The Ukraine’s Vivant, who was sitting second ahead of tomorrow’s individual final (23 August) at the FEI European Showjumping Championships in Aachen, was eliminated from the competition at this afternoon’s horse inspection.
It was a sad end to the competition for Cassio Rivetti’s ride, who did not lower a fence during the three team rounds and moved up from 12th after the speed round to the individual silver position.
The 17-year-old by Fuergo Du Prelet was the oldest horse in the field here in Aachen, and one of the most experienced.
Vivant was produced by Australia’s Chris Chugg, initially in Australia, then in Europe. The pair contested the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Kentucky together, before Vivant moved to Ukrainian riders Oleksandr Onyshchenko and Katharina Offel. He competed at London 2012 with Katharina.
Cassio took the ride in 2013 and rode Vivant at the 2014 World Equestrian Games in Caen last year.
Irish rider Cian O’Connor did not trot up his mount Good Luck this afternoon, so will not contest the individual final. He was in 21st position.
Ireland’s team result in Aachen remains under a cloud after the appeal jury refused late last night to overturn the ground jury’s decision that Cian O’Connor’s score would not be altered after a member of the arena party ran in front of him during his round. This has crucial implications as it means Ireland has missed out on a qualification for Rio 2016, and Irish team officials may still appeal the decision further, perhaps to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Britain has two riders through to the individual final, Joe Clee on Utamaro D’Ecaussines (currently seventh) and Ben Maher on Diva II (ninth). Both played a crucial part in helping Britain secure fourth place and an Olympic qualification in the team competition.
The individual final takes place over two rounds tomorrow afternoon.
Full report on the European Showjumping Championships in H&H next week, out Thursday, 27 August.
