very open this year, I think it is a very

difficult job. He has to design a course that is testing but fair for

all horse, I think he had nearly got it about right. He might want to put

a fence up or down, but the fact the riders aren't complaining, they see

it as a fair test, which I think, it is testament to his skill. The class

will start in round about 15, 20 minutes time, so the riders will

disappear and warm their horses up. They will memorise the course and we

will show it as it unfolds live. News has reached us of the death of

the greatest ever sports presenter and commentator David Coleman. He

has died at the age of 87, he worked for the BBC for nearly 50 years and

retired after the Sydney Olympics, that was his 11th summer game, he

was presented with the Olympic order by the IOC and this is a man who

could commentate on football and athletic, present both, present the

Grand National, question of sport and sports night and our sympathies

are very much with his family. But he also was a huge fan of

showjumping, he was a director of Hickstead, the news reaching us of

the death of David Coleman at the age of 87.

So we have World Cup showjumping to come here in the arena, but we had

World Cup dressage earlier, it was another stellar performance from

Charlotte Dujardin and her horse Valegro.

So far so good, they have both got the bit between their teeth and

doing a good job. Enjoy the movement and the music, because this is the

last time that Charlotte is going to use this piece of music that won

gold in London. Much better extended walk than

yesterday. She had a wrong strike off of all things in the Grand Prix

yesterday, but she made sure she got it right at that time.

It takes two to tango, and, my word, they are tangoing!

She even had time to give him a part. Oh! This is magic.

That has to be the best test they have ever, ever done! Coming in from

the freestyle, they produced a score of 94.250, just a little bit more

than 1% behind the world record. Have we seen that tonight? Look at

this horse's character and face, he adores and he adores showing off.

The crowd are getting on their feet. Quite right, too!

Look at this extended strop, how his shoulders come up, this is amazing.

-- trot. There, the Harmony, the horse relaxed, listening to the

rider, talking to the horse down the reins. Such a partnership, these

two. A world record for the wonderful

partnership of Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro. You have done it, three

world records. I cannot believe it, I am absolutely over the moon,

ecstatic, I honestly do not know what to say. I came here hoping to

break this, being the last time riding to that music. I am going to

get some new music next year, I was so close to the Europeans for

breaking it, and I wanted to come here to finish it on such a great

year and get that last world record. You are the first Briton to do that,

how incredible does it feel to have pieced this together with Valegro

over the years the way you have? It has been an incredible journey, from

when I started to now, it has been an absolute roller-coaster. The

things I have done, I did not even dream of doing or achieving, and to

kind of thing back on what I have achieved, finally got my last world

record, it is fantastic. What is the future for you and Valegro? There

has been much decoration, is the news? I am planning to retire now

that I have got all three world records. No, obviously we have got

the games next year, so I will be planning to do that. We will see how

it goes. Will we see you with Valegro at those shows? Absolutely,

Valegro will be there next year. Finally, reflect on what 2013 has

been like for you after 2012, which was good enough! Oh, just an

incredible year, after having 2012, which was mind blowing, to come to

this year and top what I have already done is just incredible.

Vice what is left for you to do? I would love to get some medals at the

world championships, that is my next goal.

The world Equestrian games are coming up next summer in Normandy,

there will be coverage on the BBC, and I promise you, it is amazing,

that's dancing horses being, that is really good, everybody loves

dressage. She has been a breath of fresh air for the sport, so genuine,

a really horsey person. We see that with them together, a real

partnership, brilliant. Valegro is worth so much money, millions, that

one of the owners was thinking, I have got to cash in, which would

have deprived Charlotte of the ride, but she confirmed that they will

stay as a team. That is brilliant news. It is a difficult sport,

because it is a business as well as a sport, and you have to balance the

books. A lot of horses have to change hands to continue in the

sport. Compared to British show-jumping, that is what was

happening, good horses were being sold and delivering medals for some

body else, and they have managed to make sure that the owner stay

invested in the British side of the sport. That is what was so good

about the Olympic Games, the investment in horsepower, and they

want to be part of it on the world stage. John Whitaker just going

behind us, we have seen he has got a red ribbon in Titus, not Titus, John

Whitaker's horse is Argento, to signify that the horse kicks, do not

get too close behind me. I am always fascinated, watching riders warm up,

because space is at a premium here, everybody is so tight, you have got

to have a horse that does not mind the close company of others. That is

the reason why you have got to want the other riders, take care and

caution. The size of these jumps, having that amount of control over

that size of jump, being able to land and control your horse. Now the

riders are trying to keep the horses calm, keep them under

control, because we don't want them getting too hot to early. Peter

Charles has just come in, and you can see he does something which

others do not do, riding in glasses. He has got these goggles that look

like a pair of glasses, we will see a more clearly when he comes back up

towards us. But also, his horse has a very strange head carriage, almost

a neck like... This is going to sound rude, a bit like a camel or

giraffe, but he will see what I mean. Just coming down the far end

in Canada, coming towards us, he is going to circle there and have a

little pop. -- Kantor. It is not orthodox, but I would say he has

obviously been in a situation where trying to make his head go in a

uniform fashion it does not go so well. He is allowing it to go a

little bit like a square peg in a round hole, and that is what this

sport is about. You can see Argento has got a really tight head

carriage, look at Peter's, head sticking out like this, but both

equally effective and could jump clear today. Yes, both careful

horses, and this horse is, extraordinarily, missing one eye.

You can see, as he comes around, on this side, there is none there at

all, blind on that side. That is the Swedish rider. And again, incredibly

effective. Let's have a look at the cause that they will be facing, and

we will join Mike Tucker and Andy Austin to talk us through it in

detail. Yes, because set by Bernardo, one of

the London team, and it is certainly one that will ask questions, Andy. A

fairly straightforward start over the first two, then this committed

distance to the double, a huge oxer jumping into the corner. The main

feature of this arena is how small it is. A little bit of room coming

into the fence there, and then after this oxer, we are into what is

possibly the biggest, most difficult line, this triple bar coming up,

1.85 metres, and you have a choice, five or six strides. Two verticals,

the first part of the combination, then a very powerful, big oxer to

come out, incredibly tight turn, the London bus from the Olympics, a very

delicate fence, a little bit spooky. And then a different fence, and oxer

with a water tray underneath, committed three strikes to a 160

vertical. And then at the end of the course, committed distance to wear

the horses may get tired, a couple of very big square boxes, 1.55,

could be tired by the time they get there. All the clear rounds going

through to the jump off, a prize pot of 130,000 euros, that goes to the

winner. It is a very open field. A young Brazilian that a lot of

people are talking about, Marlon Modolo Zanotelli, only 25, certainly

one to watch. Young Daniel Neilson for Britain, jumping in his first

ever World Cup ground here in London. David Will of Germany, he

won in the spring, a young German beginning to make a name for insult.

