![[WORLD CUP] Denis Lynch kicks off, von Eckermann last to go](https://equnews.s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/be/2018/12/Denis_Lynch.jpg)
Today in Omaha the starting gun will be fired for the FEI World Cup final jumping and dressage. The jumping course will be kicked off by Denis Lynch (IRL) while World nr. 1, Henrik von Eckermann (SWE), goes in last. The Dressage Grand Prix starts with Thamair Zweistra (NED), Simone Pearce (AUS) closes off.
The dressage riders are first to go. Thamar Zweistra (NED) opens the championship in the saddle of the 10-year-old Hexagon's Ich Weiss (v. Hexagon's Rubiquil). Title defender, Jessica von Bredow-Werndl goes in after the break and starts as number nine on TSF Dalera BB (v. Easy Game).
Repeat wins are a theme of this Final, but nobody has ever come close to matching the nine posted by The Netherlands’ Anky van Grunsven with her two great horses between 1995 and 2008. Riding Bonfire she topped the podium in 1995, 1996, 1997, 1999 and 2000 and with Salinero, who only passed away last December at the age of 28, she won through in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2008.
On this year’s start list is a lady who chased the Dutch star all the way to the line on many occasions. Isabell Werth has five wins under her belt and posted her first in Gothenburg in 1992 which boasted an all-German podium of Sven Rothenberger in second place and Monica Theodorescu in third.
Click here for the full Dressage startlist
Jumping
In the jumpers, Denis Lynch and the 14-year-old BWP gelding, Brooklyn Heights (v. Nabab de Reve) will be the first combination in the ring. Their first task will be a 1.60m Speed and Handiness. Last combination in the ring will be Henrik von Eckermann and his Belgian bred, King Edward (v. Edward).
The reigning champion is World No.2 Martin Fuchs from Switzerland who partnered The Sinner and Chaplin to victory in Leipzig 12 months ago. This time around the 30-year-old rider brings the grey Leone Jei who carried him to European Team gold and Individual silver in 2021.
The entry-list of 40 athletes from 19 countries around the globe is filled with plenty of others who are also chasing down their hopes and dreams, and if ever there was a final that can spring surprises then this is definitely one of them.
One of the intriguing things about equestrian sport is the age-range of competitors and the fact that male and female athletes compete on exactly the same stage. This time around the age difference between the youngest and oldest finalists is a not-inconsiderable 42 years.
Besides Switzerland’s Fuchs and America’s Ward, there will be two other previous winners in action this time around and both are German – Daniel Deusser who reigned supreme in 2014 and Marcus Ehning, who is one of five three-time champions.
Click here for the full Jumping startlist
Source: FEI
