2011 European Eventing Championships

The crowd are on their feet in the grandstand. Good footwork again.

Rebecca Adlington is bringing it home for Great Britain. Denise

Great Britain get the gold medal! Yes! Yes! Kelly Holmes for Great

Britain. What a performance. are absolutely brilliant. Great

When it comes to European Championships, no-one is in better

shape than Great Britain. Gold for our dressage last weekend. This

weekend, can our eventers make it 19 golds in a row in Germany? Held

every two years, these are the 30th HSBC FEI European Eventing

Championships. Not only is there a team gold on offer, but an

individual title, too. # Will you recognise me? #

What a fantastic performance! The European Champion for Great

Britain. Sheila Willcox and High and Mighty,

champion of Europe. She is the European Champion. British riders

have won this 18 times. It is going really well. The Germans

entertained us with beer when we arrived at the end of the cotsz-

country walk. -- cross-country walk. I remember it so vividly. You know

nothing has changed even though ten million euros have been spent on it

to make all the surface all-weather. The whole place has still got the

same feel, the same heart, the same soul. It is wonderful. But for the

14 nations competing, it will be a very different Luhmuhlen. The

Showground here has undergone a nine million euro makeover. This

cross-country course has been designed by Captain Mark Phillips.

It is very different to the compact Olympic course at Greenwich.

Nevertheless, what happens over the next few days will have a huge

bearing on selection for 2012. Now, though, it is time to have a closer

look at the British team. Nicola Wilson was part of the gold

medal-winning team two years ago. The 34-year-old will be performing

the role of Pathfinder. It is lovely to be part of the team and

to go out first on a horse I have ridden for so many years. It is

very exciting. Anything can happen. We keep fingers crossed that we

come home clear and inside or as near as possible. Piggy French won

individual silver at the last European Championships. Will make

her first appearance as part of the team this time around. It is what

we all work for. I get such a thrill out of riding for my country

and trying to do as well as possible. We usually are a very

strong nation at it. To be with people competing in the same team

as the likes of William Fox-Pitt and Mary King, that sort of calibre,

is very thrilling. Mary King's teenage daughter has been selected

for the Junior British Eventing Team and the 50-year-old will be

out to set the perfect example by winning her fifth title. I am old.

We are very much a team. We are all in it together. There's great team

spirit. We are looking forward to a good week. Mr Eventing, William

Fox-Pitt, is targeting a seventh European team title aboard Cool

Mountain. The Germans, in Luhmuhlen, which is one of their biggest

events, they run here regularly, the horses are produced here. The

terrain they are very comfortable with. There was bad news for Polly

Stockton who was forced to withdraw moments before the start of her

dressage test leaving the 37-year- old disappointed. You know your

horse inside out and I knew he wasn't 100%. The vet has had a look.

We are not sure what is wrong. We decided in the best interests of

the horse to go out there on the cross-country, it is too big an ask,

if they are not feeling 110%. I'm gutted. The final member of the

line-up taking part in the individual competition only is 21-

year-old Laura Collett who becomes the youngest rider to grace the

squad in over two decades. I'm delighted to welcome the reigning

European Champion Tina Cook to the show. After withdrawing him from

Badminton, he had to have a course of antibiotics and was very, very

ill and had to have blood transfusions. He nearly died. He's

alive and putting on weight very well at home. I think I'm not going

to be able to get him fit enough to get him out this season. People

will be worried about you qualifying for the Olympics next

year. What is the situation there? As bizarre as it may seem, we are

the reigning bronze medallists. We are not qualified as we speak. I

will be working on him over the winter to come out next season to

get him qualified in the spring. And get my form back. The British

team is so strong, I need to get back into the reckoning and get

selected for London. Speaking of the British team, the record in the

European Championships is quite outstanding 21 team golds out of 29.

It looks as if it is there for the taking. Is it that simple?

Championship can throw up all sorts of surprises. There is a strong

opposition out there. The Germans have 12 riders here. They will be

picking four of their very best. Four of their very best are World

Champions, they are reigning Olympic Champions. Nothing is

predicted at all. You need a bit of luck on your side. Well those are

Tina's thoughts. Let's take a closer look at the newest member of

the squad, riding as an individual. Here is the young lady they are all

talking about, Laura Collett, the youngest rider competing at this

year's Badminton. She's looked after him all the way round. I read

a headline that said "Laura Collett takes Badminton by storm." Would

that be fair? On the first day, I was very early to go, I was like

fifth in on the first day of dressage and I ended up after two

days in third place. For me, it was unbelievable. Here is the young

lady that has put her name very much in contention for the title,

Laura Collett. I first went on a horse when I was two. I went

through showing until I was 13. That is when I decided I wanted to

do something more challenging and I dropped very lucky with the first

pony I bought, who took me to my first pony championship. I went

from there. When you got bitten by the bug, you were lucky to get on

the World Class Programme? I did at the beginning of 2005, so before I

went to the Pony Europeans, that has been a massive boost. They help

with everything. He is unbelievable, the way he has helped me. Even

through the decisions of selling the pony and setting me up for life,

really. I sold Spring and I never wanted to, but he said it is the

right thing to do for my career. So I sold him and bought a horse and

he was right when he said, you know... Yeah. I went with the pony

team way back, probably in 2005, with the European Championship and

Laura was on that team. I think what really hit you was her

coolness under pressure. Cool. Well, at the moment, I feel quite cool

and calm. It has not kicked off yet. I am sure I won't be very cool and

calm during the week. Just really excited to have got here and it's

been the worst five or six weeks ever. You think something is going

to go wrong. Once you get selected, you want to go the next day. With

horses, anything can happen. Does it matter to you at all if someone

trots out the stat that you are the youngest member of the British

eventing team since 1989? Yeah, that is quite scary. Yeah, I feel

confident in a way because I know him inside out. It is not like

having a new horse and coming here. I have to keep remembering that. It

is another competition even though it is probably the biggest one of

my life. Laura was in third place after the dressage. Let's see how

after the dressage. Let's see how they have fared here. Laura could

hard I will have hoped for a better dressage test. Her score was the

best of the British contingent and a great start to her senior

international career. As for the British team members, Mary King is

the highest placed. Mary is in tenth place. Piggy French and

Jakata are one place behind. It was not one of William Fox-Pitt's

better days. Cool Mountain made a few errors and finished on 42.7.

That left him in 17th place. Not a day to remember either for Nicola

Wilson. 52.7 was the best she could do for 39th place.

Great Britain are well in contention and currently lie in

second place behind Germany with Italy in third.

The host nation are dominating the top of the individual standings,

with Ingrid Klimke at the top. Now it is time for the cross-country

phase. Tina has been out on the course.

are at fence 13, 14 and 15. The horses have got their feet wet at

fence five. Here, at the second water complex, we have a

combination offences over a big log, a big drop into the water. The

water is not that deep. The main problem that I feel for the horses

here is that you need to get a clean jump up this not very defined

bank because they need to jump up here to jump this narrow fence. If

they don't get their striding right and they land at the edge of the

bank, there is not enough room to put a stride in. So it could cause

a problem. There is an option of jumping two further fences around

there, over a smaller jump, across the water, up a relatively small

step, one stride, over the same question. It is a bit longer, but I

feel it is a lot safer than taking the chance of this area here that

might cause a problem. We have had a long fast gallop around the edge

of this field to then be faced here with 19, 20 and 21, up this short,

steep slope they have to get the horses together to jump this narrow

fence at the top of the slow. This is what they are going to be

surprised with at point of take-off. As the horses land over this fence,

depending on how shocked they are, they could leave their hind legs on

it, prop the riders forward. They will have to sit up really quickly

to go across this water and ride them really positively towards the

Bees Fence. They then have to cross the field to these two angled logs.

Without the water here, it would be easy. The deep water may cause the

horses to shorten their stride and not get the distance across there.