Do not discount Luca Maria Moneta and Edwina Tops-Alexander, based in

Europe but writes for Australia, and she has got a lovely set of horses.

Ben Maher won here two years ago. Laura Renwick is very good,

international class, and Kevin Staut won the Grand Prix in Paris last

weekend. That is a very strong section, Michael Whitaker, biking,

they have saved themselves for this class. And the last four, and Libby

Leprevost won here last night. They are all real contenders.

A strong looking field, very open. And it will be interesting. What is

your predictions on the number of clear rounds, Andy? Well, talking to

the course builders, they are saying around eight, I will agree with

that. I am agreeing, going with eight. Well, I am quite sure we are

going to see some outstanding show-jumping. Really world-class

show-jumping is something to behold, and it is Dai Williams, number eight

of Great Britain, with Titus, who won a bronze medal in 2011.

One of the problems with his horse, Titus, hugely powerful, very big

striding. He can sometimes get a little bit forward jumping at some

of the hurdles. Pulling hard down to the combination, and we expected

that to be probably the most difficult line. Titres getting very

strong now. One of the interesting things when

the first horse goes is checking the distances, and the time allowed. 71

seconds. That could be close enough. Here is

the last line of two big oxers. Comfortably inside the time.

The words have been of course it is very poly, it is very light. That

was very much the description of Guy's round here This is a very

narrow fence, it is lighter, there is no weight in that pole so a

little touch brings it off. Here is the run down to the combination,

Titus got strong, get going, really hit the first part of the

combination pretty hard. Here now is Peder Fredricson for

Sweden. H Cash In in 33. He has had a very good year, he has been a

winner here this week, two wins in fact he has had. He had four wins in

his own international indoors in Stockholm, went very well there, and

he was also too, part of the team that won the bronze medal in the

Europeans for Sweden. A great fight back in the second round to clinch

bronze. So he, another very good yard stick in this FEI World Cup in

London. Peder Fredricson certainly concerned

is about the time allowed, because he has taken a very tight inside

line everywhere and getting very strong down to the combination

again, there is your problem. The horse is jumped so forward over that

triple bar which is 1.85 wide. The five strides are so committed. It

will be interesting to see whether any horses and combinations add a

stride there and go for six. It is an option for some of the

extraordinarier striding horses. -- for the shorter striding horses.

Well this is going to be a fascinating World Cup round here,

that is for sure. You one would not have expected

Peder Fredricson to go in here and have five down.

The main feature of the course is not really it is massive, definitely

seen bigger courses, built for the World Cup here, but it is very

light, very delicate. You can see a lack of filler, lots of poles, and

if they start taking these fences on, see there a bit of a cricket

score. It is all about pace, having the right pace, just, having the

horse nicely on the bridle. Not short of pace or too fast.

Now Germany. Germany of course for so many years were dominant in the

sport. They are still right at the top of the sport, but they are no

longer as dominant as they were, it is a sport now, that has certainly

got a lot more nations that are competitive, including of course

Great Britain. It is Germany's Marco Kutscher. Marco with Cornet's

Cristallo by a very good stallion which Marco rode at the European and

Olympic level. Another of the wonderful jockeys that have come out

of of the Ludger Beerbaum school. Well, that was an early fence that

you wouldn't expect to see. Taking an inside line, just watching a very

watchful of the time these riders. I think if they keep up a good rhythm

they should get inside the 71 seconds.

You can see what a big striding horse, gets there comfortably on the

five strides, that is by far the best we have seen through the

combination. Six regular strides there and the

three, we thought that might ride short, but that looked to be OK,

jumping towards the end of the arena, the horse is the best --

twisting and turning and not pushing in the air at all.

Well. Another big name with four fences down. 16 for Marco Kutscher.

Cornet's Cristallo. Second in the Grand Prix in Helsinki

PROBLEM WITH SOUND It wouldn't be seeing any on the

right rein. They have to be aware of that, every presentation she has to

give more room. I will ask her, I looks as if he could have been born

with one eye. It is painless now, but obviously, something that has to

be overcome, let us go back to the live action and Mike again. Now in

the ring, another German Max Kuhner, he has come up from Munich to London

to be here. Clintop. Second in the Grand Prix there.

We have been off to an interesting start. Well, this horse by Clinton,

cruising down the five strides there, very comfortable. This is by

far the best start we have seen. Gets the three strides nice and

clean. Now, towards the end of the course, still clear. He has had a

few cricket score, he has one to jump. That will settle the nerve, a

good run from the Jung German, he has been to Olympia before. Max

Kuhner clear with Clintop. Germany who last won this with Marcus beer

balm in 2006. A fabulous exhibition of jumping there, the only thing

that went wrong was he Tor got to put his tie pin on. The rest was

immaculate. He looked to be in the comfort zone, complete contrast to

some of the other early starters. So Malin Baryard-Jonsson, lady who

has been at the top of the sport for many year, has won Olympic medals,

fourth in the World Cup round in Helsinki, she was second here in

this competition, to a Dutch competitor. She has been in seven

World Cup finals. She loves this competition. It is a

very talented horse. Discussion about the problem with the eye,

there are a lot of horses that show jump really well with one eye. It is

incredible how it works, but always remember that it is up to the rider,

to get the horse in the right place to take off.

She did nothing wrong there, got the five strides in a very Ballanced

canter. Just a bit flat from the middle. Didn't quite get the push,

this is a very unrelenting course, it comes can at you so quickly, just

to remind you this is a very tight arena and there is no breathing

spaces anywhere. Very stylish, but it is two down for

her. Eight is her score. With H Tornesch. 13-year-old now,

but Lux. Down the combination, watch the shoulders not quite working in

the middle of the combination. Just a bit the same again, brick out

of the wall. In our favourite, and this the man

who has now been to every Olympia but one, since it started in 1972.

