Riyadh 2024: Von Eckermann versus Epaillard for Favourites ahead of World Cup Finals
As we gear up for the Longines FEI World Cup Finals, the EquiRatings Jumping Prediction Center has identified two big names as the main favourites for the win.
Julien Epaillard won't be making the reigning Champions, Henrik von Eckermann & King Edward, challenge of defending their title easy. The two combinations come in on identical win chances. Over half of the last 10 winners of the Longines FEI World Cup Finals were winners on the first day of this championship.
The reigning champions of the Longines FEI World Cup Finals. King Edward has the chance to break records this week. On a current Elo of 810, he sports the highest Elo rating ever record in showjumping. With strong performances this week, King Edward could break his own record and bring the sport to new heights.
Julien Epaillard is known as one of the quickest riders on the circuit. With Dubai du Cedre, he has won a number of upper-level Grand Prix. Late last year, this pair won the Grand Prix in Lyon and followed it with a runner-up position in the World Cup the next day. Knowing that over half of the last 10 winners of the World Cup Finals have led after Day 1, Julien & Dubai are the ones to watch!
One of the oldest horses in the field with a wealth of experience behind him. Back in 2019, this pair already finished on the podium at their home World Cup Finals in Gothenburg. This World Cup season, they also finished third in their home leg in Gothenburg. Will they manage to translate their Gothenburg success to Riyadh?
Ben Maher has been on superb form these past months. On Dallas Vegas Batilly, he won the Verona leg of the World Cup circuit and also finished on the podium in Lyon. They then continued their success over in the USA for the Winter Equestrian Festival where they finished fifth in the final Rolex Grand Prix at their last outing.