Day 1 Equestrian: Global Champions Tour

The 2012 Olympics and Paralympics did more than prove that Britain

love sport, it proves that Britain can organise sport that than anyone.

Let us face it, we have been staging major events in London for

centuries. The mall has seen historic processions of the Royal

variety and the annual athletic procession for thousands of marathon

runners. Last week, it was full of riders. We have different riders

this week and we should be focused, a little further to Horse Guards

Parade, that was the inspirational choice for beach volleyball at

London 2012. Now it has been transformed into a showjumping arena

and welcomes the world for the London leg of the global champions

tour. Leading the way is the world number one from Scotland, Scott

Brash, the overall reigning champion of the global champions tour. Now

number three in the world, his Olympic team-mate Ben Maher, he won

the London Grand Prix last year. The leader in terms of the tour rankings

after ten legs is Rolf-Goran Bengtsson from Sweden, he won the

individual silver in Beijing. Second in the standings is Edwina

Tops-Alexander, whose husband Jan came up with the concept, she has

won it twice before. You will also see the man who won the individual

gold medal in London. Steve girth so -- Steve Guerdat. You are not here

unfortunately, what happened? Unfortunately I picked up an

unfortunately, what happened? Unfortunately I picked injury three

or four weeks ago. A niggling injury from last year so now we have two

give him a good break and try and get him back for Rio. Let us hope

so. That long a break? Hopefully he will be back this time next year,

maybe 12 months, then a year to prepare and a lot of shows to go

on, we have two work hard to get him back but I think he will be. A big

year for showjumping, the World Championships not far away and many

of these riders will have it in their minds, many of them riding in

tomorrow's Grand Prix, they have -- they are riding their world

Equestrian horses as well. It is the last big event before the world

games. It is a big competition, a lot of money involved with the tour

and a good test them before the games. The 11th leg of the tour, how

big has this been for the showjumping scene? How big is it

with the riders? It is very popular now, one of the most popular events

we have now and it is going from strength to strength and I think

next year we will have 20. Tomorrow's Grand Prix is worth a lot

of money, we have 57 riders, many of them riding their second string

horses, their top horses will be going tomorrow evening, also live on

BBC Two. We will have a look at how some of the early starters got on.

Over 90,000 euros, a lotto prize money. Marcus Ehning is here with

one of the top horses. -- a lot of prize-money. He was second in

Madrid, he is the first of many world-class riders we have here.

COMMENTATOR: It is fascinating to watch him write this wonderful

stallion. This would be regarded as possibly his best horse. A lot of

the best horses will be saved for the Grand Prix tomorrow but this

combination could well figure at the World Championship right at the

death. He has unbelievable ability. Watch him float around the course.

He has an extra gear. Two strides in the middle for this horse. A little

bit of a slope on this course, the answers are not uphill. On this

line, you need a lot of balance, coming downhill, for strides to the

vertical with the tray underneath, just into this last fence now. The

time is 79 seconds, comfortable ee inside that, that is a clear for

Germany, the world number four, has won two Olympic golds, world gold

medals, one of the best here at horse guards. -- Horse Guards

Parade. Now the Olympic champion, this afternoon, riding Concerto's

son. He has done one round of the 11 so far of this global champions

tour, that was in Antwerp. He is an outstanding rider. Steve

Guerdat riding one of his less well-known horses. He has had

incredible success with the Olympic gold medal. Six short strides down

to that square oxer, a difficult fence. A difficult start but this is

a long course, it is a very tight arena. We have seen a couple of

horses tire towards the end of the course. Just a little bit of

inexperience, you see how that gate is split, a light and delicate

fence. Just the inexperience beginning to show. Not the only star

to have fences down, the last goes as well, 12 and just inside the

time. Time has been a little bit of an effort but not for Steve Guerdat,

the Olympic champion from Switzerland. From one individual

Olympic gold medallist to 18 gold medallist, 48-year-old Laura Kraut

from the United States of America. Based here in Britain. Based with

Nick Skelton in Warwickshire. This is a very good horse, only nine news

old. Finished third overall at the 2013 global riders championship

tour, not quite the success this year but still one of the best

riders in the world and certainly one of the best lady riders in the

world. Absolutely right, a rider so effective, able to sit quietly in

that lovely forward seat when she needs to but she can also be strong

and powerful. Able to ride a variety of different horses, going through

that stage of rebuilding the string. Her top horse is just

getting on a bit and it is always tough for riders to find that next

superstar. Just having a little touch, that stayed up, just one

fence to go. She is through, she is so good against the clock. Laura

Kraut, she joins Marcus Ehning and already, class is showing through

here at Horse Guards Parade. Peter Charles, one of three of the London

Olympic gold-medal lists. One of his horses sold on to Jessica

Springsteen, she is here, riding at the Grand Prix here. Peter Charles,

54 years old, an amazing career. He rode for Ireland between the early

1990s and the early to thousands. Winning the European team gold medal

and the moment of his life was that Olympic gold medal in 2012. He

turned to British citizenship back in the early to thousands. He is

working hard, such an effective rider. Just allows this mayor to go

her own way. Not too much control. -- this horse. She has a lot of

scope. That was unlucky, just putting the front leg on the back

rail of the oxer. He has won over 50 grands prix in his career. He is as

enthusiastic as ever but it is one down for the team gold medallist

from Britain, Peter Charles. Now, Jessica Springsteen, just coming off

a wonderful performance in Dublin where she helped the Americans win

the Nations cup. She is one of the most talented riders in the United

States of America. Trained in Warwickshire by Laura Kraut. 22

years old and already one of a very good bunch of young stars in the

sport in the United States of America. Jessica Springsteen coming

on in leaps and bounds over the last year or two. A fabulous jumping

horse, coming down here, a slight disagreement coming into the oxer

there. It gives you some idea how tight those six strides are. A lot

of horses have run into that front rail. These jumps around this arena

coming thick and fast. Not a great deal of room to get your balance.

Really pinging down this line. Down to the last. We will see a lot more

of this goal, there are her family. Laura has gone clear and Jessica is

improving all the time. Jest has a great natural feel for the course,

she did not take a lot of teaching. She can figure it out really quickly

and she has a quick mind with the horses. She had great success last

week in Dublin with the Peter Charles horse. She is going great.

Her parents are obviously very supportive, they are here in London

and they were here last year as well. They love it, they really

follow her and are delighted for her. She will hope one day to press

the man at the top of the world rankings, Scott Brash, from Peebles

in Scotland. He is riding his number one horse tomorrow, he told me more

about the quirks of the horse he is riding today. We have two put the

plugs in her to drown out the noise and that makes her more relaxed and

settled. She can be a normal horse then. Different to the ones I have

seen before. They go in the air and stay there, they do not irritate

her. She definitely does not like noise. Tonight, the atmosphere will

be great and it will be noisy so this will definitely help her.

COMMENTATOR: 28-year-old Scott Brash, what they meteoric rise from

the team gold medal in London. The world number one rider. He has won

two of the tour rounds, in Estoril and can -- cans. It is hello Annie.

And the great Scott Brash. Hello Annie is another horse from Bettina

Fletcher. They have been great producers for horses that have gone

on for Scott Brash. That line has caused a few problems. Another one

there, a very tight six strides, down that slope. It is a difficult

fence to jump, it has been the hardest one on the course so far.