John Whitaker with Argento. John rode other horses for the owners. He

has won two Grand Prixes, one in Munich. The horse just -- course

might just suit him. Fascinating thing about origin toe,

he is 11 now, he is just starting to come into his own. -- Argento, he

has been a careful horse, but hasn't always found it easy to jump the big

wide oxers and get the distances. The other thing John has to watch,

he chipped in a stride. What he has to watch, is where he is a bit short

striding, that was a shame. He has to watch the time.

Didn't quite stretch which is sometimes happens to Argento.

No problem there's with the three strides. With just one fence down,

the way things are going, he doesn't want any time fault, he should be

OK. 71 seconds the time. The last goes as well. What a pity.

John's won it twice, he won it in 98 and in 99. Good round, but eight

faults, not the only one. It is a great round, but unfortunately with

Argento, if you watch it is always the big oxer, let us have another

look here. Doesn't quite make the back rail. He is such a super

careful horse, he finds it hard to stretch over the really big wide

ones. Absolutely full house, and we have

had five, if not six full houses here in the grand haul at Olympia

since the show started on Monday, it has been a wonderful celebration of

what is so good -- grand hall. Now the Olympic gold medallist Peter

Charles. Vindicat his Olympic horse sold, he won it in 2001 and riding

Murka's Odie de Frevent. A French bred horse. He had a nasty injury to

his hand when helping the children with their ponies, so he hasn't had

a lot of practise in warming up. He was third in the class last year.

We have watched Argento go short striding, a very careful horse, this

is a different if seek. Big strides, sticks her nose out. And towards the

end of the course gettings quite strong.

This is where Peter has to work really hard to cope balanced. Lucky

down the combination but he is still clear.

She is a horse with a lot of blood. You see how easily she stretches

over the wide Frances. Come on Peter, he is still clear,

the two big oxers should be OK. Oh! Clear round number two, one for

Germany and one for Britain. The Olympic gold medallist Peter Charles

clear for Britain. CLARE BALDING: Let us catch up with

Malin Baryard-Jonsson and asking about her horse when he lost his eye

It was this summer. He had an injury this summer, and while he was away

breeding, and they had to take it out. It is amazing, that he has

adapted so well, and is still able to jump to such a high level But the

thing he he had a bad eye from when he was very little. For me riding

him I had to think about the right turns, he had to see the jump with

the left eye he has come back safer, because before he didn't, he saw but

he couldn't really see what he was... That was confusing for him. I

think he has come back better without the eye. What an amazing

story. Thank you for telling us about that. As you can see the nest

rider has started. This the Billy Twomey. Another one with a long

spell Billy has come back with a bang, he

won the Grand Prix at the horse of the year show. This is Tinker

Serenade. He was fifth in Stuttgart and helped Ireland to a very good

third-place in the exciting Nations Cup final in Barcelona. On form,

this is definitely a combination that could be one to be reckoned

with. Billy is not only a super stylist but incredibly effective,

coming out of the combination, sat really quietly over the verticals,

and then when he needed to get the jump coming out really produced it.

That was unlucky, that was a shame. This had clear round ridden all over

it. Just the one down. What a pity, so near yet so far, the first one to

have four penalties. Beautifully balanced as he jumps the first two

parts, then come on, girl, you have got to jump out of here. Really

jumped across the fence and did not get high enough. Well, this World

Cup here in London started back in 1979, Britain have won 14 times,

Germany eight, and then the Netherlands four times. Ireland

twice, France twice, it has been spread around. Here is a man who has

been one of the best in the world stretching back well into the 1990s,

two gold medals, 1996 in Atlanta, then 2000 down in Sydney. He has not

been here for at least ten years, riding Leone W. One clear round for

Germany one clear round for Britain so far. This is a huge horse to

control in such a small arena. He is a fantastic technician and has been

around the sport for a long time. He has added a stride, he has obviously

decided that is the best tactic, and it has really worked. A very clever

piece of riding there. This mare has a slightly awkward way

of jumping, has got the head rider, not the prettiest start but is

effective. -- got the head right up. What a good round! Lars Nieberg has

lost none of this touch there, for sure. Any has not really shown his

old touch in this show so far, but he could be timing it very nicely

now. -- he has not. In the middle of the three clear

rounds, Peter Charles for Great Britain on the mare you call Eddie.

Yes, she was third in his class last day, she has had a bit of an injury,

and then another injury, and this is her first shot back, so it was great

to do that again. She has got funny head carriage, is she funny as a

character? You cannot do anything with her, you cannot school are

much, I ride it as light as I can, and I try to be a passenger. If you

try to interfere too much, she does not like it. Congratulations, we

will see you in the jump of. -- jumpoff.

As we know, the Olympics concentrates the mind in sport, it

has done in Britain, and it seems to have done the same in Brazil. They

have jumped into prominence, they were a brilliant second at the

Nations Cup in Barcelona, but this 25-year-old was part of that,

certainly one of the riders being talked about in very, very high

form, Marlon Modolo Zanotelli, based in Belgium. He is on a horse called

Clintash. Just 25 years old, eight in Oslo in the World Cup Final. He

more recently jumped a double clear round in Italy. Very stylish,

already had a fence down, but we will hear more of this man. Just had

a bit of a wobble around the corner, to the one he had down, and

everywhere else looked very smooth and confident. Another mare by

Clinton, huge jumping horse. A feature of this course, not so much

the size of it, it is just a little bit awkward here and there, and one

two committed to distance us. Good round, finishing four faults. -- one

or two committed distances. He did not enjoy the experience of coming

to Europe, but he is beginning to produce the is old. He basically

missed his rhythm, and all the way round from the previous fence that

was rider error. Now, here is another man who has been one of the

best in the world, for Switzerland, he won a team silver in 2000 at the

Olympic Games in Sydney. He has won a World Cup Final, they had Maendli

-- Bea Maendli. He was in the team that won a silver medal in Madrid,

that was the first time he came back, world champion in 2007. Very

stylish, a man at his best, certainly want to be reckoned with

in this World Cup round. Those of you interested in breeding,

this horse is by a side they use a great deal. -- sire. Not the easiest

horse to ride, he is having to use quite a lot of strength to hold the

balance, pick the horse up. So far doing a really good job, a very

effective rider. Just stretching for that oxer. A bit

tight on the three strides, are we going to get another clear? Go on!

