British event rider Storm Straker had a frustrating end to the CCI4*-S at Royal Jump in France last week (28-31 May) when she was denied a win owing to alterations to the optimum time across country.
Storm explained that riders raised concerns after wheeling the cross-country track. The course was subsequently remeasured and the time amended from 7min to 6min 36sec.
At the riders’ briefing on Saturday evening, it was confirmed that the time had changed owing to an error in the initial measurement and also the fact fence 11 had been altered to use the three-star route, owing to deteriorating ground conditions on the original four-star route. The altered optimum time was displayed at the start box and communicated to riders by the steward before they started.
But after the competition, after a delay of more than three hours, the published results reflected an optimum time of 7min.
Under the 6min 36sec optimum time, Storm was the winner with Fever Pitch, but ultimately the original time was reflected in the final results. This meant Storm was placed fifth because she was further from the optimum than riders who had missed the 6min 36sec target but were inside 7min.
“Riders who rode positively to achieve the optimum time that had been formally communicated were ultimately disadvantaged,” said Storm, adding that 33 of 75 starters therefore finished inside the optimum time, unusual at this level, and riders only had to go at about 530mpm to achieve the time, rather than the 570mpm actually required at four-star.
“I appreciate that some riders may not have been aware of the revised optimum time. However, attendance at the riders’ briefing or obtaining the relevant information afterward is a responsibility shared by all competitors. The corrected distance and optimum time were formally communicated by the technical delegate, displayed at the start box and reiterated by officials at the start.”
Storm Straker offered compensation by Royal Jump
Storm said competitors were provided with a separate sheet showing results calculated using the 6min 36sec optimum time.
She said: “We were informed that this could be used to demonstrate to our national federations that we had in fact achieved the optimum time over the correctly measured course. However, these results are not reflected in the official FEI results, rankings, records or prize money. While the document may acknowledge what riders achieved on the day, it has no practical impact on the official outcome of the competition and therefore does not remedy the consequences of the error.”
Storm, who lost approximately €4,400 in prize-money (about £3,800) and was offered €350 compensation by the organising committee, has asked the FEI to review the circumstances surrounding the issue and to consider rectifying the placings.
“Beyond the financial implications, I feel it is important to stress the sporting significance of what was lost,” she said. “Winning a CCI4*-S is exceptionally difficult. Opportunities to compete at this level are limited, fields are highly competitive and victories are hard earned through years of investment, preparation and partnership with the horse.
“A four-star victory is a significant career achievement for any rider and an important result for owners, breeders, supporters and horses alike.”
H&H has offered the organisers at Royal Jump the opportunity to comment and this story will be updated if they respond.
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