So positive riding is necessary here. We are here at fence 27. We

are getting towards the end of the course. It is the third last. The

horses might be getting tired. They will be confronted with this

massive ditch. It will take a huge amount of effort to get over this

fence. As the horses throw in a big fast jump over this fence, the main

problem with going the quick route is to gain your control and

accuracy to jump this narrow, wide corner on a related distance and

then have the accuracy to jump C which would be so easy to run out.

There is a slower alternative by jumping that fence there, round the

trees to jump a much easier corner, round the bend to jump the same

sort of question. I don't think the long route here is going to take

that much longer towards the end of the course. It depends on what sort

of ride and how the horses are your course Walker. What do you

make of it so far? I think Mark Phillips has built a true

championship course. Whether it is as technically challenging as we

have seen in the past, it might lead riders into a false sense of

security and mistakes could be made when they are going for their time

at the end of the course. haven't got much time to get to the

commentary box, see you in a bit. Let's see what happens in the cross

country with Tina, when she arrives in the commentary box, and Mike

Tucker. A lot of galloping. 29 fences. Some big jumping fences.

The first water coming at fence four. Two corners, with an accuracy

test. A way over summer my senses in 14 and 15. Two Rhodes, the one

down the left is quite risky. Big imposing fences. A few little

pimples and then onto the next water. That is the two and gold

locks, moving two strides. Then galloping away over the Rolex Turn.

The two last logs. Just make sure they don't gallop home too fast to

morning, as you can see. A lot of heavy rain overnight. I think now

it's Stanislaus does a quiz. The French squad, in that the Europeans

are a few years ago. -- Stanislaus They are jumping pretty easily.

They are jumping very well. The two corners asking similar, but

different questions. Very easy to run out. The first important rider

for Great Britain. It is Nicola Wilson on the fabulous Opposition

Buzz. She really needs a good time Kyle. The first Iris rider.

looks like he changed his mind going through the corner. A nasty

trip. Luckily, he was well in the saddle and the horse picked up

speed up to sort him out. We are now watching pictures of the German

first team rider. The very experienced Andreas Dibowski. He's

chosen to ride FRH Fantasia. He wasn't a team member when Germany

won gold in 2006. But he's a key member of the team. Germany, with a

very impressive 23 point lead over Britain. 18 score of 98 point seven.

is very quick and he's on the good Hardly noticed that bit of bank.

They want the horses to jump on top of it. Very quick through that Park.

Now the galloping stretched through the wood. 14 years old, now. But

still, fingers crossed, as we now join Mark Kyle with his new horse,

Coolio. That nasty moment in the second quarter. He looks to have

recovered. Now looking very positive on this interesting loop.

The third and final water. Two inches deeper. Coming up to what we

thought was one of the most difficult fences on the course?

it has a very big kitchen front of it. -- a big ditch in front of it.

They are just getting a little bit tired towards the end of the course.

They don't give the corner a lot of height. 40 seconds to get home.

Mark is in the driving seat. He's looked at his watch. They know

where they need to be able stop that interesting, that is going to

be the first inside the time for Ireland. Nicola Wilson and

didn't even notice it. He has complete trust in Nicola, and he

wastes no time. This is Andreas Dibowski for Germany. Its ridden

into the course. Nicola Wilson, 3D and gold locks. The horses looking

as good as ever. -- through the and Probably the most experienced of

all the German riders. Confirmation that Mark Kyle is the first one

inside the time. He stays on his dressage. 60.4. We know that the

course is very durable within that time. 10.05 is the optimal time.

Nicola Wilson is virtually home. He's pulling and she's got a

difficult angle. Well recovered. Just needs to set him up for a very

narrow triple brush. She's going to stay on her dressage. Well, this is

a fabulous round. He absolutely flew through that. Luckily, that

corner is not that wide. She was able to pull him around. He

listened to her. He's looking a bit strong. She doesn't want to be

making silly mistakes, so close to the end. She knows she is well on

the time. A fabulous round. She will be a happy girl again. She's

done the job for the team. certainly has. A great round as an

Now based in Germany. Her sister Linda is one of the great riders

for Sweden that has helped Sweden to those titles. She's riding Vira.

As you can say, a big crowd. They've had a damp run to get here

this morning. Thunder, lightning. We had it all last night. It

doesn't seem to have made any difference to be going. It's

amazing, I was down here a few years ago and it didn't stop

raining for about three days. We were wondering if the competition

was even going to be held. I think the ground will stay consistent for

most of the day. That is such a help for the later riders that are

coming. Andreas Dibowski, FRH Fantasia, needs to get Germany off

to a start if they are going to win what would be their third European

title. They won and 59 in North Yorkshire. Then in Kiev, in 1973.

They have been close on a number of occasions. But they are so

determined to give Britain a run for their money, after two

disappointing performances. First, the Europeans in 2009. Last year

they fell apart in the worlds in Kentucky. Goodness me. He just

caught that. Sliding on the ground, just caught his knee. Can pretty

unbalanced a horse. The speed caused him to crumple on landing.

They are both fine. Look at that! This man is about to have and

refusal in the Coffin, in the World Equestrian Games, when he was

fancied. Frustrating start for the Germans. It happened in the last

two a major championships. really couldn't expected to happen

again. Reasonably straightforward fence. At every fence has to be

jumped. You can't get away from that. How thrilling was that?

amazing. What a fabulous horse. He just set out meaning business, he

finished in the same rhythm. Just a pleasure. He looked spring-heeled,

enthusiastic, like he loved every minute of that. He loves his job.

He loves going across country. It's like his birthday and Christmas

coming at once. The team its instructions were to go wrong. Team

instructions were to be on the clock. -- don't belong there. We

are going to have to set out quickly, which was a small concern.

Sometimes he starts to buzz. But he was so switched-on and just

quick and nimble through this part of the course. A horse way you can

just press the accelerator and move on. The ground is holding up well.

But the ground team is very aware that the ground does not want to

impede any of the later riders. This is the last water, coming up

to fence 19. A brave stride, going in. Didn't give a also a lot of

chance to see what she was doing with her feet. Totally honest,

totally trusting in the rider. The balls would not have seen where she

was landing when she took off. of the very experienced riders. In

Badminton, they finished 22nd. He's been in the sport for well over 20

years. Just getting angle between these two rocks. An easy stride.

in her face. There is no point as working at an indoor school the

whole time. Now any arena, Fence 9 and 10. The end of the first hurdle.

He's gone! Well, stood off too far. Wasn't counting the steps? They

took a stride out. I would be surprised if he has hit himself.

This is a big fence. But it should be four or five strides. He was a

long way off the corner. They just went plummeting into the ground. He

has got up. Just a bit of a face plant into the sand. He'll beat

frustrated that his let his country route. She has been so quick.

could be the 4th inside the time. This could be the Swedish rider,

very much based in Germany. The last two fences on the course, they

are numbered independently. It doesn't make a lot of difference on

the bending loop to the line. Gets home. Nine seconds underneath.

Jumping cleanly so far. She was course is the London Tower Bridge.

Here is Piggy French, very much in Germany trying to build on her

wonderful entry into the international stage. Silver

phases. Jayne Doherty on The Only One. They didn't really have a

stride. That was frustrating. She needs to turn left. Yes, that's

fine. To come round to the other question that is coming up. The

horse didn't focus on it. That was such a silly run-out to have. When

they just started off looking so confidently. As easy as it may seem

for us here, she has to put it behind her to make sure no more

mistakes further round the course. Jakata is not that keen to go into

the box. Just for a moment, I wonder whether he was going to go

to the box. Away they go. 40.4, another very consistent performance

in the dressage from Piggy and this the fore in 2010. It's gone from

strength to strength. Can she put the water. Went a slightly longer

positive to the first of this combination. Lovely stride to the

might just have set her up properly for the corner. Yeah. Not entirely

the most confident of jumps there. A little slap down the shoulder

with the stick. She is on her way. That wasn't very comfortable for

her. Just the horse misjudged the spread and dropped his hind legs

but as these fences are filled in, they don't get tangled up and that

will be a wake-up call, I would say. Sandra Auffarth, 24 years old,

finished a very, very good second in Luhmuhlen. She won the HSB

Training Bursary Award for that performance and she is away on

Opgun Louvo. This is a real star in the making. She of course the

second team member for Germany who were the overnight leaders. This a

crucial round. She will be feeling the pressure as we have seen on

screen. Her fans are watching her as we are watching Piggy French and

Jakata going the slightly quicker route, wanting to keep Jakata on a

straight line and there just showing the ease in what he can

jump a big fence. Made that look very easy. The water is reasonably

shallow, down that long side, and she is a very quick rider, cross-

country. Jayne Doherty from Ireland, at what is the first crossing of

the last water complex, 19 and 20, then on this figure of eight. This

is Sandra Auffarth, the second team rider for Germany. She is riding

Opgun Louvo and they are coming to fence four. A big chestnut looking

real quality. He's got a lot of thoroughbred racing-type blood so

the courage and the distance shouldn't look a problem to him.

