The Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Western European League 2023–2024 at La Coruna in Spain saw a nail-biting equestrian spectacle between 14 talented pairs. The initial round saw no faults among the riders, which resulted in an epic jump-off to claim the top spot.
The jump-off saw a turn of events like no other until four riders were left to go. After the unforgettable and dramatic climax of the night, the winner, Harry Charles, opened up about his experience, giving credit to his companion in a heartfelt message.
The equestrian winner at La Coruña reveals his winning strategy
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In an Instagram story by FEI.tv, Great Britain’s Harry Charles opened up about his special victory with Sherlock. The turn of events where he was on his last-to-go run surprised the 24-year-old Harry Charles himself. Seeing the faults coming right from the get-go and being the last to go, he navigated the challenge and made a winning gameplay.
He shared on FEI.tv, saying, “These are the jump-offs you always find yourself sitting and watching, but you never seem to be in it, but luckily today I was in it and I couldn’t quite believe it—poles were coming down all over the place!” The uncertainty of a win prevailed until only four pairs were left to compete.
The dramatic climax of the night
In the jump-off at the seventh leg of the 2023–2024 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Western European League in La Coruña, ten riders tried their best not to falter. Four riders were left to go, and then came Armando Trapote and Tornado of Spain on his home turf, ready to claim the top spot.
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He finished off with the first clear of the jump-off that night in 45.98 seconds. But then came Austria’s Max Kühner and Julius Caesar, who surpassed the Spaniard on his home ground and did the same in 45.69 seconds. Next came Dutchman Willem Greve, Highway TV NOP, and lastly, the equestrian winners, Harry Charles and his 10-year-old gelding horse Sherlock, who outpaced the 14 pairs and scored a clear round in 44.12 seconds.
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Speaking about his 10-year-old gelding Sherlock, he said, “I’m lost for words for Sherlock! He’s just an incredible horse!” and he continued to praise the gelding, whom he has had since he was five, saying, “In another six months, he’s going to be a very dangerous horse to have!”
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