Lee McKeever and Owen Rogers had all the reason to smile, as Mclain Ward and Contagious moved to the top of the leader board after day two at the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final 2022 in Leipzig, Germany. 

While Saturday will be a day off in the final, there will be a second veterinary inspection in the morning to ensure all horses are fit to compete ahead of Sunday's final rounds. 

All photos © Jenny Abrahamsson for World of Showjumping. 

20-year-old Jack Whitaker and Equine America Valmy de la Lande finished third on day two after a double clear round, moving into a tied 9th place on the overall ranking ahead of Sunday's final rounds.

The penultimate upright in the jump-off fell for three of the seven riders, including Gregory Cottard and Bibici who had to settle for the 5th place in the end. 

Harrie Smolders did the fastest round of the jump-off in 41.37 seconds, but also he had to see the penultimate vertical fall to the ground – eventually finishing 4th. 

Living legend: 66-year-old John Whitaker and Equine America Unick du Francport ended 6th after a pole on the penultimate vertical fell in the jump-off. John has won the World Cup™ Final twice before; both wins came together with the legendary Milton, in 1990 in Dortmund and 1991 in Gothenburg.

Jos Verlooy's groom Jenny catching everything on tape for a review. 

Harry Charles was all smiles after his performance on day two with Romeo 88. 

The best support you could ask for: Jack Whitaker with his father Michael. 

So much love for the wonderful Bibici! 

The man of the day: Mclain Ward leads the way at the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final 2022 ahead of Sunday's final rounds.