35.4 in the dressage. In fourth place. Jakata can get quite strong

for Piggy French. She's just having to steady him up a little bit

further away than she would ideally like to. He was very clean. Piggy

having to sit back over that first element. She slipped her reins.

Where she is so brilliant at cross- country, she was so quick to get

back into the flow again. difference, Tina, is that Piggy and

this horse look absolute class across the open country of Kentucky,

but is having to work for it here. We are back with Sandra Auffarth

for Germany and Opgun Louvo, the second team member, a crucial round,

remember. Andreas Dibowski fell, so they are down to three. They need

to get this girl round clear and fast. It is her first major

championship. A big question with this large German crowd, but she is

answering all of the questions so far. Jakata, Piggy French, over the

fence that Andreas Dibowski fell at. As you say, this horse is pulling,

Tina, you can see how Piggy is trying to set up the narrow

question, now coming towards the end of the course, this is fence 23,

for this - that one is out of the way. 1:58 to get home. I think she

is going to get a few time faults. Sandra Auffarth for Germany. Safely

through the water complex now. That comes at fence 14 and 15. Looks to

have set out quite quickly. Incidentally, Jayne Doherty, for

Ireland, she did finish, finished in a minute over, 11:07. Has added

44.8 on cross-country so 94.8 for Ireland's Jayne Doherty. Jakata

going the wrong way here at the big open ditch close home. I thought

that Piggy would have to do that, even though she's down a little bit

on time. I think because Jakata is pulling so much, she didn't want to

risk a silly mistake there and I do believe that was certainly team

orders early on. She is not going to be far over the time.

interesting thing here, Tina, is with London at Greenwich on that

sort of terrain, which is going to be quite tight, it will be twisty

there, Jakata is definitely going to be quite difficult to ride from

what we have seen this afternoon. She is home, 14 seconds over. She

will be 16, 17, yeah, 17 it is. 47.2. Piggy into second place

currently. Pleased with that, Tina? I feel for Piggy. For her, to do a

cross-country time is so easy. She is so skilful at that part of her

cross-country riding. I think she will be frustrated to be getting

any time faults at all. Sandra Auffarth, a key second rider.

Remember, Germany down to three. They had that very good overnight

lead after dressage. This horse, when she asked it to go forward, he

really does open up in her hands. She was quite chancey. You would

probably like to see a little bit more control on the approach. She

rather stood off it. If you were there with the training of a horse,

you wouldn't want to be having that sort of stride. He just could

easily have caught a knee and mistake is made. He is a lovely

big-striding horse and hugely talented. Just maybe at those

technical fences, you would just want a little bit more control and

really does kick and the horse just bursts away. He is a big, scopey

horse. Your first reaction after that?

Frustrated. That would be a polite way of putting it. He jumped really

well. I was like, "Gosh, not here, we don't need to do that here." He

jumped generally really well. He just gets strung out. The more

tired he gets, the lower he puts his head. I heard the watch beeping

further and further away from where I should be. Oh God. There was that

heart stopping moment in the arena. Take us through that one. I think

he went on and off it, which isn't the idea. I thought we have a

corner coming up, do I go the long route? There happened to be a

stride there still so I was lucky. He did a few. After the arena fence

he jumped on the tops and the bottom of the banks, so he was

the second team rider. She might just have an odd time penalty. It

is a good first team performance on a horse that looks exciting as a

nine-year-old for the German sport. She is going direct. This could put

her back on target. Is she going to get it? Oh brilliantly done!

APPLAUSE That was really class. has put her back on top. Look at

that. Almost definitely. Whether that was what she had planned to do,

but she obviously felt that the horse is going to make the distance

easier and it is going to be quicker for her. It is looking like

she has made the right decision so far. She's got two or three seconds

to stay, to go into the lead. I think she is going to go second.

Yeah, she's in the end got 0.4 which puts her on 37 and Sara

Algotsson-Ostholt is on 36 for Sweden. Still early days in the

leaderboard. That is a very good performance for 24-year-old Sandra

Artus. Again, that fence is generally riding very well for

these horses. He's a sharp, nimble little horse. You seem to fly

around that course today? Yes, my horse was brilliant. He is very

good jumper. Yeah, he was flying all the time. You also took the

short route at 27. What was the thinking there? To the beginning, I

had only that way in my head and I had not the time to go the longer

way, so he was brilliant, it was no problem for us.

Here is Frank Osthol, his wife, Sara Algotsson-Ostholt, leading at

for Sweden. Sara will have been telling her husband all about the

course. Amazingly, he is riding as an individual for Germany. He has

been part of the gold medal success, both in the Worlds in 2006 and then

of course the Olympic gold in Hong be wanting to make sure the horse

keeps straight on his line. The selectors have felt there is a

reason why that they have been left out of the team. I would have

thought Frank would be fairly disappointed with that decision. So

it is going to be vitally important for him now to show them that they

may have chosen the wrong ones and to prove to them. On this horse, it

is not like he is a young horse - he is 13 years old - but there has

to be some questions as to why they were left out of the German team

this year. Here is a lady who will be part of the British team in

years to come - Laura Collett. A very cool, young lady, this one.

She has won more medals in the juniors than anyone else. She has

been a European young rider champion. What can she do here at

her first senior performance? Dirk Schrade, so helped by Betina Hoy.

Taking that long route, only three have gone direct there. Sandra

Auffarth under pressure rode it probably the best of all, actually.

So, mixed messages cominging back from the German squad -- coming

back from the German squad at the moment? This competition is full of

surprises. To be honest, it is what you expect when cou come here and

it adds -- you come here and it adds to the excitement. We are

getting half-way through the day now. Just wanting to respect the

last - got a little bit close to that. 15 seconds over the time.

time faults to add. So Dirk Schrade, 42.7. Dirk Schrade, very good

dressage, eighth overnight. Goes The British individual. Having to

work quite hard through that water. It does come up quite early. There

has been a big build up for her coming here. She is young, but she

has had the experience. People have been expecting great things from

her. Look at that. Isn't that a great sight? I wonder whether they

will be here. But back with Laura. the favoured option. A nice, level

distance. Oh! She's had a run-out. Really, that was very frustrating.

Most riders were thinking of going for the five across there. You'd

have to say, on initial thoughts, it was a little bit four and a half.

Just not working together. She lost concentration and she will be

totally gutted about that. Here is a man that could do it today,

change the leaderboard. He's chasing to do the top of the

leaderboard at the moment. Some of the dressage leaders to come later,

no more so than Ingrid Klimke. His wife, Sarah, is leading on 36. But

then it is Germany's second and third. Dirk Schrade is third.

was lucky, he went the right side of it so it will not be any penalty.

A good decision. Now he's going to be over, but it's only going to be

a whisker. Very expensive on this part of the scoreboard. Mum it's

of help from Frank. He's really driving down the finish. He is

pleased. 15 seconds over the time. Six time faults to land for Frank

Osthol. He goes to 40. He moves That is her second refusal, three

on the course and I'm afraid she would have to walk home. Now, where

is she going? I imagine she will be going over to the other side. Up

the steps. Things are not going her way now. She's just going to have

to sit down and get on with it. Really give him a kick. Susanna

Bordone, for Italy, an important round with Carrera, a very

experienced horse. She was here in June. She had a huge chunk taken

out of her face by a horse that literally bit her. She had an

operation, but she's determined to ride here. She's a two or three

riders with the elimination of the cross country by Andreas Dibowski.

