As with the 6-year-olds, the tight scores meant that even the smallest difference could significantly change the standings. Just two seconds over the optimum time, costing 0.8 penalty points, saw Jeroboam Wal and Alexis Goury (FRA) drop from joint first to third place.
“My horse was very keen. I had to hold him back and prioritised a sensible, clear round over the fences. But two seconds is hardly anything. I’m very happy with his performance today.”
The opposite happened for Bueno and Hector Payne (GBR), who moved up from third to second place thanks to a “maxi” round, completing the course within the optimum time without any jumping or time penalties.

“At the beginning of the course, he was very looky and I had to work harder than I usually do. Gradually, he relaxed, and I even think the presence of the crowd helped him. He had all the energy he needed to finish strongly and achieve a good time. I’m very happy with him.”
Meanwhile, 2025 World Champion among the 6-year-olds, Tara van het Leliehof and Lara De Liedekerke-Meier (BEL), have held on to the lead in the 7-year-old World Championship since the start of the competition. Today, a flawless round, finishing just one second over the optimum time, allowed them to consolidate their position.
“She’s an extraordinary cross-country mare. I hope to keep her under my saddle for a long time to come.”
On Sunday, the show jumping could turn the standings upside down, with eight combinations still within one fence (four penalty points) of the lead. Among them is Tom Carlile, a French rider and a familiar face at the Mondial du Lion, partnered with Juste Unétoile, lying in fourth place and very much in contention.