The excitement unfolded in front of a live audience Wednesday evening, as the Accenture JumpingClash Challenge riders took to the ring for the qualifying round at CSI5* Jumping Antwerpen.

The competition was a 1.50m against the clock, and the four best of the class qualified as a 'Challenger Rider' ready to take on the 'Seeded Riders' later in the week in the Accenture JumpingClash Challenge. 

With barely a second between their times Italy’s Emanuele Gaudiano, Brazil’s Pedro Veniss, Belgium’s Constant Van Paesschen and France’s Patrice Delaveau all rode a fast clear rounds to secure their place as the 'Challenger Riders'.

The 'Challengers' will now go head to head with 'Seeded Riders' Daniel Deusser, Christian Ahlmann, Eric Lamaze and Simon Delestre in the Accenture JumpingClash Challenge Quarter Final on Friday 21 April. The draw to determine who goes head to head will take place on Thursday 20 April. 

When Italian rider Emanuele Gaudiano was asked who he would least like to be drawn against, he said his fear was the flying Frenchman Simon Delestre.

Click here for full results.