We've just heard that Laura Collett had a third refusal, so she is

eliminated from the competition. Little Carrera, pulling pretty hard.

She's run out! Not for the first time. Just glanced off. She will be

disappointed with that. That is going to give the Italians that

little bit more penalty, a little bit more difficult to qualify. She

If you don't mind what telling us, what happened? He was switched off

from the start. He's normally a good cross country course. His mind

was elsewhere. The first problem came at the corner, in the arena.

He never locked on. He was the same the whole way round. It made it

quite difficult. Can you find a reason why? Not right now. We are

taking home and test his blood and stuff, see how he is. But he seems

all righted himself. Whether his mind was on the crowd or what, but

he did Badminton and he was fine. It could be the ground, it could be

a number of things. We'll wait and France. Tomatina surely, riding

Ocarina de Chanois is. -- Tomatina the Coffin. Right at the end. They

jump at the very well. Carrera had that refusal. France are now trying

to qualify for London. Their last Olympics was disaster. They only

ran two, in the end, in the country. It will be interesting how strong

it gets as it goes around the course. A big, powerful jumbo. He's

a very stylish jockey. Looks very slowing out in front of the fence,

just to prepare the horse. Great Britain's third team rider, waiting

in the wings. It is Mary King on Imperial Cavalier. The horse which

has been so much part of her great success in recent times. Third at

Badminton the last time, they went on to win one and two in Kentucky

as well. Back with the Frenchman, soft did, round feel on top of the

loch. The horses can just slither over it. He's certainly got his

foot down, going for the time. Did get quite close, not that Sharpe

getting his front legs out of the way. He's looking secure. Making it

very clear where the horse has got to go. Mary King, what a record

she's got. Four-time Olympian. Clean round, she doesn't get a good

got to do, such a confident horse. He can move and gallop, he's got a

fantastic job. Confident over the round to the big Rolex Turn. The

big ditch towards the drop. Only three have gone the direct route. I

think he's got plenty of time to get home. He could bring joy to

France, has effectively their second team member, with Pascal

Leroy going out after a fall. course to hold together, which he

did. Got to sit up quickly. -- a more time than you need to. I think

he'll do it. Mary King, Imperial positive through the first part.

All she's having to do is ride him through it. Really driving to the

finish. So, he stays on his score. Donatien Schauly for France. So, he

moves ahead of Piggy French. He moved into 5th, Piggy French was

goatee here a lot more about for France, Donatien Schauly. -- we had

right, but she kept at hand on. This shortens him and gets his

attention. Another experienced piece of riding. Mary King, 50 last

year. As keen and hungry as ever. She's got a very talented young

daughter, already on her way internationally. Safely over fence

11. Back into the country. Ingrid Klimke for Germany. The third team

member. Here is a crucial run-out. A FRH Butts Abraxxas, the lead

after dressage. Germany are down to three team members. A clean round,

crucial for Germany if they are going to maintain their lead and

win the European team title here. This horse has such an amazing

temperament. Stood perfectly still in the start box. Most horses would

be jumping up and down. Ingrid, giving him a pat over the first

fence, getting the confidence. It showed in the dressage, the

beautiful control and has moved the test was. What a fabulous brain

this horse has got. The rain has eased off. Here comes Mary King,

Imperial Cavalier. She's come down the left route... The horse just

tripped up on the step. Mary King has gone, Britain are down to three.

Didn't dredge the bank at all. Didn't really have a stride. Nasty

fall. Nearly getting her foot caught. The airbag has blown up, it

can get very tight. I'm sure she's OK. She's being held to get her

back protector off. It's there to protect you if you have a fall like

that. The 30th running of the championships, full of drama. Now

we are back, waiting for Ingrid Klimke to come through to fence

four. Here she comes with Butts Abraxxas. Ingrid Klimke, you might

remember that she had a fall and made herself a bit of a leg injury.

But she's come back. Quickly through four and five. This is the

way she rides cross country, she rides right on the limit. Good to

say, Mary King getting at. -- big crowd and she's really going

for it. She's absolutely making the horse's mind up. Ridden very well.

Just keeping a real flow. Took a stride out there. The crowd are

really behind her. Clapping and cheering from everybody, really

thrilled to see her going so well. She's in the lead. There's always

pressure on the leader. But anybody situation. Well, Ingrid Klimke

getting so close. -- team the behind them after the dressage.

Andreas Dibowski fell out. Piggy French, Nicola Wilson, they went

clear and fast for Britain. That looked to put the advantage back

for Britain. You have to say, with Ingrid Klimke on the course, it is

going back Germany's wave. But this lady has to stay clear. The crowd

have really come out on the course now. That is the crowd towards the

end, over that big Rolex Turn at fence 27. Ingrid goes to the big

silver birch. The silver birch Oxer, coming at 13. It is the fence that

has caused problems a little bit. Ingrid rode that really well. It's

easy to come around the corner, thinking about the clock and not

presenting to that relatively straightforward, but clearly big

fence. I should think that she has probably seen some of the falls

earlier on. She's learning, seeing from those mistakes. A good looks

like she is chattering away to herself. -- ING grip. Making sure

she's keeping up to the instructions she wants to give to

Everything is going her way so far. Ingrid, who was in the team when it

all went so horribly wrong for the Germans - in fact she didn't

compete on this horse, FRH Butts Abraxxas. But on her home ground

she has set her heart on putting the record straight. Still leading

at the moment, individually, Sara Algotsson-Ostholt, on a score of 36.

This lady could change all of that and put Germany perhaps in the box

Ingrid Klimke just has to respect that bend - there is a big log pile,

table, as you come round the corner. You could easily make a mistake

there. Back into the darkness of the wood. Getting cut-up on the

approach. Very smooth. She's driving away. She would be OK on

the time now. It will be interesting to see what team orders

Surely she will go round. We will see. Here she comes. This is the

Rolex Turn at 27. She is going straight. Oh! Easy! Is this the

European Champion in waiting? at Ingrid's face, she is so pleased

with that performance. That was - she knew that was a massive risk

and it has paid off for her. Shh could just be her Championship.

Going straight there does put her straight back in line for going

inside the time. Her dressage score was a brilliant performance. She is

going to do it, she is going to be three seconds inside the time. She

goes a little more than a fence ahead of Sara Algotsson-Ostholt.

Germany's Ingrid Klimke, brilliant round, followed up from the

dressage yesterday, takes the lead individually and now will be the

overnight leader. There is her husband and daughter alongside.

They will be thrilled. Here is that place looks very good for Germany.

This the last of the team rounds now for Sweden, it is Malin

finished 14th in Kentucky after going very well in the dressage.

Got a bit tired towards the end. But went very impressively and

hadn't done much since Stefano's wife has been quite ill. Luckily,

she is much, much better and he has been able to put the work into this

horse. He is setting out very positively.

Fantastic stuff. Take us through beginning felt him really going and

the ground is quite deep, it takes the horse to keep cantering. He is

a small horse. I felt he was like a little racehorse. Especially in the

beginning on the trees. Then he saw the boat and was a bit spooky. I

thought we have to be encouraged. Then the rest went fluently, fun

and I felt him brilliantly jumping and bold and I knew that I was

having quite a good time. I wanted to risk, I wanted to ride the last

complex direct. So I was lucky to try it and it went so much fun, so

well. So this now is Malin Petersen -

this combination went well two years ago, finished 12th

individually. They are based in Germany, they do a lot of their

work there. So to get their last rider home clear and fast,

certainly does put them in touch of a London qualification for next

year's Olympics. Back with the key round for Italy - really positive

here, too positive? Oh! Stefano him. APPLAUSE So clever over that

fence. Just for a moment, I was wondering whether he had just

locked on to the corner. Hopefully, now they have got out of the arena,

they can settle into more of a rhythm. It looked a little fast and

furious earlier on. Malin Petersen is at the Rolex Turn, going the

wrong way. Interesting to see this horse's time. Piccadilly Z - he is

from one of the world's top studs. She is going to be over the time.

