London, England – December 19, 2022 – The final day of The London International Horse Show CSI 5*-W featured some of the world’s best equestrian athletes.
The highlight of the Afternoon Performance came from the €25,500 Mistletoe Stakes CSI 5*-W. With 24 of the world’s best horse and riders in the field, the class was held over one round with the fastest clear set to take home the spoils. The first clear came from second to go, Max Kühner (AUT), who with EIC Julius Caesar set the pace for the others to follow. Next to go was the victor of Saturday’s Snowflake Stakes, Marcus Ehning (GER), who had a foot perfect round but could not quite match the time of Kühner.
Britain’s Jodie Hall McAteer (GBR) continued her sensational form to produce a clear in the time of 58.80 seconds with Kimosa van het Kritrahof (Chatman x Eros Platiere)– over 10 seconds faster than the leader at the time. With the pressure now on the rest of the riders, mistakes came from some of the most decorated athletes in the sport including Shane Breen (IRL), John Whitaker (GBR) and Kevin Staut (FRA).
It was France’s Julien Epaillard (FRA), winner of over 70 international classes this year, who flew around the Bernardo Costa Cabral (POR) designed course to come home nearly a second faster than Hall McAteer aboard Vitalhorse Ebbadya Hero (Erco van T Roosakker). Germany’s Daniel Deusser (GER) and Gerrit Nieberg, victors of some of the most prestigious Grand Prix this year both tried to catch Epaillard’s time but were unsuccessful.
Deusser managed to secure a podium finish with Kiana van het Herdershof (Toulon x Lys De Darmen), timed in 59.95 seconds.
Last to go was Joseph Stockdale, who bought forward the striking bay Bingo du Chateau and sped around the course to come home 0.05 seconds faster than the Frenchman – but heartbreak came for the young Brit when the last fence fell.
The World No.3 said: “It is incredible to win here – the atmosphere is incredible and the spectators have been amazing. My horse was fantastic – I have had a great year, and this is a great way to be finishing up.”
Final Results – €25,500 Mistletoe Speed Stakes CSI 5*-W
1) Julien Epaillard (FRA) & Vitalhorse Ebbadya Hero – 0 – 57.85
2) Jodie Hall McAteer (GBR) & Kimosa van het Kritrahof – 0 / – 58.80
3) Daniel Deusser (GER) & Kiana van het Herdershof – 0 / – 59.95
Source: Press Release (edited) by Niki McEwen / Revolution World for The London International Horse Show
Photo: © LIHS / Louie Gonzalez
Categories: CSI 5*, English, Jumper News France
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