Scott riding with his usual dash and feel. Always has a much empathy with

his horses. Just one unlucky mistake. We will see him again, will

it be in the Grand Prix tomorrow? Let's go back to the live action

with a face you will recognise because he has been in the

showjumping game for half a century, John Whitaker. COMMENTATOR: John

Whitaker is 59, but he is still winning world-class Grand Prixs. --

grands prix. His latest was a fantastic performance on this horse,

owned by the Whitaker family, and a horse that Nick Skelton took right

to the top of the world. This rider, on his day, can still give the best

of them a run for their money. No British clear rounds so far. Ten

clear rounds at the moment. This is one of those horses who gives

absolutely everything he has got. He does not have the biggest stride or

absolutely top scope but he is a great trial. That was unlucky. That

fence has really caused problems. Just a bit downhill. One or two

horses, getting insight to that oxer, not able to keep their shape

and balance. -- getting in tight. John has been in fantastic form

around Europe, winning grands prix all over the place. At 59, he is

still hungry. Down to the last. The time is OK but it is two down, for

the great John Whitaker. Eight full is. -- eight full is. -- eight

faults. Still a very good win on the continent. The thing about a field

like this, as we can see his brother, Michael, outside, who has

just been put onto the British squad for the world Equestrian games,

which is just about two weeks away. We are back inside and it is the

44-year-old from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kamal Abdullah

Bahamdan. This rider was one of the team that won the bronze medal in

the team competition in London. A tremendous achievement for the Saudi

Arabian team. They put a lot of money and effort into getting into

the elite of showjumping, and my word, it has worked. A 14-year-old

horse. This is one of those typical whole

stein grades, beautiful pipes, all the scope and power but he does not

like the look of those planks. That was quite strange. He was cruising

around. Yellow and pink is not his colour.

We have had a few clear rounds so far around this course. But let's

not forget, this is a tough course. It is technical and big and the long

way round. There are problems all away around because. You need to

powerful and careful. Any lack of concentration. We have seen one or

two horses just off the pace, really struggling. The course designer is

from Italy, and certainly one that is appearing at a lot of major

shows, produces a lot of world-class showjumping. The riders enjoyed his

courses. Certainly, here, we are seeing the very best put to the

test. Still, ten of them gone clear. In total, 20, for the Saudi Arabian

rider. So exciting, standing here on the edge of the warm up arena.

Ben Maher, his groom putting the finishing touches to the horse. As

anyone who has done pony club knows, the ribbon in the tail means that

they click and you should -- they kick and you should steer clear of

the rear end. Here is handy with his legs. You have to be devil in the

warm up arena because they get close to each other. Wrote quite a tricky

course and because of the landscaping, there is a drop on the

arena of over a metre. Sometimes they are galloping downhill. Maybe

that is the reason why there are so many fences down. Walking in their,

when I walked close, you can feel it when you are walking that you are

going downhill and uphill. With the way that the course has

been built, it is to their advantage, especially with the ones

they are having down from the plank to the oxer, it is a short six and

running downhill makes it even shorter. Acts, Nick. Let's go back

to the commentators. COMMENTATOR: Now the young Norwegian

girl, Eirin Bruheim. Part of a wonderful start programme from

William Funnell and his wife, paper. The horse has shown some good form

in this country before he was sold on.

The horse has shown some good form in this country before He is a

12-year-old by one of their top horses. Norway would be one of the

nations in the world's elite. They nearly won a bronze medal in the

Hong Kong Olympics 2008 which was later taken away because of a drug

problem. They still have some very good riders. Just coming home with

12 faults. A tough round with the last going as well. And a time

penalty, as well. Two for Canada, two for Belgium, two for the US, one

for Netherlands, Germany, Qatar, the emerging nation, that is really

going right to the top, and of course, for France, the never be

Leprevost. -- Penelope Leprevost. That is the warm up facility. It has

all fitted into horse guards very well indeed, this iconic venue. --

Horse Guards Parade. Another of the London medallists, Jur Vrieling. He

has twice been Dutch champion. Perhaps not one of the world stars

but still in the world's top 50 riders. There is no doubt, Andy,

that the sport, with the support of the global riders championship tour,

the Nations Cup series, has developed so quickly now.

Definitely. Everything is evolving so rapidly. Interesting to watch Jur

Vrieling, he took the long route to number four, the horse looked a bit

stuffy and not quite going forward. A little shake of the head and he is

probably going to retire. By a great, outstanding stallion of the

last decade, written for Belgium. His sons are beginning to jump very

well indeed. That is the Dutch champion of 2012, retiring.

Well, one thing is for certain, the senior riders still have one or two

great men, and none greater than that, Ludger Beerbaum. Great to have

him. He has just been ranked number two in the world ahead of Ben Maher.

Scott Brash is number one, remember. But back in the ring, another of the

exciting young American riders, Katherine Dinan. She's only 21. She

has had some huge victories on the now very impressive American

circuit. She was placed 24th in the Global Champions Tour in Paris, on

her top horse. Here, she is riding another horse from Dargo. This is a

typical offspring. A lot of power, very active.

Let's have a look at this line. This is where they have a short six

strides. They are all getting in tight and that was fantastic. This

is one of the best we have seen over that oxer. That little blue water

tray does catch the eye of the horses and they look down into it.

It is very hard to jump the front rail. Masses of power over those two

oxers in the middle and that is uphill as well. The Americans on

fire with two of the ten clear rounds, Beezie Madden one of them,

the Olympic gold medallist. But they have got a real mix of young talent

and experience. This is the young talent coming good for America. It

is their third clear round. They are the team

is their third clear round. They are the on fire and the moment. They

could be an exciting prospect. That was a fabulous round. Never in

danger. Clean, Cavill, athletic, plenty of power. One of the best we

have seen so far today. -- clean, careful. Now, the world number

three, Britain's Ben Maher. Of course, part of the outstanding

Olympic gold-medal team in London. He was the first rider to be ranked

number one in the world are the best part of 30 years. He is back to

number three at the moment. Here's horse is owned by James Forbes

Clark. A new owner for Ben, after London. Ben has had a disappointing

season. His London horse was sold on. He has got an exciting new one

but he is sadly injured. His horse power is not as strong as it was.

But this horse, brought out by Barry Dove, has had some decent

performances. This little horse, not necessarily obviously Scobey, but a

real fighter. -- Scopy. Horses of his blood are a bit hot-headed. He

is with arguing, fighting for his head. -- always arguing. A real

jumper. He needs a bit of pace to jump these oxers. Fantastic riding

from Ben, again. If this horse gets into the jump off, he is a very

quick operator against the clock. Ben is so good at getting the best

out of the horses and gives them confidence. My word, a key round.

Britain is in the battle. APPLAUSE So, 12 now clear rounds will stop

Ben Maher among them. One man very pleased about it, the British team

manager. Fabulous these of riding from Ben, super accurate. He kept

his focus and held his balance all the way. They are going to be

exciting to watch, as a way is, in the jumpoff. Rob Hoekstra, in

collections, delighted there. Already underway, the next rider

from Qatar, the latest nation to really invest in some wonderful

horsepower. This is Khalid Mohammed A S Al Emadi with a 14-year-old. The

Qatar equestrian world, of course, has spent a lot of money, and in the

thoroughbred world, and they have some great horses on the flat, and

certainly, with their manager's wonderful experience, they are

looking like a team ready to join the rest on the top of the world

stage. He took that one on, completely off-balance through the

front row of the oxer. -- front rail.

Earlier this year, the Qatar riders had their first ever winner of a

Global Champions Tour Grand Prix. Hassan Mohammed had a tremendous

victory in one of the tour Championships. They have hit the big

time. That was a tidy round, just the oxer

that we have seen come down so many times, with the water tray. Every

other horse seems to be having a full, there. -- full.

The prize pot is 90,500 euros, and a third of that going to the winner.

Income is one of the Swiss stars, perhaps of the past but still very

talented, Beat Mandli. Ben Maher learned a lot of his trade after

going to Beat Mandli. A great stylist and he is riding a very

interesting horse. You might remember Nikki Boulter producing

this horse for old lodge and riding it in this country. It went in the

US to be ridden out there but now he is back with Beat Mandli.