This is a good team performance. Malin, very much focused for the

last two jumping efforts - 40 jumping efforts on the course.

10:05 the time allowed. She is over that. Stands off that last. It will

be so disappointing to fall at these last two logs - she is over

both of them. APPLAUSE There will be 26 or 27 seconds over - 27 it is.

63:1 it is for Sweden's Malin Petersen. Karin Donckers waits at

the start for Belgium. A lady who has got probably more fourth

finishes just out of medals than probably anyone else in the world.

the 11-year-old stallion nearly parted company with Karin at the

firs. Well! That was a massive -- the first? Well! That was a massive

wake-up call. There is lazy and having a refusal at the first fence.

That will definitely get her blood up to really wake up and get on

14, now 15. Trying to be careful not to pop up the step and not trip

up that. That's such a safer route going down that line. When you have

got a horse like this, he will be able to gallop and make up those

few seconds that it takes to go down that line. He is sitting back,

hasn't got time to shorten his rein,. The horse is sharp. Really

neat there. That is what you want from an event horse, to be able to

get his knees out of the way. is a very different picture to what

was seen in Kentucky, that is for sure. Definitely got his

would seem to have got the alarm bells over and done with. APPLAUSE

Stefano Brecciaroli - this horse looks so much neater and lighter on

his feet. The stallion isn't really built for galloping. He does the

jumping job, but this horse is so quick and athletic. Everything

about him is what you are looking for. That won't be going through

his mind at the moment, he will be concentrating and putting that

horse in the right position to do his job. That means just taking a

bit of pace away, get his line and then be positive. He was there! No

question - two strides. Now, he can press the accelerator to go round

she had to take a pull. The horse was very genuine to her there.

Shortened up and jumped it perfectly well in the end. That is

where genuine horses are so important. If they are not, they

can stop when she makes an adjustment like that. Very, very

experienced. They know each other Apollo van de Wendi Kurt Hoeve is

coming to the Rolex Turn. An important round for Italy. They

remember won silver two years ago. I don't think he is riding the

tidiest finish that you might see at Cheltenham. A pat down the neck.

This has been a performance that has been half expected because he's

a horse that is very, very much thought of. Coming to the last two

fences. He's got time penalties. He was in sixth place. He's got 23

time penalties, 0.4 for every one of those, so 9:02 time penalties,

he goes just ahead of Donatien Schauly for France. Here is Nicolas

Touzaint on the course. This is a crucial round for France. Twice

European Champions away. Neptune de Sartene, he is a young horse that

he has produced very carefully. His old horses are certainly past their

best. This is the horse that he's putting his life on for the future.

31 years old, the Frenchman, Nicolas Touzaint. Oh! That looks

like Karin Donckers. Yes, it is. It is Karin Donckers. Oh! Lamicell

Charizard. Just had a horrible fall into the water. Thank goodness they

are both up. He has water down his ears - poor boy. May see what

happened there. That was a real shame. At least they are walking

out all in one piece. The poor horse will hate having that water

Sartene from France. APPLAUSE France trying to push Britain right

to the line now. Germany, France, Britain - France have been second

in a European Championships seven times. They have never won the

title. At the moment, it's looking very much Germany's way. Now, for

Ireland, three left to go - it is Sam Watson away. Sam Watson and his

very good horse - Horseware Bushman. He likes to wave his elbows around

a bit, pushes his horse through. He is usually very quick across the

country. He doesn't waste any time at all. This horse looks like he

gallops very easily within himself. Horseware Bushman - Sam Watson

making him get on and get across that water, which he does. APPLAUSE

Following in the footsteps of his father John Watson who won a silver

medal in the Worlds in 1978. This is his son who could well equal if

This is a round that could put France very much in contention for

medals in the team. It looks like it's between France, Germany and

Britain. Britain have the advantage in the gold medal position. Sam

Watson, worth Horseware Bushman, in the ring. A good flow around there.

The horse is locked on, focused. Decided to go for the five strides.

Looking at the safe options. He's looking revved up, he's looking

like he's going to have a real crack at the time. He's had a

mind up. No doubt in his mind about putting that extra stride in that

long distance across the water. William Fox-Pitt, the last for

Britain. There he is. Some anxious moments for the British team. Mary

King, you may remember, fell at fence 14 and 15, into the water.

This manner, it all depends on him what colour the metal is going to

title in Kentucky, the last man at his best. A run-out... In fact,

it's a refusal for Sam Watson. he was being quite punchy with a

horse. He felt it really backing off. Then a lovely clean jumper. He

will be so disappointed. What caused that? It's not a course that

normally stops and cross-country. He did have penalties when he

represented Ireland. Here is could go forth on the edge of the

medals. Ingrid Klimke is leading. 30 years her score. Sandra Auffarth

for Germany is third. He could change this, he can get in touching

all going to be counted. So tight at the top. Each penalty is so

expensive, for Sinn -- pushing you further away from the individual

medals. Ingrid will be thrilled because it gives her a little bit

more transfer when it comes to the show jumping on the final day. The

clock is ticking already. He has four penalties, one fence for

has 9.2 time penalties given. 47.1. He is 0.1 ahead of Piggy French.

Just gone ahead. That puts Nicholas in eight. Piggy is down to 9th. Not

looking good for Britain. What can used to this sort of pressure in

the past. It's not a pressure that he would have chosen, obviously.

The fall of Mary King, that has changed the whole team outlook.

William has got to go out and be positive. Cool Mountain has proved,

and William has as well, that they are world class. Back in the ring

for this last drama, over nine. Now 10. He cannot afford any time

faults, either. William is so smooth and cross-country. He

doesn't waste any time. Went for the stride, good decision. There is

the man that beat him in Kentucky. Michael Jung. The reigning world

champion. Can he win a world and European title? 33.3 as his score.

He was second after dressage, behind Ingrid Klimke. He cannot

lead, but he could be a fence behind. Ingrid is not known for her

skills in show jumping. Michael Jung, away. Set up, William! Oh, my

goodness, Cool Mountain. He's going to have to grab hold of the reins.

Just hope that he forgets about the water in his ears and trust jumps

the fences ahead of him. So, they are penalty-free. I thought they

were going down the left-hand side? They were, whether he was thinking

of moving down the left-hand side, he was talking about adoption. I

mean, my goodness, William was sitting up. The horse was ploughing

its head through the water. An horrendous feeling. But he's got

his brains back. Luckily, he hasn't presented that option on the left-

hand side. Absolutely no way would you jump that from there. I'm not

sure what happened. I wouldn't be surprised if he hasn't lost a shoe.

More than likely, or something. For Bushman. He's had 20 penalties, he

considering this 20 penalties. would have hoped for a decent

position. 50.2. But here is the cool cookie from Germany. Michael

to end. Now, William Fox-Pitt. What effect has that narrow escape at

horse. And it does look like he's possibly lost a shoe. That will not

help going around the corners. Just looking... You've got to ride

positively. You've got to put it behind you. I'm not sure, but

certainly troubled the horse. The horse was quite tense in the

dressage. He didn't get the performance that he was hoping for

man's skill, to get the confidence back into the course. Michael Jung,

the dressage as well. Both of these two horses were not relaxed as they

could be. The German crowd, following him around the course.

Perfect, there. Confident Pat down the neck of La Biosthetique-Sam.

William Fox-Pitt, Cool Mountain. Silver medallist behind Michael

Jung. A man who has won 17 gold, or two cell that the euros. If Britain

are going to win a team medal, he needs to stay fast and clear.

lovely shot. Now he's going to have to really kick through the woods. A

thoroughbred horse, he should be able to gallop on the straight

stretches. Clean and slip through the water fence. He manages to

crouch right down onto the course's for the gold medal. He's gone down

the right-hand side. That has to be a sensible decision, I would have

thought. It has looked like that. When you are sat on a horse like

this, you just take away that risk factor. You have to say, William

was unlucky. Pecking in the water. The drop is so much less on this

side. This is a man that has jumped into prominence, right at the top

of the sport. He and his father do all of the planning and the worker.