Well, dare I say it, the golden oldies are showing the way! Five

clear rounds, and Peter Charles, Lars Nieberg, Bea Maendli, three of

the more senior of the show-jumpers, three clears. We need to commend him

on his writing, picked his horse at there, look at the strength used. --

riding. Well, now Austria, and if we'll back

down the list, one man who would have been raised the roof here, he

is well into his 70s, Hugo Simon, and he was still riding

internationally very recently, a great character. And this ride is

from Austria, Stefan Eder. Chilli van Dijk is a horse that represented

Austria in the World Cup round in Budapest. Quite a few of the World

Cups going to Eastern Europe now, and the winner of the Grand Prix in

Linz on this very horse. A big great horse, this.

Lovely powerful grey stallion. A very successful jumper in his own

right. Oh, he hesitated on take-off there.

This is the line that has been causing

it is not the prettiest, but he got away with that, that was a huge

rattle coming out of the combination. Show-jumping balances

on such fine margins. You always need a bit of luck. Is an tidy style

that Stefan Eder has got, if you watch is upper body, he almost

throws it up in the air. -- this untidy style. Just watching here,

setting up halfway across the fence. So there we are, it is another one.

He goes through, Stefan Eder, that is number five.

Well, they are starting to make it look easy, but isn't this an

extraordinary start! I have never seen anything quite like that,

almost unique. Even walking out, actually! He is probably just

playing up to its there, but you do a lot of teaching, and that is not a

technique you would teach. I would definitely try to stop that, because

it is not keeping level contact with the horse, it is a little bit

aggressive, and to a certain extent he is adjacent to his horse, not

next to. But it is memorable, Hugo Simon was active in the saddle,

moving his hands, they ride in all sorts of ways.

Well, now it is, for friends... In fact, it is for Finland now, the

French rider has not coming. This is Satu Liukkonen for Finland on

Celestine. Finland with some younger riders.

This one has gone quite well this week, part of the Nations Cup team

for Finland there. Getting a little bit ragged down the

combination. You see quite a lot of argument

going on between horse and rider. These fences come at you so quickly.

Reaching, stretching there, another one going. 12, then, three fences

down for the young Finnish rider, Satu Liukkonen, who jumped in the

World Cup round in Helsinki. Once the balance has gone, on a course

like this, standing too far off, not getting there at the right take-off

point, no chance of making the back rail.

Out she goes, and income is one of the younger generation who is making

a real mark for Great Britain, very successful rider, the under 18s, 21

and under, and this man, Daniel Neilson, riding Varo M, rode in his

first senior Nations Cup at 5-star level in Rotterdam very well

indeed, and he has had a number of very good performances

internationally. He is a young man with a lot of talent.

There has been so much publicity, obviously, for the likes of Scott

Brash and Ben Maher, but this is a young man who has got everything he

needs to be a top rider and be a valuable member of the British team.

If he gets the right horses and stays in the sport, he can be world

class. Brilliantly ridden, kept the balance

absolutely spot-on. He is just settling down to make sure he gets

under him for the wall, but he had a touch on it. Certainly did, the

brick went right across the bus! We say its time and again, you need a

bit of luck somewhere. Now, has he got the engine at the end of the

round to jump the two big oxers? Just one more. Great round, to clear

rounds for Great Britain, he joins Peter Charles, and now we are up to

six clear rounds. A great young, new British talent,

and another British rider coming in now, Robert Whitaker, whose horse

has an order bit of bridal, a chin guard, look at this. It is a bit,

look at this, as he going around the ring, he has this plastic bib to

stop him getting hold of it in his teeth, which would not be a nice

feeling. A bit of news on Timothy -- Timothy and CEO, his horse lost a

shoe, he will be coming into the ring.

He was third in Hanover, that was a very hot competition. He represented

Britain when they finish second in the Nations Cup, good performances

from Robert there. He is beginning to get a really steady team of good

horses together. . That kick was out of character,

Catwalk, he is a very powerful horse.

He is not going to struggle with the big wide fences. Just needs to stay

careful. Very tricky plank coming out of the corner. Just before those

last two big power fences. Just needs to set the hocks under him

here. No, that was the one that was always

the big danger for this horse. Got very ragged at the next as well.

Two down for Robert Whitaker. Catwalk IV, the course has been

design designed by one of the London team. Bob ill his was the ta think

figure of the team. All of them now world class designers. -- Ellis.

He has impressed. . Has built a great track. There are

problems at different places round the course, which is good to see.

One of the next generation for France, remember, this the horse

that loosened a shoe, that has been tucked back on, it is Timothee

Anciaume for France. Quorioso Pre Noir. He has been in

some of the teams that the new team manager of France has been using.

Very talented, who won the Nations Cup final, fantastic performance,

certainly best of the French for this season. No doubt about

. Not getting anywhere near jumping the triple bar. I think if he

carries on having one more fence, it wouldn't be surprised to see him

retire. We have plenty of clears already.

It is good to see the riders who are finding the course tougher. This is

a very tight difficult course, technically, comes at you very

quickly, and, anyone just not quite on their game, you see a cricket

score coming up. He ends with 20.

Highlighting what is required in this course. So two for Germany.

Every country needs a new generation and this is certainly one for

Germany, making his mark, it is David Will. He rides for a very

strong stable. He was a very good winner last spring. Surprise winner

of a very big World Cup just before the western European league was

completed in the nomination nominations. He won the final in

Gothenburg, he is showing the sort of form that makes him an exciting

prospect for the future, more recently in Mannheim in the Grand

Prix. . Style of German riding. Very

technically. Sits on his horse, a lot of work gone into the flat work

to produce this lovely balanced rhythm.

This is as good as anyone has jumped the combination so far. Lovely clean

jumping. Oh, that was a late falling pole. Well, commentators kiss of

death working beautifully there. Got through to the jump-off last

night and had one down in the jump-off. He was well pleased with

the horse, I think he might be again, so four it is for SIEC

Carriere. Now Daniel Nielson talking to Clare. CLARE BALDING: You haven't

been to Olympia that many times before. I jumped here a couple of

times as a young rider, this is my first time for the week in the

internationals, I am loving every minute. Tell us a bit about your,

when did you get the horse. I am 23. Based in Essex with Terry Wilson and

my girlfriend. I have had the horse since he was five-year-old, he won

the young riders one year, we are taking things slowly, built him up

for a day like this. When you get to the jump-off, will you go for it or

play it safe? . I am competitive. We will see how many clears, but I am

normally having a a go. Lovely to meet you and to see you do so well.