He was an exciting prospect when Nicky rode him. Decent Grand Prix

results to come from these two, just landing on the back rail, did not

quite make the stretch. But a very effective round.

horse, Hickstead, Olympic champion in Hong Kong in 2008. The Canadians

were second and went on to be the best horse in the world games,

sadly, Hickstead died in 2011. Although this man rode in the 2012

Olympics, he gave the sport up for a year or so but is now back with a

good team of horses, riding here for Canada. Eric Lamaze.

Even the top riders like Eric Lamaze struggling to jump that oxer am he

sat up to balance that horse. Another one going as well. It is

always tough for riders, when they have had a horse as good as

Hickstead, to come back and rebuild, it takes a strength of character.

Let us hope Eric Lamaze and find another top horse. He has two or

three, he won the Le Monde Grand Prix with power play. -- Le Monde

's. Very well poised this afternoon, this competition. Let us join Clare

balding. Just saying some umbrellas going up, Ben Maher is alongside me,

that did not look like a straightforward ride? He is a bit

tricky, feisty, probably fun to watch but not always so much fun to

ride. But you never get a horse who tries harder than him. He jumps like

he has springs. I have had some good horses and today, he is the same,

you just cannot train horses to do that, he is a phenomenal jumper. You

are the first British rider into that jump off, you are going to go

for it? He is naturally a fast horse so I have to be careful not to chase

the others in the jump off, do a nice quick round and hope he will be

quick enough today. COMMENTATOR: Another young star of the future,

coming from a family with a great record, this is Constant van

Paesschen, an Olympic bronze medallist, World Championship

bronze. This man has come through the youth titles, at 20 years old,

he is already winning senior classes. He is riding a horse from

Belgium. A very exciting rider, Constant van Paesschen. A meteoric

rise to the top of the sport, his family, generations of horse dealers

and trainers. A great show man, great feel and ability, just the

last fence going. Has done well in the Global Champions Tour. Third at

Antwerp and then fourth in Monaco. He has been playing with the best,

we will see more of him, possibly here at horse guards when this great

show has finished. Finishes on for faults.

-- four false. This man has done Britain proud over the years. Just

been picked for the world Equestrian games in two or three weeks, Michael

Whitaker. Was based yesterday in one of the two classes for the wonderful

field of international riders here. This man on form could be an

important part of that British squad in France. Viking has had a bit of a

break, he will jump him in the Grand Prix tomorrow. I spoke to Michael

earlier, and he feels Viking has had a nice rest and should be ready to

go to the world games. But he is one of five, not necessarily one of the

four that will compete. He hopes to come back with a bang tomorrow.

Michael Whitaker will be on his way to the world Equestrian games and

Laura Kraut will be there, can I unofficially call you captain of the

American team? Unofficially, but I will not be there this year, the

horses I have now are too young and Cedric is too old but I will be on

the sidelines cheering on our team. I just assumed because you have been

going well. It is nice of you to assume that but I am sitting this

year out. Jessica Springsteen was short listed and she has performed

well. She has been named to the team but she is a reserve I would say, I

will just be there as a cheerleader. You are based in the UK now, how

does it feel to be back in London? It is fantastic. Is crazy behind

us, it is wonderful, a beautiful setting and being in London is my

favourite city. We are having a great time. A lot of Americans in

the jump off, we wish you well in that. Thank you very much. This is

someone who could challenge, the great Ludger Beerbaum. Riding as

well as ever, surprisingly, got eliminated in Dublin, something

almost unheard-of, the Germans did not have a good show but he can

never be dismissed. This is an exciting horse, he has had some good

victories. He is really as hungry as ever, just resting his top horse a

little bit in the past few weeks, saving her for the world games. This

horse with loads of ability, 15 years old. Just one fence to jump.

And he is through. He is very close, he is over that time. He has time

faults. Interestingly enough, that bit of music normally signifies a

clear round, the judges got it wrong, they have not quite looked at

their clocks. Ludger Beerbaum will be furious. What a shame.

their clocks. Ludger Beerbaum will be furious. Just over the 79

seconds, the looked up and you can see, he is cross with himself. If

that is German, it is probably just as well I do not know what he says!

This is now the turn of Al Raimi. They have some great horses. There

is their trainer and the mastermind behind this Global Champions Tour

which is certainly taking world-class showjumping to new

heights, they went to Shanghai earlier this summer. And it is

developing the sport so well. We talk about the age of horse is quite

a bit, eight years old is extremely young to be jumping at this level.

The 160 level. Right up there, 160, 50 wide, it is a big ask for an

eight-year-old to jump around here. Especially with some of these tricky

distances, the younger horses start to struggle towards the end of the

course, the pressure of the concentration for such a long time,

just a little bit too much but that is a nice horse to watch with

technical ability. Still no clear rounds for Qatar. One time faults as

well, it means neither he nor Ludger Beerbaum will be through to the

jump. Still 12 rounds. And a few dark clouds have appeared overhead

in the last hour or so but a little more blue sky now. Let us hope it

stays that way, a huge amount of rain here yesterday, some big cloud

bursts. Good to see the arena facility is looking so good for this

new venue. As income is the reigning European champion, Roger-Yves Bost,

he won that in Denmark last year. He beat both when Maher and Scott Brash

for the individual medals. He really has been in the sport at the top now

for well over ten years. Winning 18 medal for France in the world games

back in Stockholm in 1990. -- Ben Maher. You can see his legs, elbows,

feet stuck through the stirrups, it is all happening but the horses love

him. When he won the European Championships, he is such a popular

guy, everybody likes him. But he just could not hold the balance down

that line there. Great to watch him go because he does it all his own

way, breaking every rule in the book. But he is such a big winner.

And fearsome against the clock. He has a very good team of horses.

Owned by Lady Georgina Forbes. That is what has propelled him back into

the world 's elite. The erratic style, the lost a stirrup down that

line but did not seem to take much notice. He finishes with four faults

but do not discount him, he has already been in the money in the

speed class, he is one of the best at that. Just swung out to the

right, tried to attack the boxer but really thumped the front rail. --

oxer. Nearly two thirds of the way through this round, 12 are through

to the jump. Now we have a very popular Irish rider, Conor Swail. He

has been very successful on both sides of the Atlantic. One of the

few riders who has spent more time than most in Ireland. Ireland have

had a very mixed season, a very disappointing Nations cup in Dublin

last weekend. But then, 19-year-old Bertram Alan won the Dublin Grand

Prix on Molly Malone to give them a tremendous end to the show. I think

in fact, they are still to pick the Irish team because their form has

been erratic. He has got that lovely style, a fluent way of attacking the

course. We have seen quite an American influence on his riding.

That defence has not caused too many problems but a little bit of a

That defence has not caused too many problems but a little bit of lack of

power, tried to stretch. Slightly uphill there.

One down for the Irishman, he could well be in the reckoning for the

world Equestrian games. Conor Swail of Ireland. One of the early clear

rounds was Marcus Ehning, you are not allowed to walk the jump of

course, have you been busy studying the map? I was a bit loss and then I

showed him the right course. It is the second round against the time,

it is not really difficult but you have to be fast. How good a quality

is this class, it is the warm up for tomorrow's Grand Prix but it seems

pretty hot? It is a tough course, a few clues already but really good

money in this class. your foot on the gas. COMMENTATOR:

The person here is watching with special interest because it is

Edwina Tops-Alexander. She has had some lovely horses. One of her great

has just been retired. She has twice won the overall championship on the

Global Champions Tour, in 2011 and 2012. This horse played such an

important -- another horse played such an important part, retired

earlier this season. This horse is certainly putting her right in the

reckoning. She is there a dim the league at the moment and has had a

very good season so far. -- she is third in the league. Australia's

outstanding start of the world of showjumping, certainly encouraging

more from the Australians to get into the international stage. The

second fence coming down, two from home. But again, running downhill to

the difficult water tray rustic oxer as well.

