Going for the high jump at Olympia

The Andersen Consulting Christmas Puissance, Olympia

Geir Gulliksen and Rene Tebel shared the spoils in theAndersen Consulting Christmas Puissance, after Alex H and Renometto were the only pair to clear the 7ft 1ins wall for a fourth time. The 19-year-old Alex H is owned by German champion Ludger Beerbaum, and he thought that he had nothing more to prove byjumping one more time.

“This horse has done everything. He has won everything from speed classes to grand prix for me and my younger brother. We keep him mainly for puissance now, and he is enjoying competing”, said Geir, who has ridden the veteranhorse for the past five years and gave him a brilliant ride.

Equally pleased was Rene Tebbel, who also experienced no problems over the high wall with the ever impressive Renometto.

Third place was taken by Irish rider Cameron Hanley, who was attempting his first puissance with Ballaseyr Olympic who looked unlucky to hook a brick off behind, over 6ft7 3/4ins. “I always knew that he had a big jump, maybe next time the luck will stay with us”, he said.

British hopes faded when Michael Whitaker, John Renwick and Mark Armstrong went out in the third round after Virtual Village Steps Helsinki, American Dream and Iwan all faulted at the 6ft 4ins wall.

Also sharing fourth place was Peter Charles riding Traxdata Corrada.

Christmas Cracker

Taking the earlier headlines was German rider Franke Sloothaak, who notched up a winning double.

The popular rider headed the al l important Christmas Cracker competition riding Landdame. This class was a qualifying round for Saturday¨s World Cup qualifier, with the top 18 riders going through.

Franke went on to complete his double, when Paramo K headed the following class – the AndersenConsulting Christmas Cake Stakes.

For full results see: www.olympia.co.uk