The Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ 2022/2023 Western European League came to an end on Sunday with the 14th and final leg in Gothenburg, Sweden, and it was France's Marc Dilasser and the wonderful Arioto du Gevres that took their first ever World Cup win after a jump-off of four.
Here, we look back at all the action, as the hunt for the final points needed to qualify for the final in Omaha concluded in Gothenburg. First out, the stylish winners: Marc Dilasser and Arioto du Gevres, who made the demanding course look like a walk in the park.
All photos © Jenny Abrahamsson for World of Showjumping.
Only four horse-and-rider combinations out of the 36 at start qualified for the jump-off. Andreas Schou and Darc de Lux had to settle for the fourth place, after the a-element of this combination fell during the jump-off. With another 13 points gained, Schou finished 8th on the Western European League standings and secured himself a ticket for the final in Omaha.
Many riders came to Gothenburg with the hope to collect the last points needed for the prestigious World Cup Final, but not all succeed. Even though Wilm Vermeir collected six points for his 11th place with DM Jacqmotte - after five faults in the first round - it was not enough to put him within the 18 best of the Western European League.
We are very spoiled with repeated clears from this world class duo - Henrik von Eckermann and King Edward - so it was a big surprise for the audience when they crossed the finish line with eight faults. However, with his 102 points in the Western European League this season, Von Eckermann tops the final standings and is ready for Omaha.