So, a number of people who have come in this afternoon to enjoy the

class. Another big crowd expected tomorrow as Edwina Tops-Alexander

finishes with eight. That front rail on a narrow fence, not much to back

the horses off, no fillers. Rustic rails don't always encourage the

horses to get in the air. Edwina and Jan, based in Holland. Now we come

back to Switzerland, and it is the former world another one again, Pius

Schwizer, who has been remarkable because he has won Olympic medals

with some great horses. But he sold his top horses to Eric Lamaze, and

he is back with some more good horses, winning big prizes. He is a

very talented rider. He has done five rounds. He was sixth in

Shanghai and second in Paris on the global tour. And of course, he has

also won a European team gold medal at Windsor in 2009. That was an

interesting decision from Pius Schwizer. Practically no one else

has tried to put six strides in up to the double. He went for the extra

one, got way too tight and had it down. I think you can safely say

with him, and it is a fabulous horse, but he rides so many

different ones. As Mike said, he sells a few of them and find more.

To me, that is the mark of a great horseman. Not having a great round

here today, coming into the last fence, two down already and the last

one. Made a good job of front and back rail. The Swiss team

representative, there. He was a big part of the French squad a few years

back. He really is a man who can might so many different horses. He

gives them confidence. -- who can ride. Yellow macaroni produces a lot

of top horses that he sells on, and they go well for other riders as

well. Not a big area. They have managed to get the important

facilities, and of course, the warm up is so important. We saw a few

wars is warming up as we see the young with William, Marlon Modolo

Zanotelli -- the young Brazilian. Brazil, of course, with the Olympics

just two years away, really looking to develop their team. They went

very well in the Nations Cup final last year, in Barcelona. They

finished third, amongst the world's best. They have got one clear round,

from that man Doda de Miranda. Brazil have one of the 12

representatives but can they make it to? This horse has an enormous

stride and massive power. Just as I am saying that, it is difficult,

down that line for those kind of forces. This one is by Coleman,

which is the same as Robert Whitaker's Catwalk. They are always

big, scopy horses. Tremendous engine, as you can see over those

two oxers. We saw Doda de Miranda watching and his wife owns this

horse. She also rides on this tour. They are very involved, and of

course, based in Belgium, where a lot of the Brazilians appear on the

continental circuit. In this modern sport, you need

everything. A horse with tremendous ability but they have to be super

careful. They are very light fences. Only a little touch and down they

come. One of the world's top riders, now. McLain Ward. His previous horse

died last year. But he is riding a horse that he rode in the Nations

Cup, and a big winner in the State. He has one of the outstanding

records on the big American circuit. His father is also an

international jumper. But this man is Star class, without doubt. It is

a way using -- amazing, the way the Americans ride with such perfect

lower leg position, in balance with the horses. Thereafter so many

different ways of riding horses around the showjumping course, but

this man is stylish and effective. One of the best in the world. This

horse is a little bit of character and temperament. A very consistent

jumper. Cruising around, well inside the

time. The Americans are showing why they are looking such a good

prospect that the world Equestrian games. McLain Ward, cruising around.

That means now that there are three of them through, the only country to

have three, Laura Kraut, Beezie Madden and McLain Ward. All those

riders in the top 30 in the world. Yes, American showjumping is really

flying at the moment, winning Nations Cup events all over the

place and coming here with a very strong team.

Well, here, now, is the Iceman from Sweden, Rolf Gonnet Bankston -- golf

Gran Bentsen. He was European champion in 2011,

winning it down in Madrid. He was in the bronze medal team for Sweden. He

has had some great, great horses. And still writing at his very best.

He is still right in the top three of the global tour championship

league at the moment. He is one of the best riders we have seen in the

world over recent years. This is the most beautiful horse, by Clear Way.

The whole stein greys are all stamped with this quality. -- Josh

a little bit of that stallion character a rout -- about him. But

no man better to ride the stallion. He is so effective at making the

horses concentrate. Four Olympic Games, three World Championships,

seven European Championships. That is what that man has done and of

course, he has been European champion and a silver medallist in

the Olympics in Hong Kong in 2008. He joins the list, 13 clear rounds.

And by the way, you better had not go away because we have 13 of the

best already through to the Times jump off. Great round, lovely to see

Rolf-Goran Bengtsson in the jump off. He always has a go. Actually

the 14th clear round. Now Harrie Smolders of the Netherlands, who has

ridden for the great dealer, riding some difficult horses very well

indeed. Axel now has a very talented 20-year-old son and Harrie Smolders

is involved with helping him. He is riding a horse that has been a big

winner for him and the Dutch team. I really hope this horse gets into the

jump. She really is a flying machine. If you ever see Harrie

Smolders going flat out against the clock on this one, it really is

exciting. She is one of those that does it a

bit her own way. But if you get a mayor that fights for you, and

really tries, you can see that she bent her back beautifully. -- get a

mare. She is 14, plenty of experience, and a fast time. That

combination could that the cat amongst the pigeons on the 30,000

euros. My word, that looked easy-peasy. The Dutch, now, have two

representatives, Maikel van der Vleuten and Harrie Smolders. 15

through to the jump. We are in for an exciting job. Ben Maher, and this

mare and some flying machines to look forward to. Now it is the

Qatari, Faleh Suwead Al Ajami. This 11-year-old is by Come On. Qatar

came to London last year and impressed us. A year on, they have

shown even more skill, developing over these very decent courses.

These kind of competitions, they are such good yardsticks, to see where

you are in the sport as far as nations are concerned. You really

don't get world-class fields like this that often in a season. We have

so many big shows on all the time but trying to get the world's best

altogether, unless it is a championship, but certainly, in

London now, they are all here. Come on, just towards the end of the

course, just to fences down at the moment, and running right into the

bottom of the vertical with the water tray behind it. A time fought

as well, two of them. 14 in all. -- time fought. CLARE BALDING: McLain

Ward, the Americans are going really strongly. Yes, let's hope it can

continue. What is your approach to the jump off? Do you go for it all

guns blazing or is there an element of caution? We have a big class

tomorrow so you have to keep it in the back of your mind. The horses

are pretty seasoned and they know how to go fast and come back the

next day. It is great to have a shot at the prize money in this great

event. The Global Champions Tour takes you around the world. For us

in London, it is hugely exciting that it is here for a second time.

What is it like for you? It is a great tour and the prize-money is

phenomenal and to be in the heart of major cities is a great atmosphere.

We hope it can continue and come more to North America so we can be

involved. I think that is the plan. We hope. Jan said they were talking

about New York. That would be great. We love to participate. We are a

couple of thousand miles away. It would be great to have some large

events there as well. But it proves you can drop showjumping into quite

a tight space, here. Absolutely, indoor shows have done it for a

number of years and we have followed that model. It works great in the

heart of the city. Spectators passing through, more people

exposed, just wonderful for the Indies Yaz and the promotion of the

sport. Good stuff. -- for the individuals. COMMENTATOR: While we

were listening to Maclean Ward, you can see one of the best lady riders

in the world, in fact the third best, in the top 20, retired,

Luciana Diniz. She has been very successful on the tour. She may well

be back tomorrow. You have to disregard the lady from Portugal.

Hans-Dieter Dreher is going now, one of the newer names in the elite of

German showjumping. Great strength in depth in German showjumping

although interestingly, they are finding it more difficult to be

dominant these days. Thereafter so many nations who are very

competitive at the very top level. -- there are so many.