One of the younger generation, here is one of the senior, very popular,

always comes here, it is Geir Gulliksen from Norway. He has been

the star that kept Norwegian showjumping in the news. Riding his

own horse, Edesa S Banjan. Unlucky not to win a medal in Hong

Kong. Didn't happen in the end. But still, very competitive and has a

daughter, who again, is looking a very good international prospect for

Norway.Norway. . Is, riding my old horse. Geir

Gulliksen not the most stylish, he won't mind me saying that, I am

going to praise him now, he is very effective, he has been round this

sport for a long time, very very experienced rider. Now, seen a few

horses fall apart here, they have to get right into the corner, balance

here. And that is a very difficult fence

off the corner. The horse is getting tired. Just the one down.

Rattled a couple but it was only one that fell. So Geir Gulliksen bows

out. Edesa S Banjan. Still those six clear rounds. . There is the clean

jump, that was the wall out of the corner, but the one that caught him

was the planks. And he comes on a bit of an angle. The horses are

turning left, that is one reason they lose height. He is disappointed

with that one fence down, clean everywhere else.

Now it is Luca Moneta, the man that really did take this by storm when

he won the Puissance on Friday night. Riding Neptune Brecourt that

he rode in Denmark. Interestingly enough he is a Horse Whisperer and

it pieces together when we hear the backgrounds, this man no martingale.

It is very much an old fashioned way in the modern sport, but it works

for Luca. . It will be interesting if he went for lessons with Tim

Stockdale. There could be a clash of cultures there. This Guy, he is

unique. You just have to throw the rule book away with a natural talent

like Luca. Allows his horse to stick his head

where ever he wants. You heard Peter Charles say that is what he does

with his mare. He has got caught out in the middle

of the combination. Interesting to the watch, no bit in the horse's

mouth. And just getting a bit untidy. See his hands up in the air.

Clears it. It is two down four Luca, it is eight faults for the Italian,

and Neptune Brecourt. Claire he is a rider that the crowds here have

taken to their heart. They loved watching him perform in the

Puissance, explain thousand, the intricacies of riding in a bridle

with no bit. The problem is your line of communication is a bit

different, so what you have to be a bit smoother, and this, to a rider

like Luca, he has to try to guide him more like a neck rein, he

doesn't turn in the normal fashion, he used the outside hand. A lot of

riders like that way of riding, and Luca it is effective. It is so

interesting. We have plenty of clear rounds so far, but let us so if they

can be added to. Edwina Tops-Alexandra riding for Australia.

She rides for Australia, he won this World Cup round with the great horse

that has taken her so high in the world. For long a time the leading

lady rider in the world. Not now though. Her husband is one of the

best known international horse dealers in the world. She has lovely

horse, she has lovely young horse, this one is an 11-year-old. A lot of

French blood, Old Chap Tame. But this lady still one of the best in

the word. She was again well placed in the global riders tour. Finished

third overall in the league that went round the world, including

coming to London. London. . Lovely talented horse. Seeing him

skip and play, showing is off after he jumped the combination easily.

These two a new combination. Just slightly forward at the oxer.

Took out the front rail. As you say, she is looking to find a new

superstar as her horse comes to the end of his amazing career. Just the

one fence down. Old Chap Tame, at the moment six

clears and now five of them on four, with that one fence down for Edwina

Tops-Alexandra. Edwina Tops-Alexandra. .

Was one of those thing, caught it going slightly forward. And really

good round everywhere else. Out goes Edwina Tops-Alexandra, in

comes the world number two, isn't it great to say that? Particularly when

it is a Great Britain world ranking rider. On the horse he won this

London round before. He was third in the big world top riders in

Stockholm, the Rolex top ten, and of course, he won the King George V cup

at Hickstead, pulled it out of the bag. This will more than capable

Olympic team gold medallist, European team gold medallist Ben

Maher. BenMaher. . An annoying fence for a horse of

Tripple X's ability. If he has got a chink in his armour

he is phenomenally talented on his day, there is the odd moment where

he doesn't concentrate, over what was real livety easy a realtively

easy fence. That is one of the favourites gone out. Tripple X not

really on his game. Didn't stretch there at all.

In of course the horse that he was so convincing in that wonderful

Olympic gold medal in London for the team. He is now back down into two,

but, at his very best, this horse still one of the best in the world,

but doesn't always have his best days. . The fascinating thing about

showjumping, the ups and downs of the sport. It is not Ben's day with

Tripple X. It is such a gloriously unpredictable sport, it really is.

Here, now, one for France. Simon Delestre. France had their best day

in Barcelona, in what proved to be an outstanding Nations Cup final.

The final was a new format. Simon Delestre with Napoli du Ry. He

was in that winning team in Barcelona. He had a very good second

in Paris, Paris international show last weekend, but you have to look

back to a Frenchman who won in 1987, that is the last time they have won

this London World Cup round. The great big chestnut gelding. Worked

hard down that combination. Squeaky day jump out over the last part, but

it was a bit messy. -- squeaked a jump out. Just getting an tidy. He

has to really concentrate for these planks. No, he can see the horse

getting untidy towards the end of the course, and a great deal of

pressure by the time they get to the planks. With one fence down, Simon

Delestre, Napoli du Ry. Now the team manager really does seem to be

winding the French team up, some good performances. Here is the

planks, standing too far off, flattening, getting a bit heavy in

the hand. Well, now here is Cian O'Connor,

with an exciting nine-year-old, Cooper. He also has here in London

the horse that won the individual gold medal in the Olympic. He sold

it but got it back. It has already been a winner since it got back. But

this man, he won the Dublin Grand Prix, in great style, and in fact he

was second at the Horse of the Year Show on this exciting nine-year-old.

Cian O'Connor, then, Ireland, Cooper. A beautiful all showing

horse, they specialised in breeding jumpers. This one is by the same

sire as Robert Whitaker's horse, Catwalk. Such an athlete, fabulous

to watch him jump. Well, he rode his luck. He will have

to be much more careful over the planks. Well, another one! Every

time I say they need to be careful over the planks, down and they come.

