Becky Moody logically takes control of the Fort Worth World Cup Final

After Las Vegas in 2005, 2007, 2009, and 2015, and Omaha in 2017 and 2023, the World Cup Final returns to the United States this year; a transatlantic return relatively shunned by the top pairs from Europe, who are more focused on the World Championships in Aachen. Despite a less competitive field than sometimes, the current world number 5 still made the trip; a first Final for Becky Moody and Jagerbomb, whose victory seems all but assured.

In front of a rather sparse crowd, Becky Moody and Jagerbomb took the lead in the Grand Prix last night and, predictably, never relinquished it. The British rider, fully dressed in gold sequins, and her 12-year-old KWPN gelding by Dante Weltino delivered a flawless performance. Despite a first half-step at the trot that could have been more elastic, a somewhat unstraightened end to the rein-back, a rather modest extended walk, and canter work that could sometimes have been more uphill, particularly in the canter pirouettes, the grandson of Jazz also distinguished himself with the quality of his energetic and metronomic piaffe/passage work; a Grand Prix rewarded with a score of 76.761%. After her test, the smiling English rider commented, "He's really my baby, I brought him into the world and we did everything together, so it's very special to be here. He brought me to this incredible adventure we're living together, to all these moments I wouldn't have dared to dream of."

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In second place was American Christian Simonson and his horse Indian Rock, owned by the sponsor of this World Cup Final: Zen Elite Stables. The 23-year-old rider had to contend from the start of his test with Indian Rock's tendency to back up a few steps in the first halt. Despite a sometimes very closed neck, even if he often had quite loose double ride reins, the stallion first ridden by Emmelie Scholtens showned a good quality rein back, well-balanced pirouettes, and straight, uphill canter lines, but with an attitude that could have been a little more open. They left the arena with a score of 75.413%. Christian Simonson said, "It's unreal to be on the podium. I feel very lucky and grateful to ride him. He's a very special horse, and I'm really looking forward to performing our freestyle routine. I'm very excited."

Always so demonstrative... Patrik Kittel finished 3rd with his Touchdown. The 49-year-old rider, the oldest competitor, was participating in his 10th Final. A little slow to stabilize his entry halt, the son of Quaterback wasn't entirely symmetrical in his trot half passes and, as is often the case, swayed from side to side in his piaffe. While his extended walk was good, his canter departure could have been cleaner. The Swedes thus left the arena with a score of 72.869%. A very cheerful Patrik Kittel declared, among other things, "I didn't have a very good entry, which cost us some points, but I'm happy."

Morgan Barbançon and Sir Donnerhall II Old finished in 8th place. A few instances of resistance, particularly in the canter, were noted. The stallion also stumbled after his rein back and at the start of his extended trot; nevertheless, a consistent performance with in a score of 68.956%. Visibly emotional as she left the arena, the French rider confided, "He's 20 years old, I really enjoyed this moment, without any particular expectations. He's truly the horse of a lifetime. I cherish every moment with him. We've participated in 6 Finals, we've qualified for 8, which makes him the horse to have qualified for the most Finals. [...] He's given me everything, so I feel very emotional thinking about him; he makes me very proud."

Full results HERE

Picture : FEI/Shannon Brinkman