12-year-old. We try not to use the phrase bodhi fence if we can help it

but that really is a bodhi fence, the narrow boxer, rustic rails --

oxer. A big jump to content with. This stallion really made a mess of

it. Hans-Dieter Dreher is a really good, tough, physical rider. We used

to see him on the fantastic horse embassy. But to down here. 15 of the

world 's elite have gone clear. The next rider will interest this crowd,

we are proud of our young riders in Britain and here is one in that

elite, Jessica Mendoza from Wiltshire. Already a winner here

yesterday and very much part of the great success of Britain's youth

teams against -- again this year. It is fantastic for me to watch her

riding around here, she came to me when she was eight years old and her

father, Paul mend those, -- Mendoza. Buying horses to get her to

this level, a fantastic inspiration behind-the-scenes. Jessica is now

based over in Holland where Paul feels she can get more experience.

Another one struggling to jump that difficult fence down the hill. It is

very unbalancing. It is quite hard to appreciate, watching the

television pictures, just how much of a slope there is there. She has

certainly been very successful on both sides of the Channel. The move

to ride in the big Continental shows has really developed her skills even

more. It is one down but another class round from this young lady,

Jessica Mendoza, finishing with four faults. A great round, stepping up

to this 5-star level machine is still in the young riders, if she

can keep on finding the right horses, she is so talented that she

will be around the top of the sport. horses, she is so talented that she

will be around the top of the How about that as a backdrop, the London

eye in the background but this is horse guards, you think back to Her

Majesty the Queen's birthday parade, all the excitement of that and now

we have the world 's best show-jumpers showing us their

wonderful talent. One of the leading riders in America, Kent Farrington,

he has won the King George V gold cup at Hickstead before now, we saw

him going well in the Arc Grand Prix, in a tremendous jump off on

this very horse. This is the biggest money winner in the United States,

Kent Farrington. He is one of those riders in the fantastic position of

having several Grand Prix horses. He is able to cycle them around. This

is another rider that we really want to see in the jump off, he has a

very quick and fluent style naturally. That has gone, we have

not seen that back rail come down too often. That is quite a surprise.

We really did not see that coming, jumping quite a clean round to that

point. Against the clock he is one of the worlds best it is not to be,

the Americans will have just three riders through to the jump off, one

fence down for Kent Farrington. Another look here, I think it is the

front feet dropping, just getting the belly a bit low on that back

rail, always annoying to have a fence down like that. Away goes

Cameron Hanley, what a story this is. This man who had such a serious

leg injury as the result of an accident playing with his kids in

2011, it kept him out for well over a year, he wondered if he would ever

ride again. Countless operations but came back in 2013 and now looks a

real prospect for the Irish team in the world Equestrian games, riding

this very horse. Based in Germany but has been a very good winner this

season, he is not going to win this one but again, he has really

overcome adverse of tea and it is so good to see. Ireland have a lot of

top jockeys around at the moment and they certainly have a new superstar

with Bertram Alan coming through but they have great strength in depth

with their jockeys. A bit like the British team, it is all about

horses. This horse has a bit of character in him, always makes him a

bit sharp and quirky around the corners. That could be a very nice

warm up for the big prix tomorrow. 90,000 euros is a very good price

part -- prize pot. He will bow out of the jump off with that one fence

down. Having a look through the double, did not get the stretch.

Just held himself in the air. One left to go. This is the young lady,

Flaminia Straumann, they have had some great success over the years. A

very influential family. This young lady riding a 10-year old.

This is one of those horses with easy power. A very big and tall

horse. Let us see if they can stay careful down to this oxer. That

fence really has caused a lot of problems today. Another one with the

front rail coming down. 15 clear rounds, but none for Switzerland.

One of the worlds elite nations in showjumping. Getting through, and it

shows the high standards we are watching. The Italian course

designer will be very pleased. It was a tough call, there was some

quality but also some who have found it tough so it is a tough balance

but he has got it right. Certainly has, not easy at this level. No joy

for Flaminia Straumann, 15 in all for the young lady from Switzerland.

And 15 clear rounds to go through to the jump off against the clock. The

course being changed for that jump off, these are the clear rounds.

The Dutch are well represented, as are the Germans. Beezie Madden is

flying. McLain Ward, we have heard, he will not hang back. Ben Maher is

there as well. This is a world-class field and what about the good

Beerbaum? He must be kicking himself to miss out by one time fault. He

has probably saved himself for tomorrow. I think he will challenge

so he has probably been lucky. The riders are always thinking about

what is coming next. He talked about that and the red ribbon in the tail

as well. But he is such a good horseman. He is a good rider with

great feel for the horse and how you need to ride it. This horse is not

easy. He is always keeping hold of him, the one thing he has in his

favour is that he is very careful. He does not have the most scope in

the world but careful is his best attribute. Ben on the British team

for the world Equestrian games, Spencer Road is a new addition, a

huge moment for him. -- Spencer wrote. The horses are often so keen

to get on with it and can look and balanced on a corner and then the

six feet in the air. This horse can jump off any football any distance,

it is against all the rules, where he goes, he does his own thing. He

runs round the corners but his great attribute is that he is very

careful. We saw Ben Maher in the jump off with you this time last

year at the Olympic Park so we know he will shave corners and come in on

an angle. He was definitely be off anyway, I would definitely put my

money on him. Showjumping one of the many Olympics ports that the BBC are

covering this summer, this is what is coming up.

Such magical moments. The brothers showing the way once again. It is

simply stunning. A wonderful performance.

Geraint Thomas, superb. What a star, it is a gold.

If you want to get involved with athletics or triathlon, go to the

BBC website. A brilliant night of athletics tonight, the 200 meter

finals, Christine recoup going in the 400 metres.

We will be back tomorrow with coverage of the main event, the

Grand Prix, worth doodles of cash and the London leg of the Global

Champions Tour. -- I wonder whether the team gold medal

from the Olympics for the British team, which included the to Charles

and Nick Skelton, how much have you seen the Olympic effect bubble

through in showjumping? Lou macro since then, I have taken a step back

and been on the national circuit. There has been a lot of enthusiasm

around. Straight after the Olympics. All of those people at grassroots

level, it has given them something to aim for. As it also bubble

through in terms of expectation, knowing you guys even better. I

definitely think it has, we are getting more spectators than we have

had for a long time. It is great for the sport. Windsor was fantastic

this year. Because of the sponsorship. We are beginning to see

better shows because if we do not have the shows, we cannot showcase

ourselves in this country. British showjumping was the 70s and 80s, is

it coming back now? I think we are catching up with Europe, in the

past, we were leaders but Europe copied that and bettered it.

showjumping coming to the accuracy, the gentility but the impressiveness

of the first round but then you get the speed merchant in the jump. Who

do you think take the prize? It will be the guy is going last that

usually have the best raw because the margins are so tight, you can

lay down a good time in the first three or four. There's quite a few

good ones at the end but one of the last three good ones at the end but

one of the last three could Maher. I have but last night, the class had

21 clear rounds and it was won in the jump. That is true but generally

speaking, the later ones will win. Let's confirm who is going through

to the jump off. Laura Kraut, Nick, actually, if she

years you not mentioning her, that will be a big mistake. -- if she

hears. Then here come the ones to watch towards the end, from

Katherine Dinan, down. Ben Maher will know what he has to do and

McLain Ward literary impressive. Rolf-Goran Bengtsson leads the

Global Champions Tour at the moment. And the last ago from the

Netherlands will be Harrie Smolders. Let's go back to the commentators as

the first jump of rider goes for it. Andy Austin is alongside Mike

Tucker. COMMENTATOR: We spoke earlier about riders who have come

back from bad injuries. This is a lady who will get us under way,

Tiffany Foster from Canada, who broke her back in 2008. But under

the great interviews as Modric LeMay is, she is back, riding as well as

ever. She rode in London but did not have a lot of joy. -- the great Eric

Lamaze will stop -- Eric Lamaze. have a lot of joy. -- the great Eric

Lamaze will stop -- Eric Victor, one of Eric Lamaze's pupils, at Eric

Lamaze is proving a bit like Ian Miller before him, the magic man.

