LEG 4 - THE EVENT RIDER MASTERS (ERM) AT HARAS DE JARDY – 15TH & 16TH JULY

This weekend, Leg 4 of the 2017 Event Rider Masters (ERM) lands in mainland Europe at the magnificent and historic grounds of Haras De Jardy in France.  It features an impressive international field of 40 horses and riders, representing 14 nations.  The field includes a formidable line-up of former and current Olympians, World and European medallists, all of whom are poised to stake their claim on the coveted ERM podium and the 60,000 euro prize pot. 
 
World number 1 Michael Jung makes ERM debut
The current world number 1, and European, World and Olympic champion Michael Jung makes his ERM debut riding Fischerrocana FST for Germany.  Jung’s CV boasts the highest of sporting and equestrian achievements including multiple wins at CIC**** level including; Badminton, Burghley, Lexington, and Luhmuhlen titles. This weekend Jung appears in the prestigious ERM for the first time, and is a favourite to add another high-profile win to his glittering CV. 
 
Likely shake up of ERM leader board
Thomas Carlile (FRA) currently tops the ERM rankings with 56 points, following his Leg 3 record breaking win last weekend with Upsilon at Barbury.  However, there are several competitors that will be hot on the heels of the Frenchman this weekend, and could shake up the leaderboard come Sunday evening. 
 

• Britain’s Sarah Cohen (GBR) who topped the podium at Leg 2 in Germany in June and currently sits second in the series with 51 points. Sarah arrives at Jardy riding Treason, a combination that has jumped faultless rounds in both the showjumping and cross country phases of Legs 1 and 2, and are tipped to deliver a strong performance.  A competitive result this weekend could see them secure the lead on the overall ERM standings.
• Gemma Tattersall (GBR) won the first leg of the 2017 series and secured further points at Leg 3, by finishing seventh. She currently sits in equal third with 50 points. Tattersall makes the trip across the Channel with the mare Chico Bella P, who has a fantastic record of two previous wins at this level and is another who could steal a cheeky lead in the series standings this weekend.
• Sir Mark Todd (NZL), who broke his ERM jinx at Leg 3 last weekend by finishing third, will arrive at Jardy riding NZB Campino.  Until Barbury, an ERM placing had eluded the former double Olympic champion in all of his ERM appearances.  However, this combination has secured three wins at this level, and ‘the FEI rider of the 20th century’ comes into this fourth ERM leg in great form.
• The 2016 ERM series Champion, Oliver Townend (GBR), pairs up with Cooley Master Class.  Townend has yet to score ERM points in 2017, but it wasn’t until the fourth leg last year that Townend began his domination of the series.  Oliver will be hungry to reverse his current series form this weekend and kick start his campaign to retain the ERM crown.
• Alex Hua Tian represents China, riding his 2016 Leg 2 winning horse Don Geniro.  Following this win, the combination went on to deliver a very strong performance at the 2016 Rio Olympics, finishing in eighth place. Alex has stated his intention to target the 2017 series, and the combination have already proved they have what it takes to win a leg of the ERM.

Strong French representation
France, who have featured prominently on the podium across the 2016 and 2017 series, field 13 riders.  These include: one of their most successful riders of all time, Jean Teulere on board Matelot Du Grand Val; Sidney Dufresne riding Swing De Perdriat, who finished fourth at Leg 3 last weekend; current world number five, Maxime Livio on board Pica D’Or and Cedric Lyard, with his 2017 Badminton horse Cadeau Du Roi.
 
The French demonstrated their dominance in Eventing at the 2016 Olympics by winning team Gold, and are a nation who could feature prominently on the ERM podium at Jardy this weekend, particularly with the home crowd advantage.
 
All the action from Leg 4 at Haras De Jardy can be viewed live at eventridermasters.tv.  A highlights programme will be aired across global TV channels from Thursday 20th July, including Sky Sports in the UK at 7pm.
 
For Leg 4 competitors, start times, information, and live stream http://eventridermasters.tv/events/2017/haras-de-jardy 
 
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