Well, six of them are clear, two for Britain, two for Germany, one for

Switzerland and one for Austria, but not for Ireland. One down for Cian

O'Connor and Cuba, he would have been pretty short odds with the

bookies here. Yes, he stood a long way off the big cocks, but that plan

comes off the corner, and the horse is not really keeping his eye on

that fence towards the end of the course. So many of them jumping

flat. Francois Mathy, his father was an

Olympic medallist, and he is certainly one of the top riders in

Belgium. He went very well in the World Cup round at the Toronto

Winter Fare early in November, and also back in the summer he was part

of the Belgian Nations Cup team that finished second in the Spruce

Meadows, the Calgary venue. They were second in the Nations Cup. Very

experienced, six clear rounds so far, and we are now into the last

third of the first round of this World Cup. Well, Francois Mathy is

very, very tall, around six foot five, and this is a massive, big

jumping mare. And that really was a lucky rattle!

So we are seeing so many horses getting around to this part of the

track clear, I do not know if I dare mention the planks! I think you

should have a little pause. See, he jumped them! It works! Just the last

fence. Good round, Belgium joins the clear rounds. Francois Mathy,

Polinska des Isles. Seven clear rounds.

The frustration for Ben Maher is that he is not among the clear

rounds, Tripple X looking a bit what today? He was jumping well, maybe a

bit too much pressure on the first oxer, and I was a little bit wide at

the end, but it did not matter after I had had one down. He feels like he

is jumping, but there's not much margin for error. As you know, that

can happen, the poles are awfully light. We are just having of those

weeks, things aren't going right, but it can change around. Will you

be in the Grand Prix tomorrow night? Yes, Tripple X has had a

relatively easy week for that reason, to be able to jump both

today and tomorrow. There will be highlights of that on Monday

afternoon on BBC Two. Harrie Smolders now from the

Netherlands, they have got a very good strength in depth. Harrie was

not in the London team that won the silver medal behind Great Britain,

but they were second in the Nations Cup in Spruce Meadows, the Dutch,

and then he went to the Toronto winter fare and was second in the

World Cup round there, very capable with good results, this man. He's

very competitive against the clock, too. That is just about where I was

about to go with this, I really hope he gets into the jump off, because

you never see anybody going faster than Harrie Smolders against the

clock, terrific value, very exciting. Well, he's not going to be

there. We have not seen too many horses not that vertical down, and

that is a shame. Just to remind you, we do have plenty of riders... We do

have plenty of riders in the jumpoff to come. Yes, 11 riders still to

come, but it will not be Harrie Smolders back for the jump-off.

Seven through. One of the great features as we watch Harrie Smolders

having that one fence down, one of the features of this Olympia London

International Horse Show is the number of Olympic medallists that we

have got here. It is an absolute feast of Olympic medallists, and of

course this lady won gold in Hong Kong-Beijing, when they jumped off

for the gold medal with Canada and won the gold for the Americans. She

is riding the French bred horse Jubilee d'Ouilly, that has been very

successful, had a good win here on Wednesday of this week. And she is a

lady who has gone very well indeed in the global riders to, was top of

the league for a long time. -- PDF. -- tour. We see her quite often in

Great Britain, she's based in Warwickshire. It is great to watch

her, she is so stylish, Laura Kraut, riding in the American style. She

just had to have a little bit of a fight and a change of mind, great

improvisation there. It is quite obvious that Laura

decided she was not getting there on the five strides. Just getting two

strong and a bit and tidy, quite a hot horse, pulling and fighting, and

as we have seen with so many riders, once you get a bit and tidy with

this source, no chance at the end. -- untidy.

Eight faults it is for Laura Kraut. This horse used to be written...

Yes, got very strong towards the end of the horse, nothing that she could

do to keep her balance. Now, many people's favourite,

Britain's leading lady rider, and another combination that has climbed

right of the world rankings in the last 12 months, Laura Riding the

holster bred horse, She was called upon to ride against

the clock and clinched it for Great Britain.

She is now very definitely one of the top riders to be choosing from

for the Nations Cup teams. Overall, this track has caused more problems

towards the end, and I think it is because there are so many jumps

coming at you so quickly. There is no breather anywhere, and towards

the end of the course, especially having jumped this big combination,

the horse is getting a bit tired. Those very light verticals going for

her already. Well, we predicted eight clears, how

are we doing? Yeah, good, seven at the moment, and what have we got

left now? Aid also left to go. I would imagine we will get two or

three more, we could easily get up to ten by the end.

Two down for her already, she has had a very good season on the

continent. She has certainly made her mark. You could see Laura

Renwick struggling to keep balance, trying to go to the right to make a

bit more room. Getting very strong, attacking the fences, so hard to

keep them careful when they do that. Seven clear rounds, then, two for

Great Britain, two for Germany, one for Switzerland, one for Austria,

and one for Belgium. And now it is Kevin Staut for France. His most

consistent horse over the years, Silvana HDC, the former European

champion, at Windsor in 2009, the world's number one, very stylish,

won the Masters in Paris one week ago, was in very good form there.

We have seen Ben Maher go out on one of the favourites, Tripple X, and

this would have been highly fancied to win today with a lot of the

experts, Silvana HDC is a horse with a terrific record, as Mike was

saying, one of the most stylish, effective riders in the world, Kevin

Staut. So elegant and balanced, his riding.

He has had one fence down, he is not going to make the jump-off.

There are now nine of them on four faults. Kevin does not often go away

from Olympia without a win, and of course there is still the Grand Prix

tomorrow night, which will again be on BBC Television.

Just having a look at the lovely mare jumped there. Well, here is

another who has won this World Cup round in London twice, actually

1993, I wonder how many can remember that win! And then again in 2010,

when he won with the horse that he won the famous Grand Prix on. But

this horse has got the ability, and if things go right, very

impressive, very impressive in Madrid in the global champions tour,

he did well in this year's league, and of course he was part of that

European championship gold medal on this very horse, a really, truly

outstanding performance by both Michael Whitaker and will funnel.

This is the type of horse that Michael excels at riding, we

describe him as hot, meaning he gets an awful lot of adrenaline pumping

through his system and gets very excited about jumping. But I think

Michael has gotten a bit, these days. Never been any doubt about

this being a world-class horse. Can he settle him to just jump these

last three? What a round! That was a fantastic

round, Michael Whitaker at his glorious best, still one of three

British riders in the top 40, and you can see why.

Viking is a horse that will improve with age, he is not an excitable as

he used to be. Hugely talented. Michael has the

feel and the expertise to ride a slightly difficult horse, and he is

getting quieter, more manageable. That was a terrific round. His young

son Jack was jumping in the children's classes earlier on, got

through to the jump-off. What is dad going to do? Now, here is a real

danger, I feel, for this World Cup round here in London this afternoon.