Eric is there. He has a wonderful team of riders that he is now

involved with, who are really making their mark. I don't expect this

young lady to hang about. 15 to go and we saw Beat Mandli win

yesterday, the first ago of around 20 in the jump off. -- the first to

go. Let's see what Tiffany Foster can do. Let's have a look at the

course with her. This was the planks in the first they put a round rail

on the top and she has a ready set sail down to the wall. Great

attacking ride. Spinning back-up. I guess they can only do five strides,

here. Impossible to take one out on that distance. Spinning back, here.

It was the gate. Towards the end of the course, the last fence is the

same as it was in the first round. Let's have a look at her time. That

goes as well, and she stopped the clock at 33.29. It is a total of

eight. The time is pretty useful but I would say it would be beaten. But

it gives us a good indication. It is not slow. Yes, a definite idea of

what we would expect, even though she had a fence down, she kept

going. They will go a bit quicker. Some of the terms that she made,

spinning back in to that fence. -- some of the turns. This man used to

ride the Ukraine and now writes for Belgium. They have a good team and

this is one of the reasons why. He is number ten in the world. I think

you will find he will set out with purpose. Gregory Wathelet for

Belgium, then, on his mount. Really attacking the wall. You saw a bit of

hesitation on take-off. When the horses are pushed slightly out of

their comfort zone, you try to take a stride out, they come off the

bridle and you don't produce the jump. He is really going for it, and

almost ridiculously tight turn. The early riders under pressure and that

is the last we will see of him, I think. He felt the pressure a bit

too much. He thought for a moment he was doing dressage to music. A bit

of sideways movement, not required, just settling everything down. When

the horse has been pressurised and spun up to fences, it is important

to just calm down and retire. That is quite a surprise. He has won some

very good competitions against the clock but it is not to be this

afternoon at horse guards per. Gregory Wathelet retires. -- Horse

Guards Parade. Some of the riders outside, watching

on the screen. Hans-Dieter Dreher and some other riders, watching, as

incomes and other real contender, the 26-year-old, Maikel van der

Vleuten. This source is a very good Ryder Cup -- ride, winning the

Madrid round of the Global Champions Tour. And following in the footsteps

of his very talented father, Eric. They rode in the same 5-star Nations

Cup in St Gallen, a few years back, when the Dutch one. -- the Dutch won

it. That is a moment that Mickael Landreau route and really -- Maikel

van der Vleuten really treasures but bikes that he wants the 30,000 euros

first prize. Interestingly, we slightly overlooked in with some of

the other speed merchants but this source can really attack the fences.

-- overlooked him. She is 15, plenty of experience.

Well, it is a long way to the back rail. Not getting clear rounds at

the moment. The riders are going for it and making mistakes. That is so

often the way in the jump. Particularly with the pressurised

competitors coming at the end. -- in the jump off. Certainly, Harrie

Smolders is one they will be hearing. In the end, it is four.

36.31, goes into the lead at the moment, but still a lot more to

come. That was three seconds slower than Tiffany Foster's time, but she

had to fences down. That goes into the lead but when you see her go

around three seconds quicker, we know they are going faster -- going

to go faster. I agree. Marcus Ehning, an interesting one. You

mentioned that Maikel van der Vleuten did not have the power over

the combinations but this one will not be lacking power. How much will

he put his foot down? This is a very talented horse, who has been part of

Marcus Ehning's success in this year's Global Champions Tour.

Germany with only one challenger in the Global Champions Tour this

afternoon. This may just be a tactical round. It would be so easy

for Marcus Ehning to turn up to the big fences without even struggling.

That is a ridiculous amount of power. Not even in second gear. And

he goes the shortest route. It may not be the quickest but it is the

shortest. It has gone. That is a surprise. A simple vertical. It is

faster, and it is a new leader, Marcus Ehning. 34.5, with four. But

it will be beaten. Someone can jump clear and someone can go faster.

Just look at this. Even the world's best horses can sometimes make a

sloppy mistake, drop their back legs on the turn. At this stage, tactics

will start to play a part. We have got some very quick, careful

combinations to come. We certainly have. And here could be a danger,

Laura Kraut. She won the team gold-medal against the clock in Hong

Kong. A true Mendis battle with the Canadians. She has won some great

competitions ever since. -- tremendous battle. This is a

nine-year-old, owned by a syndicate called Stars and Stripes.

Just keeping its neat and tidy at the moment, not really going for it.

-- keeping it. Moving up a gear. Good pace, up to the last. Are we

going to get our first clear round? We have! Laura Kraut has set the

target, clear, 34.26. Game on. Well, she is delighted with that, as

she should be. It was a beautifully judged round. Look at this. She did

not overcook it, getting a lot of hype over the first part of the

course and then quickening up over the last to fences. -- a lot of

hype. CLARE BALDING: You're pretty pleased with that? Yes, he's a bit

green and inexperienced but a great performance. Now it is looking like

the riders are taking their chances. She is the only clear so far. Is the

time fast enough? I don't think that will be fast enough to win but in

that position, with no clear rounds, you need to jump clear. But

if she finishes third or fourth, it is good. Ben Maher is just behind

us. He has been watching the early riders and he will start warming up

as we rejoin the action. COMMENTATOR: Gudrun Patteet, for

Belgium, clear so far. This part of the course, not much in

it. It is about chancing these two oxers, galloping down here. She did

not quite take this one on. It is fair to say, she is the least

experienced of the field. But she has put in a very good effort. It is

clear, for the young Belgian rider. It puts her into second place,

35.85. A great effort from this

eight-year-old. Just here, very careful horse, phenomenal ability.

But she did not really chance the last two oxers. I think she is just

delighted to jump two clear rounds. It is a very special day.

Absolutely. Now, Ireland's chance, Denis Lynch. He is one of many Irish

riders who compete outside Ireland, as we watch the rest of the forces

warming up. The team manager, Robert, looking to pick his team for

the world Equestrian games. But Denis Lynch is a man who has won the

Aachen Grand Prix in 2009. He has had some very big wins, often riding

big, jumping horses. Can he go quick enough and stay clear? The

11-year-old, and Michael Whitaker had a very good horse which was his

brother. One thing he can do is take strides out. He has a phenomenally

big cantor and he is already eating up the ground. Not very agile on the

turn. If he can jump this double, the last two oxers. He is a bit

slower. He will have do chance the vertical and that is the one that is

hard for him to jump because he has got the scope to eat the oxer macro.

Clear rounds, very is guess at the moment. -- very scarce. Just two.

Currently in third place, but he goes into fourth, with that fence

down, and Laura Kraut is still leading for the US, clear, 34.26,

with the young Belgian, Gudrun Patteet in second place with the

other clear round. This fence is proving really hard, and the big

scope Powell horses find it hard because they don't scare care --

state-level. But Ben Maher's course will be careful over that vertical.

That is when he has two chances arm and make some time up. Keep our

fingers crossed! LAUGHTER Of course. What a wonderful place to

bring world-class showjumping, the heart of one of the world. The

Brazilian rider, comes in, Doda de Miranda, very experienced, came to

Europe to train. He is a man who won an Olympic gold medal in 1996 in

Atlanta. Very experienced. He has won some big, additions. He is

having a go, taking a stride out to the wall. -- he has won some big

competitions. He is motoring but he has to be careful to get the balance

into the double. You cannot do anything other than five strides.

