Drama as high riders miss out on €6m closing after ‘heartbreaking’ elimination

There was excessive drama on the World Champions Tour (GCT) Prague Playoffs as one rider’s untimely begin meant “heartbreaking” elimination for his workforce.

The quarter-finals of the World Champions League (GCL) Tremendous Cup introduced by Air Financial institution featured a stellar line-up of horses and riders making an attempt to safe a spot within the semi-finals.

Uliano Vezzani’s course proved a tricky check for the Tremendous Cup, with faults coming all through, nevertheless it was the third workforce in, the Cannes Stars, whose path to the demi-final was minimize quick by a technicality. Jens Backmann, on Aglaia J, began earlier than the bell went, which meant elimination for the workforce.

“The Playoffs is the final present of the yr, the entire workforce was very excited to return right here and disillusioned for certain to not leap,” stated Jens’ British teammate Sameh El Dahan. “I additionally really feel for Jens. We have been all actually enthusiastic about this present, so for this to occur to him I feel was a bit heartbreaking and a bit unfair. However that’s sport and it’s a must to dwell with the frustration. It has been a bit the story with the Cannes Stars this yr, a bit up and down, two podium finishes, however nonetheless numerous downs and numerous ups. We have been hoping to complete on a excessive, nevertheless it’s not meant to be and what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”

Sameh added that the thrill, the ups and downs and the dearth of ensures are a part of what he loves concerning the sport.

“You possibly can see that everyone has their horses properly ready and in the perfect type they will, then a small factor like this occurs and all of your desires are shattered,” he stated. “So it’s a bit like this, and that’s what I like about this sport – there are numerous feelings and numerous pleasure, and we simply need to dwell with the dangerous days in addition to the great days. For myself I’ve just a few good days to fall again on and maintain motivated for the longer term.”

The Paris Panthers took the win, ending on a complete of 4 faults. Crew member Ben Maher, who touched only one rail on his World Championships trip Faltic HB, stated: “I feel the workforce deserve a great consequence this week. I feel it makes a distinction this week and performs to our benefit with the format of three riders as an alternative of two.”

Jack Whitaker jumped clear on Q Paravatti N to assist safe his workforce Madrid in Movement’s place within the semi-finals, as did John Whitaker on Equine America Unick Du Francport, for Valkenswaard United.

The semi-final takes place this night (18 November) and the ultimate on Sunday.

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