Three in a row for Rathore

On form,MS Rathore,who has won many international and national Dressage medals,would be a straight pick for India’s Equestrian team for the Guangzhou Asian Games later this year. Rathore,who has been competing for over 19 years in the international competition,did not disappoint the crowds as the Delhi Horse Show got underway in the Capital.

Rathore won gold in the competition,and a silver medal on Tuesday. Rathore rode Lancelot and Kelecee Sniff. The gold medal winning team also comprised of Rathore,giving him three medals in a single event for the country’s finest Dressage competitor. Though a final trail to select the team is left,Rathore’s performance,was a warning to other aspirants for a place in the Indian team.

Another rider,who is contention for a spot for the Asiad,Captain Danni Swittens took third spot in the Dressage event. Looking ahead of the Asiad,Swittens said,“For a medal-winning performance,India needs to do what it knows best — and score high in both Dressage and Jumping. From that point of view,high Dressage standards from all of us should be a rule.”

Later,in the elimination round for the Open Jumping 6-bar,all 23 contenders cleared the fences without breaking into a sweat. The highest bar was placed at a height of 1.25 metres. A second round was carried where only 11 contenders come out unscathed,with the height of the final fence at increased to 1.3 metres. The finals will be held on Wednesday.