It is set to be an exciting race tot the title for the FEI World Cup Finals in Omaha. As today the carts were shifted in the second qualifier, a Table A with Jump-Off. With nine combinaties at the start it was eventually Germany's Richard Vogel and his 11-year-old United Touch S speeding to victory. In the overall standings Andreas Schou and Pius Schwizer take over the (shared) lead.
The winning pair of the first qualifier, a 1.60m Speed & Handiness, Henrick von Eckermann and King Edward, finished today's base round with one jumping fault, building up the tension. With the fastest round, but one rail down von Eckermann eventually placed tenth.
After a Jump-Off with nine it was second but last rider at the start, Richard Vogel who guided his 11-year-old United Touch S to the win in 35.11 seconds. The pair was about 0.14 seconds faster as Great-Britain's Harry Charles and his approved sire, Balou du Reventon. Last rider at the start, Andreas Schou (DEN), eventually placed third.
Schou completed the stage with his 12-year-old Darc de Lux (Darco). The pair was followed by Pius Schwizer (SUI) and Vancouver de Lanlore (Toulon) in fourth and Norway's Victoria Gulliksen with Papa Roach (Perigueux) in fifth.
Andreas Schou and Pius Schwizer share the lead!
Towards the finals on Saturday, the leading position is now shared between two riders with 0 penalties. Andreas Schou and Pius Schwizer push down, Henrik von Eckermann (SWE) to the third spot. Winner of today, Richard Vogel follows in fourth while Yuri Mansur (BRA) is currently fifth.