Gio and Swirly Temptress got off to a great start in Paris, posting a 25.7 dressage score to sit in equal 9th place. Unfortunately a run out at the influential fence 21, a skinny on a turn, dropped the pair down the order to 46th. A couple of rails down on the final day kept them in that placing.
However, Gio was delighted with the mare, saying: “Swirl felt unreal on the cross country. She galloped and jumped probably the best she ever has. Sadly a large jump at the B element of a combination late on the course meant we couldn’t quite get to the C part. It’s frustrating after a competitive dressage but I am still thrilled with her.
“She tried her hardest in every phase exceeding every expectation I had of her. To ride a horse at the Olympics which you backed as a three year is incredibly rewarding. Many thanks to her owners Karin and Kristina Rausing for the ride over the years.”