That is the tight turn and staying careful. Now it's need somebody to

chance the last fence, just swing into it and keep moving. Surely this

is quicker? He's not quite there. No, 35.03, goes into second place

behind Laura Kraut. That puts the young Belgian, Gudrun Patteet, into

third place. little quicker than we thought. This

is a good effort here. Spending time in the air over the double. They do

need to take the chance over those last two oxers. Some of the riders

settling down to a late lunch as income is probably one of the

biggest dangers of all, a very talented Beezie Madden, silver

medallist in the world games, this is Simon, Beezie Madden, less than

two weeks ago, the first lady rider ever to win the famous George V Gold

cup at Hickstead, she has been in flying form. The target is to go

clear in less than 45.26. She elected to go eight strides, got a

bit close to the wall and the brick comes out so she is not going to do

it. This jump off is perhaps not what we expected, not seeing the

flying rounds just yet. Laura Kraut has done a nice economical and tidy

round on not the most experienced horse in the class but she is still

out in front. That is the slowest of the riders on for false at the

moment. Laura Kraut will be enjoying that glass of champagne if she can

stay out in front. The only other clear round came from the Belgian

rider Gudrun Patteet you'll. Two more ladies riders to come, for more

gentlemen and that includes Ben Maher for Britain. This is

Leprevost, ranked number nine in the world. A lovely flowing style, will

she leave the fences up on this nine-year old? A horse that won the

last world games in Kentucky. Penelope Leprevost of France. Eating

up the ground, taking a stride out to the wall, a beautiful turn. No

change in the rhythm, that always makes it quicker. A very similar

time. Close, that was tight, she can do it here if she opens the stride

up. It is all about this turn, she is turning tight, it will be very

close. She may just do it. 34.05, it is enough and France go top of the

leaderboard. France, America, Belgium. Five left to jump. If you

want to see smooth, controlled, balanced riding, that is it, that

was fabulous. No fuss, no kicks, just fluency all the way and that is

why it was so quick. Just a slight tight turn here on the angle, lovely

athletic and careful jump there, then opening the stride up and

swinging to the last fence. She has been in the French top team for a

number of years now. Laura Kraut down into second place now, will she

drop further? Katherine Dinan for the United States of America, will

she go ahead of her great mental and rival, Laura Kraut? Riding a

14-year-old, this lady already with a lot of experience. Some real

talent to look forward to for American showjumping, the she is

certainly one of them. Jump in amazingly good first round, a lot of

height and a horse that looks as if it can gallop at the fences. That is

beautifully done. This is in touch. I do not think it will quite get

there. 35.35 but remember the name Katherine Dinan from the United

States of America. That goes nicely into fourth place at the moment.

35.35 with a clear round. It was a great effort, there is Penelope

their, she is wondering if she has done enough, she knows she has some

tough horses to come. This is the one that the crowd will be

supporting here. The world number three rider, Olympic gold medallist,

Britain's Ben Maher. The horse owned by James Forbes Clark. -- Jane

Forbes Clark. The target is 34.05 from Penelope Leprevost. Slightly

shorter striding horse at a very quick action. Again, it is nip and

tuck. Now, gallop, has two take the chance here. Standing off that oxer,

he has got it. Round to the last. He should be able to do it, oh, it is

down. He has done the time but he had the last, the fastest of the

four faults but that will not be enough. You have to leave the fences

up, just a little bit strong and unbalanced into that big oxer, such

a shame. Puts him into sixth place at the moment. Let us have a look

here, coming down onto the back of the fence. Such a shame. He is in

form, no doubt about it, the world number three, will he go and win it

again, like he did last year? Penelope is still the one they have

to catch. One for America, one Sweden and the last to go for the

Netherlands will be Harrie Smolders. McLain Ward now. In great form at

Hickstead less than two weeks ago. Rothschild is the 13-year-old. He is

up for it, having a go. Time check, this is quicker landed quickly

there. Yes, he is going to do the time, no doubt about it, if he jumps

these last two fences. So fast across the ground. Yes, easy for

McLain Ward. These Americans are flying. America currently first,

third and fifth. It is McLain Ward on top of the leaderboard with two

to go. A top professional on an experienced horse. They have not

just gone into the lead, they have really flown well into the lead,

that will take a lot of beating. Shaving every angle and every

corner, a horse that is quick in its action and does not waste any time

anywhere. This man is a top pro. He is but do not disregard the last

two, they are very exciting riders in the world. Rolf-Goran Bengtsson,

the Iceman from Sweden. He really has a wonderful temperament. What

can he do? The time to beat is 33.22, needs to come out of the

combination in something around 16 seconds. Takes a stride out but this

horse is hard to manoeuvre around the corners. Not quite as agile, as

soon as you put the pace into the movement, the jumps are starting to

come down. He is always a try, he has attacked the course and given it

a go or stop but it is not happening for him. He won an individual silver

at the Beijing games, that was against the clock but it is eight

for the great Swedish rider, Rolf-Goran Bengtsson, down to 13th.

And there is one left to jump, will it be America or could it be the

Netherlands? If anyone can do the time, Harrie Smolders can. You heard

it here first! This is a very quick combination if they can leave the

fences up. He is great value against the clock. The very talented Dutch

rider, Harrie Smolders, the time to beat is still that of McLain Ward,

33.22. He will have to fly if he is to beat that. Did not take the

stride out, but that is a very tight angle. He is going to need to spin

back to the vertical. He is close. What an angle, that is a crazy

angle, and now he is going for it. That could put him in front. Coming

to the last. He has jumped it, and he has done it, yes, he has. He has

done it. 32.71. What did I tell you, what a round. The last to go. Two

immaculate turns, the Dutchman Harrie Smolders and this has

certainly been world-class competition. It is great when the

last writer comes in and annihilates the course. The chances he took were

beyond belief, the turn back there was something else but this Horse

Guards is not the most stylish but when you get one who tries like

that, this is unbelievable. -- this mare. That was a sensational piece

of riding. One very happy Dutchman, Harrie Smolders. But what a list

behind him. You only have to look at that to realise what a great when it

is for him. And Ella the Leprevost did her best. -- Penelope Leprevost.

What a tremendous competition, world-class top 12, you really do

not see better than that. There you are, the strength and depth we have

seen this afternoon. From the best riders in the world, Horse Guards

Parade has served this with a great competition and that is the man who

has done it, a delighted Harrie Smolders from the Netherlands. We

will try and grab a word with him in a moment before he goes out to the

prize-giving but what a jump off, it came down to two of the last three

riders but first, let us look at McLain Ward, you said Rothschild was

difficult yesterday. He did an uncharacteristic move yesterday,

getting eliminated for the first time I have ever seen him do. McLain

Ward said he thought he had finished and then had to go to the double and

pulled up. McLain Ward wanted to get back in there and get his confidence

back and put that behind him to be honest. He is such an aggressive and

mean looking horse in some ways, he really grits his teeth. He is always

like that, unorthodox with his front leg. Then obviously, he came up

against Harrie Smolders who was just that little bit faster. That with

the target, going clear in 33.22, the last to go was Harrie Smolders

from the Netherlands, writing a 14-year-old mare. This was thrilling

because they went right from the start, taking strides out and Harrie

Smolders is watching this back for the first time, when did you know

you were up on the clock? I knew it was fast but I had to add one more

to the double but she was also fast to the vertical. That angle was

extraordinary. You are taking a chance that you might knock it down

but you have to take the chance to win. You want to win or not, you do

not want to leave it out there because I know the horse is fast,

you just have to do it. A huge grin from you afterwards because it is a

good feeling. It is a super feeling, many civil horses and great

competitors. Quite a serious class but still 15 clear rounds is a big

challenge in No, I have a different or is. We

will let Harry get ready for the prize-giving. To see the angle the

horses come in from for the last one, you wonder how they can do it.

But they are so genuine. Like Harrie Smolders said, the top forces and

riders are doing its day in and day out and you can trust them. Ben went

to the angle and was trying to get the fastest time at the last came

down to you. He jumped great. I had to pick and choose where to go

quick. After the second last, he shot to the left and I had to

correct him. I thought I was physical enough at the end but had

an unlucky touch, very late on the back rail, which is not so common

for him. But you need a bit of luck in the jump off as well. This is an

interesting stage for you with horses because you are down in

numbers of top-class horses. Yes but we are still in a lucky position.

