THE national anthem echoes around the empty arena as the Union Jack begins its lofty ascent. A British rider stands proud on the podium, brimming with relief, disbelief, and pride. But as the final chord dies down there is no rapturous applause, no whooping or hollering, no standing ovation. This is Tokyo 2021 – the pandemic-hit Olympics that rewrote sporting history.
It is still too early to say exactly how this summer’s events will pan out, but chances are Tokyo will be a very different experience to any Games that have gone before it.
Performing without crowds is something we are fast becoming accustomed to, but how does the lack of an audience affect riders and horses? Do they notice a difference? Do they really care?
“Strange’ is the only way to describe it,” says jockey David Bass. “To be honest, once I’m in the moment I’m just trying to ride as best I can and go through the motions. It’s before and after the race that the silence hits home.”
Synonymous with Cheltenham is the famous roar that signals the start of the meeting. This year’s sound came pre-recorded and was belted out over loudspeakers.
“Big race meetings are all about the spectacle and the shared experience,” continues David. “I would normally have had my family and friends supporting me at Cheltenham, so it was a very different atmosphere.”
Irish showjumper Shane Breen concurs.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة April 15, 2021 من Horse & Hound.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة April 15, 2021 من Horse & Hound.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
New competition and classification to mean dressage will be for all
The new partnerships with British Dressage will provide opportunities for riders with intellectual disabilities
Pressure grows on the FEI to tackle concerns in dressage
A leading judge has made some recommendations he believes will help support the sport's future
Aidan Coleman
Just a week after he announced his enforced retirement with a career-ending injury, Aidan Coleman talks through his raw emotions with Kate Johnson as he ponders life outside the weighing room
Badminton groundsman
Phil Cole on flawless going for cross-country, perfecting his craft on polo pitches and being at the mercy of the weather
Pulling power
Carriage-driving horses have a very specific job, and with that can come specific injury risks. Rosie Mould MRCVS explains
'Plenty to get your teeth into'
This year's Badminton track is testing, but fair, says Nicola Wilson, the 2021 European champion who finished in the top 10 at this five-star four times
Townend leads British domination
The world number one spearheads a British clean sweep of the podium as he contests his 100th five-star
Birch is back in the big time
A former Olympic reserve rider scores her first international win in four years, while Kelsall specialists make their mark again
Comeback queens reign
Rehab work pays off for Anna Ross as she makes a winning return, while a pair of young riders' birthday wishes come true
Pender keeps it in the family
Ireland's Mikey Pender begins a remarkable grand prix winning double and it all comes together in the ring for a \"special character\"