They are a real team. They are certainly giving Germany the edge.

Remember, Germany were the overnight leaders after dressage.

It looks like they are going to do the business. France have finished

on a score of 151.1. Sweden are 173.2. William Fox-Pitt... And he's

going straight! That is going to cause him problems... Is it? What a

good horse! That was absolutely brilliant. He had no option but to

go there. He was down on the clock. The original team plan was to go

along, William changed his mind. To catch his knee on the corner, that

is what they were worried about. That put him back on schedule again.

So, he is going to finish on his dressage score of 42.7. He does. He

goes ahead off Dirk Schrade. He goes into 5th place, behind Frank

Osthol. There will be some stories to tell, surely, from William Fox-

Pitt. Wow. He had his nine lives, didn't he? Actually, it doesn't

look like he's lost a shoe. It will be interesting to talk to him later.

Let's hope that the horse is in one piece. We get back to watching

Michael Jung. If he just produces horses so well. The ownership of

this horse looked under threat last winter. It looked as though Michael

Jung might lose the ride on the horse. Eventually, it was sealed,

with some German federation support. The ownership is now secure for

this man to ride. He is class. He really is class. World champion,

trying to add the Europeans to it. He took a chance, there. Didn't he?

I agree! That was quite a chance. He lengthened as he went through

the water. I was thinking, you're going to be getting a flyer. When

horses Llandow they drop fence at that speed, there is always the

risk of a peck. -- when horses land on a drop fence at that speed. You

always wonder if it's necessary to take that sort of chance. He looks

Klimke cannot be beaten. She's out front, individually, or 30. Michael

Jung, if he goes inside the time, and he looks set for it, he would

go second. Sara Algotsson-Ostholt would be third for Sweden,

individually. Then it would be Sandra Auffarth. William Fox-Pitt

would be 6th. Dirk Schrade are would be second -- 7th. It looks

like the Germans would have the team gold medal. At the moment,

after cross country. Seems to be in the bag, with show jumping to come.

But they only have three riders and they have inspections and show

jumping to come. I was going to say, we've got quite a way to go yet.

They've got to get past these tricky few fences. Nothing is

guaranteed. You cannot assume anything. It's so exciting, this

cross country. Well, this really has been a tremendous day's sport.

Right at the very last. Germany have won it three times. They

haven't won it since. 1989, name that was when the Germans last won

it. England are not looking strong for it at the moment. He's going

straight. What a shot. Took a stride out. Goodness, he came in at

some speed. I was wandering, William's horse got a very close to

it. There is a brave man, he's looking cool and calm. He is. He's

ridden with a lot of accuracy. He's taken a chance or two. Sometimes it

pays off, sometimes it doesn't. Today it is definitely the Germans'

a day. Despite Donatien Schauly going out, the first team member,

they finish on a high. Germany will finish on a score of 100.3. A so,

that is definitely Germany to the two - Sara Algotsson-Ostholt is in

in case you were bored, I thought I would brighten things up! That was

not my plan. What an amazing horse. He was so brave and genuine and it

wasn't his fault at all, the water is one of those things that does

happen. I saw Mark Kyle do it earlier on. I don't know how he

stood up. He had water in his ears. We were still on the clock, I

couldn't quite believe that. I kept going and he picked up. I think he

cleared all the water out of his lungs a bit and got a second wind

and we were flying. I said to Yogi, I prefer the direct route for him,

he is very genuine on line, was I allowed to do it? He said no, of

course you are, if that is what you believe. With Mary out, it was a

big risk. Again, I ran too deep into that corner after the hedge.

As I took off, I thought this isn't going to be good. Because he was a

bit tired, he clipped it. We were facing the C element and I was

thinking it is too late to pull off. I said, "You can do it" and he just

had another go. How amazing was he? Michael, how pleased are you with

that round? I'm very happy. It is a really good horse. A strong horse.

Very flexible. From the beginning, I had a very good feeling for my

horse. He jumps really well. Yeah, very fresh. I'm happy. Did you feel

under any pressure after Andreas Dibowski's fall? The pressure is in

every competition. We do the best we can. Yeah, I hope that it is OK.

Here is the team position. Germany have got now - they have increased

their lead over Great Britain. Tina has joined me to reflect on

yesterday. How is Mary? I have seen Mary this morning. She is fine. She

was taken to hospital to have some precautionary x-rays. No bones

broken, absolutely fine. Disappointed, though, with the fall.

She is looking forward to next week. What did you make of our team

performance yesterday? Obviously, Great Britain were disappointing.

They would like to be threatening for the gold. Things didn't go

quite our way yesterday. A few time faults here and there. Obviously,

Mary falling and being out of the team, so we were down to three. The

Germans were on fire. Everything went well for them. Lots of

pressure on William Fox-Pitt after Mary's fall? The Anchorman! It can

be the best position in the world and sometimes the worst. After

Mary's fall, he had to go clear and fast. A few little trips and

mistakes around the cross-country, but he was magnificent. He really

got Britain back in medal position. Although we are still in silver

position, are we too far behind the Germans to make up the ground in

the showjumping? Unfortunately, it does look like that. They are ten

fences ahead of us. It will need a miracle and a disaster from the

Germans for us to catch up. We have to put in good performances to

secure the silver. France are only two fences behind us. So we can't

relax. We have still got to keep our performances up. We have heard

that four horses won't be making the line-up. Two horses weren't

presented. Two others failed the inspection. Our horses are OK?

horses are fine. The ground was fantastic yesterday. The other

horses that weren't presented, they are minor injuries that the riders

don't feel they want to present their horses for the final phase,

but nothing serious. It is time to let Tina go. She will join Mike for

the climax of the event - the showjumping.

This is the French team member, it is Stanislas de Zuchowicz on

Quirinal de la Bastide. 58.4 his current score. He is lying at the

moment in 18th place. 2.8 time penalties yesterday. The French are

chasing us. They have three team members to come - Pascal Leroy fell

yesterday, France down to three team members, as is Britain, as is

Germany. All above us. But Stanislas de Zuchowicz on 58.4.

This is the battle now for the our breath. Competition further

down is wide-open. This is quite a big horse to hold together. Just

have to see how he's come out from the riders. Riders put enough

pressure on themselves anyway to put in a faultless performance.

When you know there is only three of you left, it's a lot more

pressure. He was one of the few riders from France who abgcomully

got round all three phases -- actually got round all three phases

two years ago. Germany have made huge use of that here, they have

impressed. This man very experienced. He's in the services.

He is showing it. He is giving this horse a fabulous ride. He is a big,

striding horse. He's giving the horse enough time to get his legs

out the way and leave the fences up. He was 26 individually in Kentucky.

Coming down to the last. That is a good round. APPLAUSE It is a good

round. It is inside the time. Pressure on for Britain. So he goes

clear - 58.4. He was the lowest of the French team members in the

position of 18th. That is an important clear. There is the team

position as it stands. It is really close between Britain and France.

There's only two fences in it. Sweden look to be cementing their

place in fourth. Not sure they will catch France. Now, wherever you are,

sit tight, it's the first of the British three trying to get the

silver medal. It is Nicholas Wilson, another outstanding performance --

Nicola Wilson, another outstanding performance on Opposition Buzz

yesterday. Lying 14th. It is a clear round for the team which is

pressure before. Doesn't always necessarily mean it is any easier -

I think that vertical has gone. A little bit quick over the fence.

