Frenchman Epaillard wins Longines FEI World Cup Jumping at Olympia

LONDON, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- Julien Epaillard of France and Toupie de la Roque produced a brilliant last-to-go victory at the eighth leg of the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping 2017/2018 Western European League at London Olympia here on Sunday.

Just four from a field of 36 made the cut into jump-off as tough first-round track took its toll. Britain's Scott Brash claimed runner-up spot with Australia's Edwina Tops-Alexander in third and Sweden's Peder Fredricson in fourth.

Epaillard, 40, who has long been one of the fastest riders on the circuit, was chasing the target-time set by 32-year-old Brash, the 2016 winner, who broke the beam in 37.34 seconds. Epaillard clocked the winning time of 36.91 seconds for the thrilling victory.

He also became the first French winner of the FEI World Cup at Olympia in 32 years.

Epaillard said afterwards, "I saw Scott go - he started quickly but I thought he was a bit careful over the last two fences so I had nothing to lose and I took a lot of risk at the last two jumps and it worked."

The first-round track set by Bob Ellis proved very testing indeed, with horses and riders barely having time to draw breath between fences and often running out of steam towards the end of the course. This summer's newly-crowned individual European champion, Fredricson, led the way against the clock with H&M Christian K, producing a cautious second clear in 41.34 seconds.

Tops-Alexander posted a quicker time of 41.05 seconds with her young horse Inca Boy van T Vianahof. Brash's 16-year-old mare Ursula, who also won the London 2012 Olympic team gold, looked sure to win back-to-back title at Olympia before Epaillard stormed to victory.

"I kinda thought he would be faster," Brash said. "But I was hoping he was going to have a jump down which he didn't have."

"I have been riding her since March," said Epaillard of his bold and brave 10-year-old chestnut mare. "She comes from the Hecart family who are my neighbours and have been very good to me. I'm really pleased that we are doing our best together."

The day's third placing saw Tops-Alexander move to the head of the Western European League table, sharing 50 points along with Frenchman Kevin Staut and now well qualified for the Longines 2018 Final in Paris next April. Enditem