British riders are on top of the world

William Fox-Pitt has moved back up to the number one position in the FEI World Eventing Rankings, meaning British riders currently hold the top spot in the world in eventing, showjumping and dressage.

Back on top

Following his victory at Rolex Kentucky last weekend, Fox-Pitt moves ahead of New Zealand’s Andrew Nicholson, who had led the rankings since London 2012.“It’s a fantastic feeling to be back as world number one,” said William.

Now aged 44, William Fox-Pitt has been at the top of his sport for more than two decades. He has wonsix Burghley titles on six different horses, as well as victories at Badminton (2004), Luhmühlen (2008) and Pau (2011 and 2013). His Kentucky win was his third at this event, and he heads to Badminton next week as the current live contender for the Rolex Grand Slam.

Medals galore

While representing Team GB, William won team silver at the London 2012 and Athens 2004 Olympic Games, and team bronze at the Beijing 2008 Olympics.

He also secured team gold and individual silver at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2010 in Kentucky, team silver in Aachen (2006) and team bronze in Jerez (2002), as well as six European team gold medals, one team bronze, two individual silvers and individual bronze.

Best in the world

With Charlotte Dujardin at the top of the dressage list, and Scott Brash heading the jumping ahead of team mate Ben Maher in second place, Britain becomes the first nation tosimultaneously top the FEI World Rankings in jumping, dressage and eventing.

“It’ll be interesting to see if the British leaders of the world show jumping and dressage rankings, Scott Brash and Charlotte Dujardin, have retained their lead,” said William. “This shows that our National Lottery funding and World Class Performance Programme is working, which is great news for all British athletes, and especially for equestrian athletes as we head into our world championships in Normandy his summer.”