Opposition Buzz has his own style of getting over a fence and Nicola

does ride him so beautifully. He's not necessarily everyone's cup of

tea. They do have such a partnership. He can be a bit quick

over his fences and there, she did an amazing job to shorten him up to

ahead of the French and the French have had one clear round. It is

upping the pressure. Really can't afford to have another one. Just

got to try and steady him up. Time a little nudge. But Nicola Wilson

does the job yet again. This lovely 14-year-old, home bred, he's been

such a star. She joined the team to help Britain win team gold two

years ago and she has done little wrong since. She goes on to 56.7.

How pleased were you with that? was very pleased. Very disappointed

to have a fence. It is very unlike him. He jumped a beautiful round in

there. I'm thrilled to bits. I hope that one fence doesn't alter the

team position. What will you be telling Piggy and William? I don't

think I need to tell them anything, they are so experienced. I will be

there if they want to ask a question. They are superb riders. I

am sure they will do a fabulous job. Easy to put that first fence out of

your mind after you have made that mistake? You have to. I thought

through the treble, I thought oh gosh, come on, but no he was lovely.

Thrilled with him. He has been super. Piggy coming up now. We will

let you support her. Thank you. Now, Britain's Piggy French. Piggy

French with Jakata. Good performance yesterday. 6.8 time

penalties. He pulled very hard. She was very frustrated and is 11th on

47.2. Now, of course, Britain in need of clear rounds here to keep

phases. She admits she doesn't feel the nerves in this phase which I

always think is amazing. It's so important to leave the fences up.

They are really getting a thinking, she has a real art with

these tricky types of horses. She was disappointed, she was very hard

on herself yesterday to get the time faults. Oh! Just tightened up

behind. Dragged his hind legs through. They are no more than one

penalty ahead of France. I can hardly breathe. He has to jump the

last. She does! APPLAUSE It's one to add, 51.2 for Piggy French and

Jakata. Remember, second behind the great Mark Todd at Badminton. She

is a real star that Britain needs to build on for London next year.

My word, Luhmuhlen has been a wake- up call for the British squad.

got tight in his back. Lazy behind. Piggy trying to sort him out to

make sure there was no more faults still to come. Good performance by

Piggy, really. One to come for Britain, of course. William Fox-

Pitt. Now for France, here is a crucial round. If France are going

to put the pressure on Britain for that silver - and France have

finished second on seven occasions - they have never won the title. I

don't think they will do today. They might get ahead of Britain. If

this man jumps a clear, the pressure is on for the final riders

for each of the two nations. The double European Champion, with his

lovely young horse, Neptune de rounds under this sort of pressure.

This horse was very impressive and a good back-up horse because he's

had to sell some of his other team horses. A lot of the riders have to

sell to earn a bit of money to be able to continue to compete at this

level. He's been producing this horse to take over as his mainstay

in the team so he's used to the pressure. Just hoping that the

dressage score across the country yesterday. It is a horse that looks

more in reserve. He has to jump the last for the clear and he does!

APPLAUSE It is game on for that silver medal. Britain have to

depend on William Fox-Pitt to hold his nerve. It's going to be

nailbiting time for you back at home. Nicolas Touzaint is back.

That double European Champion, he so nearly won gold individually in

Athens. This is a horse to put the man's talents back on top of the

Obviously, he jumped OK. He was more sore than I thought yesterday.

It wasn't - he didn't jump like he could do. I found him quite

difficult. Having to ride him differently to how I would normally.

One pole down, it felt like it could be a few more. I don't know

how we are getting on. We didn't need that, I should think. It is

very close. The French are putting in some clear rounds. You said you

weren't quite sure, or you are not quite sure why he didn't jump at

his best today. Were you saying his muscles? A little bit. Some days,

it can take more out of them than others. This morning, he's needed a

bit of work to loosen him off. CHEERING Hopefully, that is not

another clear... Another clear round for the French! I was saying

hopefully it wasn't. It probably is. Oh well. All down to William again

now. Like yesterday! Pressure much on him again. Thank you for talking

really impressed, Donatien Schauly. He's 26, riding Ocarina de Chanois

is. If he jumped clear, he's a team member. Wiliam has got to jump

clear to win the silver. If he has worn down, Britain have a little

bit of breathing space. I would like to emphasise a little bit more.

Cool Mountain has got to come out today and show what he can do.

Stumbles, wasn't the luckiest course yesterday, but William did

the best job on him. -- pluckiest tan Air show jumping round so far.

We have seen some world-class riding through the whole of the

competition. France have won Olympic gold, world gold. But not

European. Just the last! He's done it! He's done it. Donatien Schauly,

the young French army officer, he is being French champion for the

last two years. He stays on his dressage score and that's a

tremendous achievement for this young man. He's a real man for the

future in world sports. No wonder they are pleased and punching the

air. The French have really, really held strong, putting masses of

pressure on the British team. Absolutely right, he should be

pleased with that horse's Britain have got to jump clear to

going to be a classic. It's certainly proving that way. In

comes Stefano Brecciaroli. It's a very talented horse. Produced back

at home in Belgium, but bought by Susanna Bordone's mother for the

Italians. This man rides it beautifully. He added 9.2 time

penalties. We thought he was travelling quicker than that. He

now lies 8th. They were silver medallists, but what a quality

horse. This is a horse that has caught the eye last year. Even more

so so far this year. I absolutely love him. The quality, he's got the

movement, he looks to be class in all three phases. He's come out

today and he's really wanting to be careful, very quick off the floor.

You are looking for an event horse, and that is what you want them to

do, to come out on the last day and look athletic. It makes your job so

much easier. Yesterday, Stefano did look very quick. We couldn't

believe he'd got time faults. They didn't object to it, so they

clearly felt there was time lost in certain places. But it doesn't take

away from the scores's performance. -- this horse's performance.

classic round again. He is a lovely, lovely horse. He stays on his 45.

Italy is not going to win a medal this time. But they are gathering a

team together for the future. Fantastic performance from Stefano.

He's had a few personal situations going on at the moment, so he

hasn't been able to spend as much time working on his horses. But

when you got a CALS like this to look forward to, my word, doesn't

it make it a much better situation? Germany. We I in the top seven now.

As of those seven, Germany have five. That is the sort of strength

they have shown. Dirk Schrade, who has been a team member since he was

15 years old. The an individual in 2006. He has brought another very

good horse, hop and skip. There is Peter Thomsen on the right. One of

his colleagues. Dirk Schrade, just six time faults. A very good

dressage. That is where Germany really showed how strong they were.

Some very exciting dressage for them. Exciting news for the rest of

the world, they are really going to be hard to keep out of the top

positions when they perform like age on his side. He's 15. It's

great to see these older horses staying and eventing into their

teenage years. They put so much work into producing them. If you

manage them well enough to keep them physically able and capable.

You can get a good few years at this level. He gave that plank a

good rub. They are sitting on flat caps, they hardly take any Robben.

Goodness, he got very close. -- get a grip down the last line. A

debt and tidy in front. But luck is with him in this round. And he

jumped the last. -- a little bit going right for you, defences will

are flying. They are going to enjoy this day. Remember, Dirk Schrade is

riding as an individual. Pointing down to his Wolves, he knew he had

made a mistake. You appreciate it when a horse looks out for you, so

occasions to pull it out for Britain. Now he's got it again.

William Fox-Pitt, with his lovely horse, Cool Mountain. It's got to

After the World Championships in Kentucky, it really did look so

exciting. We knew that it was going to be a battle. There's certainly

going to have to be some thought and reviews after the event.

Britain, we put a lot of pressure on ourselves. We had so much

success at the European Championships. We knew what was

going to be tough. All of the other nations are really getting their

hats -- act together. They are setting themselves up with some

luck, that hasn't necessarily been with us this week. Let's hope we

don't necessarily have any more down. We are only talking about one

fence, but it can become crucial. And William jumped the last. Almost

an unlucky one. But if they are moment of the team. France moves up

to the silver medal position. That is how it will remain, and last

Germany has some unusual disaster. -- unless.

