Michael Jung wins Kentucky 5* Horse Trials
Michael Jung and his event horse FischerChipmunk FHR set a new record at 5* level eventing – winning the Kentucky Horse Trials on his dressage mark of 20.1. Michael has now won the Kentucky competition four times in total.
The Kentucky Horse trials are held at Kentucky Horse Park USA. The competition is the pinacle of eventing at 5* level bringing together some of the best horses and riders from across the world.
Speaking after winning the eventing Michael Jung said “I’m really proud of FischerChipmunk, he’s an amazing horse. I have to say thank you to my whole team, who’ve helped me train the horse, bring him to the top level and compete here. FischerChipmunk is super talented. He’s really nice to ride in the dressage, so powerful across country and scopey in the showjumping. I’m so happy to have this horse to bring me back to Kentucky. It’s a special moment and it’s made so much better by having spectators here.”
In second place was Yasmin Ingham riding Banzai Du Loir from Great Britain who finished on 28.1 followed by USA’s Doug Payne riding Quantum Leap finishing on a score of 37.2.
After coming second in a massive 5* competition Yasmin said “Every time I look at something that I would usually like, such as a doughnut, I want to be sick so I’m glad I can finally actually eat something – I’ve been living on water and energy drinks. The plan was to go in and do our best and I think we did just that. He tried so hard, I didn’t even hear him touch anything. I was a little bit slow in my riding – I think I was just being really cautious and trying to produce a good clear round. He is just the most insane jumper and has a heart of gold. I really do owe this win to Banzai and also to his owners Sue Davies and Janette Chinn – they bought this horse with hopes of getting to the top level and I’m so grateful to them for supporting me and Banzai. I think he’s made for the big stage and I’m just so lucky that it’s me that gets to ride him.