Henrik von Eckermann, rides for Sweden but he is a stable jockey for

Ludger Beerbaum, this is a chestnut mare that has taken Ludger Beerbaum

to many many top class, the first goes down, it is me doing it now

Andy! But Gotha been a big winner and this man has ridden it so well.

He is in the bronze medal team in the Europeans in Denmark. It is not

to be. Already with a fence down We have spoken a lot about styles of

riding. When we watched this chap ride he is so much in the Ludger

Beerbaum style. It is as if he has been cloned.

If he glanced up and you weren't sure who was in the ring, you would

think it was Ludger Beerbaum himself. I agree. It's a horse owned

by a Alex McLeish owner. It is a mare, I would think this would be a

mare that will be be sent to the breeding paddock. Absolutely.

Perfect to breed from. So that first fence down.

Showjumping can be an annoying sport at time -- times, but another one

has gone. So it is a two down, eight faults for the Swedish Henrik von

Eckermann, and Gotha. CLARE BALDING: Is out reflecting on

her eight fault, what did you make of the course? Yes, it was a tough

course, the toughest of the week which is expected to be, the horses

here, purely prepared for this class, so it has to be a test, but I

was disappointed with my riding, I don't feel my horse did much rong,

allowed him to jump right with me a bit. I was slow in holding him

straight. I am out of practise at this level. My horses have had a bit

of time off, so, this is my first class like this this for a while. I

am frustrated at myself. You get another bite at the cherry in the

Grand Prix Yes, he jumped the first day yesterday, he was fourth and

first, so he has had a good start to the week. This was my fault today.

Hopefully we can put it right tomorrow. That is what a good rider

does, they blame themselves. A big buzz because Nick Skelton's son Dan

and Harry have won the big handicap hurdle. They were saying thanks to

their dad, so a big day for them. It is. Nick Skelton going so well in

his new training venture. Here is Bob Ellis's tip for the Netherlands.

Zirocco Blue. Very very experienced, two wins in Maastricht recently,

puts him in form, he has won here once, that was on that horse. This

is one to watch. Looking at the distances there, all

pretty smooth. Very powerful horse. Crews round so far. There we are.

That last fence, second to last fence going, that was a great shame.

That is another big danger out, and so it is still those eight clear

rounds, three of them for Britain. CLARE BALDING: Not disappointed to

see that fence fall is one man clear, Michael Whitaker,

congratulations Thank you. Things are going very well for you

Everything went according to plan, it was one of those rounds, ask

youed it, whip doesn't often happen, he jumped brilliant. Whatever

happens you will be relatively late on in the jump-off. That is the big

advantage, you are first to go you are struggling, last you can see

what has gone on, you know, and it is or bust. Yes, we know it will be

be other one, good luck. Well, here is the man everybody has

been waiting for, incidentally good to see Michael Whitaker back, he was

devastated after missing out on the Olympics, this is the man who has

been so hot in cent week, Scott Brash. Can Scott make it four

through for Britain? Scott in that lovely position of

having two world class horses. This mare produced by Tina Fletcher and

moved on to Scott. What a success story that has been. Well, she has

had a couple of touches there. Still clear.

It is certainly a nail-biting round. Hasn't been totally clean up to this

point. But he is over the last, and Scott

Brash is number nine and the fourth for Great Britain. This time last

week he was having a battle with the Olympic champion in Geneva, he just

missed out on that occasion, but he is a man on fire. He really is.

Just had a few little light touches, over the first half of the course,

but when you are on this sort of form, and your luck is in, you are

feeling confident, things seem to go for you. And he is walking on water

at the moment, Scott, isn't he. Don't want to jump the gun but the

man has won ?1 million showjumping in the last six, eight week, quite

outstanding. -- weeks. Four left to jump. We have

nine clear rounds, for for Britain, two for Germany, one for

Switzerland, one for Austria and one for Belgium and this lady last night

gave us a real Masterclass on a nine-year-old, very strong field it

is. Penelope Leprevost. Nice Stephanie, a nine-year-old mare. She

was the leading lady rider in the world. She has dropped down a bit.

She is 24 in the world, but she is still highly talented.

Been in very good form, part of the French team that won that Nations

Cup final in Barcelona. This lovely mare, by a Holstein

stallion, but this one with Swedish papers and the stallion was used in

Sweden and produced lovely horses with great characters.

A bit of a clatter. Still

Wonderfully elegant stylish rider. And this lady is very good against

the clock. So France join the party. France now make it Six Nations

involved, and we are up to ten, with three left to go.

Just the one piece of luck coming out the combination. A bit of a

clatter. Then motoring on down the last line, four big strides. Lovely

round. We talk about Scott Brash being on fire, but so is that lady.

Well, there is one man who can be sitting very comfortable at the

moment, a man recognised throughout the world as being one of the

leading course designers and he has produced a good testing round, not

putting any horses and riders under any risk of injury or anything like

that, but producing world class showjumping. Well done. Of course we

still have the jump-off to come. Now it is for Switzerland, Pius

Schwizer. He won silver, a bronze actually in Hong Kong in found 8.

Picsou du Chene he sold his top horses cently, to the Canadian who

won the gold in Hong Kong, and he has some new horse, and they are

already quickly getting into gear. He is a big danger, Switzerland with

coun clear, can this man make it two? -- with one clear.

I think it is the true testament to being a top rider, to be able to

sell your best horses, produce a new string, and be able to ride a whole

host of different types of horses which Pius Schwizer certainly can

do. He is a fantastic all round horse

man. He has just had the one down there, this is an inexperienced

horse. Untidy at the last part of the

course, but a good effort from Pius Schwizer. I agree. It is two down,

he won't be in the jump-off, Pius Schwizer on eight with Picsou du

Chene. Claire one of those ten clear rounds was Scott Brash. You told us

how much you thought of Ursula. I thought she jumped great. To be

honest, I think because you have to turn inside the fence four, and I

was always on her, I didn't feel she jumped as good as she can. She will

get better throughout the week. I only jumped one round the other day,

so I think she will be better tomorrow. You have also in the

interview we showed earlier, you revealed how much it matters to win,

so I assume going out there you will throw everything at it. Yes, I will

be trying to win, I know what my horse can do, she has a big stride,

so I hopefully will try and use that to the advantage in the jump-off.

