Dream Run Over for Edwina Tops-Alexander

The former Sydney rider was a medal hope for the Aussies in the equestrian, but after one rail down in the first round and two in the second round, her Olympic medal aspirations were over.

Finishing in 20th place, the highest ranked female jumping rider in the world admitted she came into the event with hopes of a podium finish.

“You’ve got to be positive and look forward, try to do your best. A medal, that’s got to be the aim otherwise you shouldn’t be here.

“I felt I had to work a bit harder today. He (her horse, Itot) felt a little bit empty - I have to remember that he is one of the oldest horses here,” she said.

There is plenty of competition ahead for Tops-Alexander as she looks to defend her Global Champions Tour crown and will no doubt be one of the headliners for the World Equestrian Games in Normandy in 2014.

For Rio, she believes she’ll have the horses coming through to help her reach her third Olympic Games.

“I have plenty of horses coming through. Itot won’t be there, that was his last Games,” she said.

Earlier in the day it was her protégé Julia Hargreaves that took centre stage, qualifying for the individual final at her first Olympic Games.

Despite having a score of 35th and not proceeding to the second round, Hargreaves admitted that just making the final had exceeded her expectations.

“The score doesn’t reflect how good the round was.

“I have to remind myself it’s the individual final, I never thought I’d make it. If I think of it like that I I’m really pleased, but at the same time disappointed with my score.

“Everyone wants to go clear, but for me today I just wanted to go through those finish flags. If I make it to Rio, my head will be a little bit better, I’ll know what to expect and I can prepare a bit more,” she said.

The jumping competition at the equestrian concluded today, with all riders making comments about the stunning course and the beautiful setting that Greenwich Park has provided throughout the Games.

Story & Photo: Equestrian Australia

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