Germany’s Bettina Hoy, astride her Olympic mount Ringwood Cockatoo, won the third FEI Eventing World Cup qualifier of the season, held at Fontainebleau (FRA) from 25 to 28 March, on a final result of 47.4 penalty points. She is followed by Linda Algotsson (SWE) on Fair Dobbin and Karin Donckers (BEL) on Palmyra.

Bettina took the lead right after Dressage with a remarkable 35.4, which she kept throughout the competition despite eight time penalties on the Cross Country and a fence down in Jumping. Thanks to her victory she earns 100 World Cup points and takes the third position on the FEI Eventing World Cup standings behind Australians Phillip Dutton with a remarkable 160 points after a single participation and Matt Ryan with 109 points.

Both Linda Algotsson, who won the FEI Eventing World Cup Final twice, and Karin Donckers finish on a score of 53.9 penalties but thanks to a slightly faster Cross Country, Linda takes the runner up position. Karin Donckers who, like Linda, has been very consistent on the World Cups circuit, rode four horses at Fontainebleau. She placed 11th on Gazelle de la Brasseri (69.5 penalties), 15th on Lamicell Chumbawumba (75.6) and 18th on Nikita (81.7). She thereby earns 58 World Cup points and takes the 7th position on the FEI Eventing World Cup standings only two points behind Linda Algotsson.

Nicolas Touzaint, the host country’s Olympic and current national champion, places 4th on Hidalgo de l’Ile, a 10-year old gelding, with whom he was 42 in the same event last year. Even though he finishes on a satisfactory 57.8 penalty points, his performance is quite far from his copybook displays.

A total of 40 horse-rider pairs took part in the qualifier, none of whom managed to complete 25-fence Cross Country within the time allowed of 7’08’’. Australia’s Andrew Hoy was the fastest with only 2.4 penalties. Difficulties were spread uniformly all through the course, almost half of the fences causing problems. There were some 15 refusal and one fall which fortunately had no serious consequences but caused France’s team Olympic champion Arnaud Boiteau to retire. The riders praised improved quality of the footing.

For the full results, please visit http://worldsporttiming.com/contenu/documents/0001_000519.pdf

The updated FEI Eventing World Cup standings are published on the FEI website www.horsesport.org, section Eventing, Results, Standings.

The next FEI Eventing World Cup qualifier will take place over the coming weekend from 1 to 3 April at Temecula, CA (USA).