Olympic showjumping individual: Britain off to great start with three clears

British riders off to a strong start in the Olympic showjumping individual qualifier — British Flag Great Britain Union Jack

(Image credit: Stock Exchng (free))

Great Britain’s hopes for further equestrian medals at the Tokyo Olympics were raised when all three riders jumped clear in Tuesday’s Olympic showjumping individual qualifier.

First to go under the British flag was 22-year-old Harry Charles, who is making his Olympic showjumping debut and riding as a late replacement for Holly Smith having been substituted in on Monday.

Hot on his heels, Ben Maher and the 12-year-old Explosion W – hotly tipped as one of the favourites for a medal at the Tokyo Olympics – soared beautifully over every obstacle with typical panache. With Explosion’s naturally fast pace, the pair produced a fast clear of 81.34sec, making them the quickest combination and surely cementing their place in pole position for Wednesday’s medal decider.

Great Britain’s third rider, Scott Brash, riding Lady Harris and Lady Kirkham’s smashing gelding Jefferson – known at home as “Jezz” – looked equally at home under the spotlights in the Olympic showjumping individual qualifier. The pair arrived in Tokyo in great shape with a couple of good grand prix wins under the belts, and jumped a spectacular clear in their first appearance of the week.

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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.

‘We’re here to get a result’: high hopes for Great Britain’s medal chances with three clears in Tokyo Olympic showjumping

Riding Ann Thompson’s Romeo 88, a 12-year-old gelding he’s only been jumping since the start of the year, Harry looked totally at ease in the Olympic amphitheatre, producing a beautifully polished clear.

“We have team tactics this week, but setting out on day one it’s looking very strong and we’re here to try and get a result.”

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