Scott Brash finishes third to Daniel Deusser in thrilling World Cup final

Great Britain’s Scott Brash soared up the rankings on the final day of the Longines FEI World Cup jumping final in Lyon, France, to finish 3rd with Ursula XII.

“It’s my first World Cup final and I’m happy to be sitting on the podium in third,” said the world number one.

Germany led the way in a nailbiting finale with 32-year-old Daniel Deusser (Cornet D’Amour) taking the 172,500euro top prize, just ahead of Ludger Beerbaum riding Chiara 222.

“He touched the first rail, which was good for him being awake, but not the best for my nerves — it was a bit scary,” said Daniel. “In the warm-up, I was concentrating on me and my horse, I didn’t see the others.

“When I went in, the pressure was on, but after the first fence my concentration came back. To win a championship like this is an unbelievable feeling.”

Great Britain’s other representative Michael Whitaker finished just outside the top 10 in 11th.

Don’t miss the full report from the FEI World Cup in this Thursday’s issue of Horse & Hound (out on 24 April).

Jennifer Donald

H&H showjumping editor

Jennifer is passionate at showjumping and her role as H&H’s showjumping editor has taken her around the world reporting from shows and interviewing riders, connections and those involved behind the scenes. Since joining H&H from BBC Sport in 2005, she has written on every subject across the equestrian sphere — from turnout rugs to stable management — and has interviewed gold medallists, world champions and winners galore. She also has first-hand experience of working in the equestrian industry as a riding instructor and yard manager.