Tops-Alexander leads the way at show jumping first qualifier

An in-form Edwina Tops-Alexander has produced a clear show jumping round on the opening day of competition at the Olympic Equestrian Centre at Deodoro. 

Riding the mare Lintea Tequila, Tops-Alexander was one of 24 in the field of 75 to produce a clear round.

The Aussie team-captain says her horse is in great shape.

“She’s been so excited since she’s been here and she’s really on fire,” Tops-Alexander said.

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It’s been 28 years in-between Olympic Games stints for Scott Keach but the 51-year-old didn’t miss a beat with his horse Fedor, the pair jumping a near precise round in which they knocked one fence. (Each fence that falls is equivalent to four jumping penalties).

“I’m fairly happy with my riding and very happy with my horse,” said Keach. “There was one boo-boo there where I was trying to do six (strides) to the triple and I wanted to cut it and go direct but I cut it just a shade too much and the horse dropped in a little. He read my body language, he did what he was told to do, but it was just a little too much.”

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Matt Williams riding Valinski S was first out for Australia and the pair picked up eight jumping penalties. Williams said he was on track for a clear round until the final two fences.

“I thought the horse started really good, I was really happy with everything up until that last line,” Williams said. 

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James Paterson-Robinson riding Amarillo was last out for Australia, the pair also picked up eight penalties after they too became unstuck towards the end of the course.

“The last line has been tricky for a lot of people, there’s been some good horses eliminated or stopping and having faults,” said Paterson-Robinson. “It’s disappointing to have two rails but it would be more disappointing to have it on the first and jump the difficult line.”

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AOC Media Team