With wish you well. It is amazing the number of family that are in

showjumping, and Holland have got it too. This is Maikel van der Vleuten.

Son of Eric. Eric won this competition on couple tomboy in

2009. -- on Tomboy. He is now a man who is up with the

best at this level. We are used to watching Maikel van

der Vleuten ride a big stallion, which is a very elegant scopy

powerful horse, this one is completely different. A bit of a

ragged jumper, very effective. She is an out-and-out trier.

You look at these two, working quite hard, still clear at the moment.

Squeaking over the plank, he will have to use his legs here, getting

the jump. He is over. It is 11, and now we have got yet another country

involved, because the Netherlands make it now seven nations involved

in this World Cup round, and that is one of the fascinating things, where

the sport is at the moment. It is so international and much more open

than it used to be, not dominated by any one country. Those days are long

gone. Maikel van der Vleuten, he is in, he is in pole position unless we

get one more clear, he will give it a go in the jump-off. He is a very

attacking rider. It is great to see him in there. So the last to go, in

this first owned round of the FEI World Cup here in London, is the

German ride rider Philipp Weishaupt, with Leoville, man who missed out on

two Olympic game, Pickford the team both in London and four years before

that, in Hong Kong, the horse went lame at the last moment but he won

the Grand Prix in Rotterdam. He was again in very good form in the

summer. He is a world class jockey, and again he is another Ludger

Beerbaum stable jockey. Germany two clears so far, Lars Nieberg and Max

Kuhner. This is a lovely stallion, really

pretty head and proper little athlete. Skipping down the

combination. Just balancing up for the very

delicate blanks. No, he does not get the push off the floor, we have seen

that happen a good few times already. One down for the

experienced German, Philipp Weishaupt, they finish on four, 11

clear rounds. 11 clear rounds. And we are having a look now at Philipp

Weishaupt. And there he is, clear over the London bus, but it was the

planks he had down. Well, those are the 11 in jump-off order, Germany

will go first, Peter Charles of Britain, then the second of the

Germans, Lars Nieberg. The more senior riders, Michael Whitaker is a

real danger in there with riding. And the last three, look at that,

this is where it will become exciting, Scott Brash, the French

lady and the Michael band allowed in.

Maikel van der Vleuten. Let's talk about Daniel Neilson,

because this will be his first jump-off in a major class at

Olympia, what advice would you give him? I was very impressed with his

whole philosophy about, you know, he was glad to be year flans and had a

lot of respect for the show, but he will give it a go. -- he was glad to

be here. If pre-jumps clear and fast, he will put the pressure on

the other two. This man's father has won here, the riders do not get a

chance to walk the jump-off course, they will just look at the map and

watched the riders who go before, then get on with it. We talked to

Scott Brash about his attitude, he is going out to win. Some will take

it easy, they will try to collect prize money, but Scott Brash is so

competitive. And there's you'll, this mare, she was jumping

brilliantly. -- and there's still. Look at his hands, very soft, in

balance with his horse. The generator power off the floor. Look

at the mare. -- he generates. He is wonderfully soft in the

saddle. If your favourite has not made it through to the jump-off, in

the case of Ben Maher and Laura Renwick, the Grand Prix is live on

the red button tomorrow night, there will be highlights on Monday. You

can watch the whole show from 6:10. If watching show-jumping has

inspired you to get involved in equestrian sport, go to the BBC

website, where there are details on all sorts of sports and how you can

be a participant, rather than a spectator, although we are delighted

that you are today a spectator! You can also watch the latest episode of

Inspired, which is a feature on Michael Jamieson, the medal winning

swimmer. The jump-off course has been built, the riders are going to

head out, and this is what they will be facing.

We start with the London bus, the first fence of the jump-off, and we

have got a big gallop, this is what the jump-off is all about. You have

to try to leave the fences up, the faster you go, the more likely they

will flatten the fences. Another big box, then into this double, where

you have got that committed distance, and I will be surprised if

anyone four strides that. Then you have an option to turn up across a

very delicate vertical. And now it is all about galloping inside, turn

here. Who is going to dedicate a stride out to this last fence? That

could be where it is won. There is money at the end of it, which might

make several DEC, I would suggest, Andy, 37,000 euros.

We saw some great jumping last year, and we have got enough in this field

to make it highly competitive. Max Kuehner, we mentioned about David

Will being one of the up and coming riders, and this is another. He has

been here before, he has never won a big class yet, but could this be his

opportunity? A ten-year-old by Clinton, Clintop II. He is the first

to go in this 11-ddouble jump-off for Germany.

He was around 31 seconds when he had that down. He flies the last, so

that is one down, 37.26. Interesting, it is going to be fast.

They can certainly go quick here, counting the strides, he goes four

on that line there. Whether they will be faster by turning up to the

second last, we will see. Well, now the first of the four for

Great Britain, Peter Charles, his young daughter was jumping earlier

today. She sadly had a little tumble, Peter will be hoping that he

can put the family fortunes on a better footing. Murka's Odie de

Frevent, they were third in this last year, despite not having had a

huge amount of competition. Peter will be competitive, that is for

sure. She is a small horse with a massive stride. Peter has to be very

careful. Once he opens up, can he keep the balance?

17 seconds out of the combination. Now, he is really upping his pace.

As he is going outside to... He is going to gallop at the vertical and

take a chance. No, that did not work. Interesting tactics here.

37.78, so that those in behind Max Kuehner. Max Kuehner went quite

quickly. Yeah, the big striding horse, and Peter's tactic was to try

to use pace towards the end of the course, but still not quite quick

enough. So out goes Peter Charles, and in comes Lars Nieberg of

Germany, already one gone. It is experience that the Germans are

going to depend on here. Lars Nieberg really at the top of the

tree in the late 1990s, early 2000s. It would be interesting

hearing his thought, what he thinks about the sport at this stage. The

second of the Germans, Lars Nieberg. No clear round at the moment. Hugely

powerful, very and -- untidy horse to drive around the terms. He is

working hard, elbows going. It looks a bit scrappy. So far, there is no

clear. He has gone all the way around, taking his time. It is not

the quickest around, but he has left the jumps up. Just one more... And

he has got down to the last, and he has set the standard. One more clear

round, a slower time, 38.57. He has taken that gamble, but there are