– It was a real thriller today. I had to pay the price for the re-jump last Friday. I may have exaggerated a little until the last obstacle, but I had had enough of second places from other competitions, when I was too careful, and I didn’t want to be that again, says von Eckermann in SVT’s broadcast.
It has been high-class entertainment from Eckermann and Peder Fredricson and it has taken both physically and mentally.
Fell out of King Edward in the warm-up
– If I’m honest, I’m so empty and drained. It’s as if someone pulled a spigot and emptied me of all the emotions I had to keep inside myself to maintain focus and I’m glad it’s over. I would like to be more happy, admits von Eckermann, who also said that he fell out of King Edward during the jump, “it was a bit of chaos”.
There was another zero after von Eckermann’s name in the results list after von Eckermann responded to the remarkable feat of not breaking a single barrier throughout the competition in Saudi Arabia which began on Wednesday.
Peder Fredricson on Catch me not S went out third last and led by six faults when he went to the finish and had secured a podium place. Immediately after, the Frenchman Julien Epaillard took over the lead and rode to the finish on four faults.
“Henrik and King Edward are an extra force”
– I am so proud of Catch me not S and he has been so good all week. Having a horse like that means everything to me, says Fredricson.
It looks good for Sweden ahead of the Olympics, where three riders will be selected and a team gold will be defended.
– Wherever you compete and having Henrik and King Edward with you, it’s like having an extra power with you. Wherever we compete, we want Henrik with us, says Fredricson.