The Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final 2022 kicked off in Leipzig, Germany, on Thursday and it was USA's Mclain Ward and Contagious that had the fastest time of the class in 64.94 seconds. However, judged as a Table C three seconds were added per fault made, and with a rail down on the oxer at no. seven, Ward had to settle for 5th place in the end. “I thought Contagious performed brilliant, he was right there for me,” Ward said after his beautiful round.

Here the second part of our photo special as the quest for the 2022 World Cup™-title got underway.

All photos © Jenny Abrahamsson for World of Showjumping.

The winners: Martin Fuchs and Chaplin sprinting through the finish line to stop the clock at 65.11 seconds.

A great clear round for Syria's Amre Hamcho and Vagabond Des Forets. 

Team USA has come strong in force to Leipzig.

Hungary's Zoltán Czékus retired with Disco.

Kristen Vanderveen and Bull Run's Prince Of Peace. 

Harrie Smolders and Monaco finished 9th, with a rail down on 9a – a jump that caught many out with its red poles and one short stride to an oxer.

"It was tricky enough, my mare jumped super, it was a lot to ask her," Harry Charles said after a pole down on 9a. "She is still a bit inexperienced to go like this on a first day, I felt her a little bit green maybe but I blame myself, I could have done a better job. The fence I had down, I simply ran too deep. It is not the end of the world, it is all to play for, it is a long week." 

C Vier flying for David Will. “I am very happy with the result and my horse today,” Will said after taking the fourth place in his first World Cup™ Final start – being the best of the home riders.

Mariella Offner and superstar Elektric Blue P.

Cuddles for Conor Swail's Count Me In. 

Contagious with Lee McKeever and Owen Rogers.

Markan Cosmopolit looking pleased after jumping clear. 

The Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final 2022 continues on Friday with round number two; a Table A with a jump-off.