Two British riders in world top 10
Switzerland’s Markus Fuchs remains firmly in the driving seat of the FEI Gandini World Jumping Riders Rankings for the fifth consecutive month with 3465 points, more than 500pts ahead of second-placed and long-time leader Ludger Beerbaum (GER), who has 2958pts. Markus Ehning is third with 2489pts.
Michael Whitaker (pictured) (10th) has joined Robert Smith (9th) in the top 10 to give Britain two riders in positions, which will qualify them for the Top 10 Final in Geneva on 6 December 2003, if they remain unchanged.
Strong performances by Michael in competitions at Syracuse in America, Hanover in Germany (55 points) and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia saw him rise from 17th to 10th position.
However, hot on his heels and keen to dispose him of a place in the final is Sweden’s Malin Baryard, who is just 28pts behind. The rankings that will decide which riders go forward to the top 10 final will be closed one week before the end of the month, on 24 November.
There are two other Britons in the world’s top 50; Michael’s brother John is 42nd and Nick Skelton is currently 45th. Britain’s closest rival for one of the two individual places at the Athens Olympics is Danish rider Thomas Velin, who is 58th.
To view the complete rankings click here.
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Carol is an experienced journalist and editor, who is also a passionate amateur rider and dedicated horse owner, having ridden since childhood. She has a particular interest in the emotional well-being and ethical training of horses, alongside veterinary matters, having garnered extensive first-hand experience of numerous equine health conditions through more than 30 years of horse ownership.