Scott Brash third in FEI World Cup Final

Scott Brash has come third in this year’s Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Final in Lyon, while Germany’s Daniel Deusser took the top spot.

Anything can happen

The Final consisted of three legs, held over four days (18-21 April), with the title going to the rider with the lowest number of points accumulated. Scott was by no-means a top contender, going into the final round yesterday on five points after coming 11th and sixth in the first two rounds.

France’s Patrice Delaveau was the joint-leader, but had to withdraw due to a possible sprain to his horse Lacrimoso. This left Olympic champion Steve Guerdat out front with zero points.

As always, anything can happen in showjumping, and Steve had two down, which put him out of the running. Meanwhile, Scott moved up into the third sport, after Ursula jumped one of four double clears.

Happy to finish

Germany’s Daniel Deusser and Cornet d’Amour were another combination to add nothing to their tally of two points, which meant the title was his.

“When I went into the second round I knew I had to be clear and you see could at fence number one – I nearly knocked it straight away!” Daniel said. “But I got my concentration and tried very hard, although I have to admit I was happy when I was finished.”

Costly mistake

The other two double clears on the last day were produced by Ludger Beerbaum – who finished on four faults to take the runner-up sport – and Marcus Ehning, who came fourth overall with a total of six faults.

“If I knew before I came here that I would finish third I would have been very happy,” said Scott. “On the first day I had the last fence down and it really cost me, after that we would struggle to get on the podium so it’s nice to be sitting here today. Ludger and Daniel were fantastic today as usual.”