Kittel takes thriller

Patrik Kittel becomes the second Swedish rider to win a World Cup Final, while the British favourite is eliminated

- MARTHA TERRY

FEI World Cup Finals, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

PATRIK KITTEL won the World Cup Final at the ninth time of asking, riding Touchdown. The freestyle went to the wire, as the top three were drawn last – and split by just 0.26% in the final reckoning.

But the Swede’s James Bond routine stole the show, with Denmark’s Nanna Skodborg Merrald second aboard Blue Hors Don Olymbrio, and Germany’s Isabell Werth third on DSP Quantaz.

Patrik remembered being a spectator when his now trainer Louise Natthorst won the World Cup Final 26 years ago.

“I couldn’t believe how cool the World Cup was – and now I’ve won it myself,” said Patrik. “It makes me cry! I’ve done so many World Cup Finals, so better late than never.”

But there was drama when the favourite Lottie Fry’s ride Everdale was eliminated under the blood rule. The runaway grand prix winners were drawn first from the final quartet, but the steward stopped them shortly after they entered the stadium.

The packed stands were treated to three contrasting tests in this climax. Nanna tried out her new sombre, dramatic music for Don Olymbrio. At times the 16-year-old looked a trifle tight but he was pinpoint accurate and proved how relaxed he was as he wandered out on a loose rein lapping up the applause. They blasted into the lead, held for a long time by