Aussies rule in Rio as eventing competition nears its conclusion

Christopher Burton holds the lead in the eventing ahead of today’s final showjumping, while Australia is also top of the team leaderboard.

Burton had sat just behind dressage leader William Fox-Pitt as cross-country day dawned. But while Britain’s best medal hopes disappeared round Pierre Michelet’s taxing course, Christopher and the classy Santano II produced a superb clear inside the time to remain on his dressage score of 37.60.

Chris said cross-country day had ‘far exceeded’ his expectations. “I was told to take one long route and it worked out, so I’m just going to enjoy today and for tomorrow? Whatever….” said the Australian.

His team mates were also on strong form round the influential cross-country track. Sam Griffiths and the former Badminton winner Paulank Brockagh were clear with 6.8 time penalties, while Stuart Tinney and Pluto Mio added just 2.8 time penalties to their dressage score.

It wasn’t all smooth sailing for the Australians, however, when their final rider Shane Rose was eliminated at the final water on CP Qualified.

It means the Australians only have three riders through to the showjumping phase – but their closest rivals New Zealand are in the same position after Tim Price’s Ringwood Sky Boy slipped on the flat and was eliminated on the cross-country. With just 4.5 penalties separating the two teams, today’s showjumping will be crucial.

France sits in third place on 161pen – they have all four riders through – while Germany, down to three, is fourth on 172.80pen.

While Germany, the pre-favourites, had an unusually disappointing day, their medal hopes are still well and truly alive – Michael Jung sits just behind Christopher Burton in the silver medal position, less than one showjump behind.