This year has been amazing, one of the best horses in the world last

year and she has had some great Grand Prix results. Arizona is

stepping up to bigger classes and we have a few new ones coming through.

-- this one is stepping up. We have to build a team to replace the one

or two that were injured or sold. But I'm lucky enough to have ones to

bring on and I'm looking forward to the rest of the year. So we will see

you tomorrow? Hopefully. We had a training day yesterday and hopefully

she is on form for tomorrow. Will you write this evening or tomorrow

morning was to mark what do you do between now and then? I was on her

this morning at 7am. She was in the ring, cantering. A lot of work

today, she would have been hand walked out, taking into the park

over the road. Again, early in the morning, there is not a lot of space

in London so we have to pick and choose the time but keep her fresh

and clean. Hopefully she is wearing to go -- raring to go to my. Is she

still wearing nasal strips? It is the comfort blanket. She has added a

long time now and I have never ridden her without them. I don't

know if she needs them any more but she has shaken her head without them

and so if it is not broken, don't fix it. She will be defending the

title she won last year. When there's a big crowd like this behind

you, can you feel the horses reacting to the audience? Today, he

reacted to everything. It is always great to be home jumping. There is a

relatively big crowd today. I have heard that they have sold out

tomorrow, possibly, so it's great to be in front of a home crowd. I

always try to do my best. It brings out the best in me in general, in

London. We will all do our best for a home win tomorrow. We will catch

up with you then. Good luck. Ben Maher, who made it to the jump off

but at the last fence down which means he's not part of the top six

who are lining up to the presentation. Let's go back to Mike

and Andy. COMMENTATOR: The guests are

brilliant joy that, without a doubt. They have every reason to. As we

said in comment Terry, you don't see many world-class field appear like

that during the season. -- commentary. It is difficult to get

same any top horses and riders together in one place. It is obvious

that a lot of the riders really wanted to come to London. It is such

an amazing, iconic place. And they are here. The jump off today,

certainly did not disappoint in any way. Very much so. It is true that

there was a lot of talk about what London 2012 was going to leave. To

be honest, this afternoon, what we have seen is just part of what

London 2012 bid for the sport, not only in this country but right

around the world. It is so good to see. -- did for the sport. I am

delighted to say that the deputy Mayra Blunden is here -- Maher of

London. She will present the trophies.

They have given us some great sport. The crowd now stands for the

national anthem of the winner, Harrie Smolders of the Netherlands.

It was very good to hear Harrie Smolders say how much he enjoyed

being here in London and winning in such company. Andy, in the end, we

mentioned the deputy mayor coming here to present new order,

accompanied by Peter Phillips, the assistant director of the show, who

is a much involved in organising big sporting events on both sides of the

Atlantic now, and the Lord mail of London who has been very supportive

of this, as has the Royal Parks. -- Lord Mayor of London. To do this,

you have do have the support of some very busy places, the key parts of

London. The logistics behind putting on this show are quite incredible.

It is something Jan Tops has always wanted to do, come to London and now

we are in the heart of London with this fabulous backdrop. There can be

no doubt that Harrie Smolders will be thrilled to see the riders behind

him, McLain Ward, one of the very best. The presentation party, just

organising themselves to say well done to McLain Ward. A brilliant

exhibition of his skills, and then the talents of an LP Leprevost. I

don't know the French team for the world but I bet she is on it.

Although she did not win today, her round was a joy to watch, fabulous,

stylish riding. And Laura Kraut is in fourth. She will not make the

American team. They, for me, are the team to take team honours. You will

see the world Equestrian games on BBC TV. Laura is being

congratulated. And then Doda de Miranda. Brazil, too, have won

bronze medals at the top level. There we are. It has been an

afternoon to everyone and some great showjumping, that is the shore.

Congratulations to Harrie Smolders from the Netherlands in winning the

Grand Prix this afternoon. As you can see, not quite a sell-out

for this event but a lot of the popularity comes with people getting

used to the day and the venue. This is the first time it has been held

at horse guards parade. Last time the Global Champions Tour came to

London, the first time, it was on the fringes of the Olympic park and

it provided us with an Olympic jump off.

COMMENTATOR: There will be a few million jockeys watching this around

Great Britain and riding this with Nick Skelton. A big star and this is

a real target for this combination, can they do it? 31.86, needs to be

out of the combination in 15 seconds or under and away from the second

last before 26. Good luck. He is fast enough, here. He has to

take the chance to the last fence. Oh, he is a long way off and he has

jumped it! What ability. Is half a second up. go, go. He has done it!

0.01 second information not what about that! That is amazing -- zero

.01 seconds! He can't believe it, 100th of a second. Is justice going

to be served at Stratford this afternoon? They were the best

combination in the Olympics last year in Greenwich. Could this be the

afternoon? The owners and the winners censored. They are going to

have to sit tight. He has got the sash on already and he is going to

have do take it off and give it to Nick Skelton. That will be a lot of

money. If he came here this -- you came here this afternoon wanting

drama, you are getting it. This competition has lived up to all

expectations and it is not over yet because this man will give it 200%,

Ben Maher. Taking no prisoners. He is

absolutely motoring. He's up. Quick enough to win it. Out of here in

about 25.5. He has to take a stride out to the last. He is. He can do

it. If he jumps the last, I think he's done it! He has! He has taken a

second off the time. That is astonishing. A disappointed Nick

Skelton but it is a superb British one-two this afternoon. And the

London Olympics is repeated in Stratford in style by the British

gold medal team. The crowd standing, and so they should be. That was a

world-class performance from Ben Maher.

And he will be back with the Grey Mare tomorrow. I showed you the nose

cover. A bit unfair to show you that again. I'm really sorry. But more

painful because Big Star is injured and you can't come back to try to

beat him tomorrow. But hopefully he will be OK and we will get back the

next year. We could make it if everything is right. We will have

another go. Preparations being made to the arena so the riders can give

the Grand Prix horse is a bit of exercise. Space is limited, as Ben

Stead but they are quite good with the exercise times, so the lads can

get the horses out and work them for tomorrow and ride them again in the

morning. They do a great job, here. In such a small area. It is great.

They must have fantastic temperaments, show-jumpers, to

travel around the world, turn up in Shanghai, Doha, Madrid or London.

They are very well travelled. They are used to it. Like you say, they

fly to Shanghai, Madrid, wherever they have to go on the world tour

circuit. But they are seasoned horses and the temperaments are

normally very good which is why they end up being really good. Let's

hope. We have a jump off tomorrow like we did today, Harrie Smolders

coming out on top in the Netherlands. We will be back at

5:15pm tomorrow. Coverage until 7pm. It is the London leg of the Longines

Global Champions Tour. Two rounds and then a jumble. It should be

sensational. Also this evening, we are going to the European

Championships in direct from 5:30pm. The men's and women's 200 metres,

and the 400 metres for men and women, with Christine Ohuruogo in

action. It should be a superb evening of entertainment. But this

has been good and great to have a second class which makes you more

excited about tomorrow and gives you a chance to hear from the riders and

see how they are getting on. It has been a great com petition, really

exciting. Looking forward to tomorrow. I think it will be even

better. Who would be your leading contenders tomorrow? Rob is going

really well. Don't count out Scott on home ground. The same with Ben. I

think we will get a really good class. All the Global Champions Tour

legs so far have been really exciting. I can't see why this would

be any different. Talking to a lot of the riders, I asked who was the

best in the world, and they all said Scott Brash. The man from Scotland

will be riding tomorrow. Join us from 5:15pm. We will leave you with

the best of the showjumping action today.