Eventing, british assault at the Event Riders Masters in Haras de Jardy

10.30am, first rider in the ring and it was none other than Michael Jung (GER), the winner in 2017, who got the ball rolling here at the 2018 French leg of the Event Rider Masters (ERM). A competition held over two days that carries a 3*CIC label and a field of 40 of the best riders on the Planet for a dressage test to music today, Saturday, and then a show-jumping course and the eagerly awaited cross-country today, Sunday.Riding Corazon, the legendary German and long time World n°1, finished the first test with a 73.14%. A very nice performance from his young 8 year-old, who by showing the extent of his talent let it be known he is one to be watched in the future. Drawn to go at the mid-way point of the class, New Zealand’s Champion, and current N° 4 on the ERM leader board after the Barbury Castle leg, Tim Price, partnering Wesko, led for a period with 74.81%. France’s Karim Laghouag and his regular partner Entebbe de Hus, second in 2017 after a breathtaking dual with Michael Jung, seemed determined to take his revenge on home soil. After a lovely test that was greatly appreciated by the public, he left the rectangle with a difficult to beat 76.09%. “It was one of the best, if not THE best dressage that I have ridden in a 3*. Entebbe went really well, he was confident and really listening. I felt in perfect symbiosis with him and in no danger of making any mistakes. He had impulsion and a good attitude. I can perhaps improve my half passes, but I really enjoyed myself.” said the sportsman following his test.
But nothing is ever won in advance and Great Britain’s Alexander Bragg with Zagreb created quite a buzz becoming the overnight leader on 76.41% at the end of the first day. “I’m very proud of Zagreb, the start to our season was a bit complicated, and the bad weather didn’t help matters. Today he behaved marvellously well and gave the impression of being at ease, very relaxed. I think he likes Jardy as much as me ! (Laughs) Let’s hope it continues, my fingers are crossed!” confided the rider at the press conference. Behind them another British rider, Izzy Taylor, sits in provisional third place with Be Touchable.Today riders start in reverse order of saturday ’s leader board, the best going last in order to create a maximum of suspense and further raise the level of excitement alongside the 25 obstacles cross-country course, which has 40 jumping efforts including the famous big water obstacle with it’s drop – triple brush – triple brush. A technical course without major jumping difficulties but with sharp turns, that according to Tim Price, will make coming home clear and in the time the main challenge.Karim Laghouag confirmed his rivals comments “The course is twisty, you’ll need to be fast and take risks in order to finish within the time at a speed of 570m/mn. Personally, the real complexity tomorrow will be the tight time which risks provoking mistakes.”If the Event Rider Masters is the highlight of the weekend at the Haras de Jardy, it is part of the FFE Eventing Show which hosts over 4 days, another 3*CIC open to a greater number of athletes (60), as well as a 2*CIC, a 1*CIC, a 1*CICYH and a 1*CCI.Result wise, a nice double for Michael Jung who, attending with a number of rides, is leader yesterday evening following the dressage in both the 3*CIC and 2*CIC, associated with FisherGreenline and Choclat repectively. With his amazing FisherRocana FST with whom he has competed at the World’s biggest events, he is also in second place on the provisional  leader board in the 2*CIC. Source: Press Release Event Riders Masters