British rider Storm Straker has been announced as the new winner of the CCI4*-S at Royal Jump (28-31 May), after a “comprehensive review” by FEI headquarters into the issues around the optimum time, as reported by H&H, resulted in a change to the official results for the French event.
The optimum time in the class was altered from 7min to 6min 36 sec before the cross-country. Under the 6min 36sec optimum time, Storm was the winner with Fever Pitch, but the original time was reflected in the final results given on the day. This placed Storm in fifth because she was further from the optimum than riders who had missed the 6min 36sec target but were inside 7min. These results have now been overturned by the FEI review, and Storm recognised as the winner.
“I am very pleased that the FEI reviewed the matter thoroughly and that the results have now been corrected,” said Storm, who previously rode at the top level as an amateur, working in rural insurance, but has been riding professionally for nearly two years.
“The accuracy of course measurements and optimum times is fundamental to fair competition, and it is important for the confidence and integrity of our sport that the rules are applied consistently,” she added.
“Most of all, I am delighted for ‘Pitchie’. He gave an exceptional performance on the day, tried his heart out, and truly deserves this recognition. He has been an absolute superstar, and I am proud to see his effort reflected in the official result.”
FEI acknowledges “confusion and uncertainty” as Storm Straker judged Royal Jump winner
In a statement released today, the FEI said that the review, based on information provided by the technical delegate, course-designer, assistant course-designer, organising committee, ground jury members and participating athletes, established that:
• The cross-country course was originally measured prior to the competition at 3,990 metres, and an optimum time of 7min was initially published.
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• Following concerns regarding the accuracy of the original measurement, the course was remeasured before the CCI4*-S competition. The revised measurement determined that the course was 3,790 metres in length, 200 metres shorter than originally measured.
• Based on the revised distance, the technical delegate, in consultation with the course-designer and assistant course-designer, determined that the optimum time should be amended from 7min to 6min 36sec to comply with the speed requirements applicable to a CCI4*-S competition under FEI eventing rules.
• The revised optimum time of 6min 36sec was communicated, prior to the start of the competition, to the athletes through multiple channels, including the athletes’ briefing, information displayed at the start area, the cross-country app, the event website and verbal communication from event personnel.
• Athletes subsequently rode the cross-country phase on the understanding that the optimum time was 6min 36sec.
• Following completion of the competition, while the results were based on the optimum time of 6min 36sec, it was identified that the initial optimum time of 7min remained displayed on the official noticeboard, and the results were subsequently recalculated using 7min as the optimum time.
A spokesperson for the FEI said: “Having considered all available evidence, FEI headquarters concluded that the optimum time of 6min 36sec correctly reflected both the measured course distance and the speed requirements prescribed for a CCI4*-S competition under the FEI eventing rules.
“FEI headquarters further concluded that athletes had been clearly informed prior to the start of the competition that the optimum time had been amended to 6min 36sec and that they competed on that basis. Results based on an incorrect optimum time of 7min would be against the FEI eventing rules and would not allow athletes to earn minimum eligibility results and/or ranking points.
“For these reasons, FEI headquarters has determined that the official results of the event must be validated using an optimum time of 6min 36sec.”
These new results, with Storm as the winner, will be published on the FEI database and used to calculate the new world rankings.
“The FEI acknowledges the confusion and uncertainty that this matter has caused for participants and wishes to assure all involved that it is being taken seriously and will be reviewed thoroughly,” said the spokesperson.
“The FEI is also aware of concerns relating to certain organisational aspects of the event, including facilities and logistics, which will be addressed with the organiser.”
Pippa is a true eventing geek and has been H&H’s eventing editor since 2005. She has first-hand experience of competing up to British Eventing intermediate and international CCI2*-L level, and has worked in the industry on a top event yard. Pippa enjoys nothing more than immersing herself in the sport at the highest level, reporting from the five-stars and international championships, including the Olympics.