Was there a feeling of disappointment after what happened

today? They can only be. You know, each of as have a lot of talent, it

is disappointing. They all great jumpers and it just wasn't

happening. If you look back over the last few days, we are all lucky

to be here. We are lucky to be in one piece this morning. There's a

lot to be taken from it, in a positive way. A bronze medal is

fantastic, given the week we have had. The individual next for

Germany. It is Frank Osthol. When you leave out a man who has won a

medal, you know how it is. Little Paint, just six time faults

yesterday. His brother was an individual as well. His 5th in the

moment on 40. He is literally 10 marks behind the current individual

pressing for an individual medal. He will, he is only one fence

behind bronze. As close as that. Four points between Sara Algotsson-

Ostholt, his wife, and him. Could be a bit of a family discussion.

That will be an interesting meal as well, on home territory. He got

a flier. The horse came up to him. carefully. The poles are so light.

Those Germans are really seeing their very best performance. He

stays on 40. We've now got a battle for the individual medals. The home

crowd love that. Very interesting, Tina, they stepped up to the

world's top as a vocation. Since they have done that, the Germans

have got stronger and stronger. Absolutely, to have this sort of

course, you can see that horse really wanting to try and jump that

last fence. Good old Frank, he is enjoying every minute. That is what

it is all about. Your horse has really put it in for you. He's just

going to wind it down now. Enjoy the team mates go for the gold

medal. Here is one of the young stars, and coming. Almost there, I

would suggest. 24-year-old Sandra trying to hang on. She's trying to

secure and individual bronze medal, or even an individual medal, at her

first attempt. She was a show jumper, but this was such a good

looking round yesterday. Just 1.6 time, four seconds over in an

otherwise great cross country round. This combination really is the

talking horse of the championships. It really looks like a horse that

has got it all, in all three phases. A de CALS, gets his knees-up around

stretch of the imagination, but it makes it so much easier when the

horse has the natural ability to hold his front legs. It helps when

you've got the clock ticking and the time in your mind as well.

a combination of the HSBC bursary and here. You can see why. Classic

Ground. She has put herself in with a chance of a medal. She goes clear

air, she stays on 37. She is one seen so many class performances

here, I feel like I am repeating myself. There have been some world-

class horses here. The Olympics next year will be so exciting.

Aren't they just! Look at that crowd on the bank alongside us here.

We were talking about the lovely Opgun Louvo. This is Sara

Algotsson-Ostholt and Wega. It's a lovely horse, Swedish bloodlines.

This was inside the time yesterday. They were seventh after dressage.

Then with a classic clear round yesterday, moved up to third, the

bronze medal position. Can they hold it or could they go even

it looked like it was going to do the job today. It's so far doing

real jumping machine, Tina. It is great - exactly - to have a matter,

yes she is here as a competition horse, but if you bred here, you

can breed from her again. Look at their future as well. What a

fabulous horse to have in your yard and so proud when you have produced

Oh! Sweden and Sara Algotsson- Ostholt loses the individual bronze.

She gets four for the first fence down and four for the refusal.

There is likely to be time penalties as well. It means Sandra

Auffarth will definitely get bronze. Germany could get gold, silver,

bronze. Just missed her line going in and didn't make up the distance

through that double. Oh what a shame! APPLAUSE That was such a

disappointing end. It is 18 to add. Well! That's time faults, the

biggest problem there. It is one for one over that time allowed of

89 seconds. So she finishes on a score of 54. Poor Sara, Frank

Osthol will have to be consoling her tonight. So near but yet so far.

Just so unfortunate. She was just a little bit off that vertical. The

horse then felt that it needed to put another stride in. He could not

jump it. Because the pole came with her, didn't feel that she could

jump out over it. That is one of the worst nightmares when you are

dreaming of your showjumping round. APPLAUSE To lose a medal like that,

how disappointing for her. moves down to 11th at the moment.

This's two to go. Now, it is the World Champion, Michael Jung with

convincing to win the individual world title in the World Equestrian

Games in Kentucky. He was pretty convincing yesterday. He was quite

unbelievable at the third last. Chose to go the quick route. Took a

stride out to that corner, it was quite breathtaking to watch.

Probably didn't plan to go through three strides but that was the

position he was in so he went with it. The important part here is that

if he jumps a clear round, he very much puts the pressure on the

current leader after cross-country, Ingrid Klimke, with FRH Butts

Abraxxas, who has not always been the easiest show jumper. Tends to

be the weakest phase. You have to jump clear if this man jumps clear

to win. So there is a battle on this horse has jumped beautifully.

What a round! CHEERING AND APPLAUSE He never

looked like touching a pole. This man could end up World

Champion and European champion. What are the odds on London next

year? Oh! Michael Jung, 33.3, one round to go. Will it be Michael

Jung as European Champion, or will it be the last to go, Ingrid

jump a clear to win the European this round as well. They are quite

a long way ahead. It would have to be a big error for that to change.

But this girl is really gunning for to be in this position. Oh and

she's had the back rail at that Oxer. She didn't get very high over

that fence. This horse has dropped down in the past. Things are not

going well. It was such a lovely performance yesterday. Such a shame

to see this sort of thing happen. He looks a bit flat. I haven't seen

her ride in this bridle before. means Frank Osthol moves up to take

European individual title gone and has that - it's 24. The time is all

right. APPLAUSE 24 to add. She goes on 54 and goes right down the

leaderboard. The crowd giving her a very big hand. She is so popular.

APPLAUSE Such a pity. But it means that Michael Jung marches on and

Michael Jung now adds the European title to his world title in

Kentucky last year. It means the young Sandra Auffarth wins the

silver medal. There we are. And Frank Osthol wins the bronze.

Germany take the first four places. Italy's Stefano Brecciaroli with

Apollo van de Wendi Kurt Hoeve is fifth. The Frenchman is sixth.

William Fox-Pitt is seventh for Britain. There we go down. Then it

is Nicola Wilson in 16th. Piggy French of course finishing in the

top ten. Still a dramatic end. Here is the team standings for the 30th

the fourth time. They won it last year. They win it again here in

Luhmuhlen. France taking silver. Remember that. That is the eighth

time they have won silver, never having won gold. Britain, well

disappointing one has to say, takes the bronze. Maybe it is a wake-up

the bronze. Maybe it is a wake-up call for Olympics 2012.

Here is the individual European Champion, Michael Jung. Adding to

your world title as well, what does this mean to you? Yeah, I'm - it is

unbelievable. I'm so happy. I'm happy about my horse. The horse is

really fantastic in all three disciplines. Does a really good

dressage. Was nervous in the beginning. But he concentrate the

rest from the dressage. Super round in the cross and the jumping was

brilliant. He jumps really good. Yeah, I say thank you to all the

people who helped that I can ride the horse for a long time. I hope

we have a long future. How special was it to win this title here in

Luhmuhlen in front of your own fans? Yeah, it is really special.

In my country, many friends, many people are coming and see and I'm

very happy that this was really good. Every right to be happy. Well

done. Thank you. So congratulations to Michael Jung, he is the

individual champion. That means he is currently the reigning World and

European champion. Of course, that's helped contribute to their

team gold medal, finishing in the first four places. France took the

silver and Britain the bronze. Is there a deflated feeling? Naturally,

the British are disappointed. We came here with a strong team.

Hoping to be vying for the gold medal. To lose it in the

showjumping, just by a simple fence down, to get the bronze, but let's

not get away from the fact, it is a European Championship. Luck was not

on our side this week. A bronze medal is still a bronze medal.

There is plenty to work for to get us back on track for next year.

People come here and they look at our record and they think we will

turn up here, the worst we would hope for is silver. No individual

medals either. I think a lot of our fans would be disappointed?

Naturally they are. The Germans have fielded a strong hand this

week. Home territory. 12 riders here. They have got some world-

class combinations and younger riders coming through. Britain have

the same situation. We have got some super young riders to look

forward to for the future. It has not gone our way this weekend. We

will be there gunning at London. The equestrian show rolls on on the

So a tough few days in the office for the great British eventing team.

They came to Luhmuhlen defending a great record in the European

Championships. Ultimately, they weren't up to it. In the end

Germany win the European Championships for the first time on