Four drops

Max Kühner falls far behind at the World Cup Final

The second day of the show jumping World Cup Final in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, was a disappointing one for Max Kühner. This time, the 50-year-old Austrian on EIC Julius Caesar recorded no fewer than four knockdowns in the second of three qualifying tests and dropped from eighth to 16th place in the overall standings.

The day's winner Henrik von Eckermann from Sweden on King Edward is in the lead ahead of his compatriot Peder Fredricson on Catch me not.

This is Kühner's fifth time at a World Cup Final, having finished ninth in both 2019 and 2022. For the German-born rider, however, Riyadh does not have the same significance as in a non-Olympic year. "The whole year is geared towards Paris, the highlight of the season," he said before his departure. That's why he doesn't have his top horse Electric Blue with him in Saudi Arabia.

The decision in Riyadh will be made on Saturday. In the three-part championship, the first two competitions count towards the overall ranking. On Saturday, the ranking points will be converted into penalty points for the two rounds. Those who have not been ranked in single figures twice beforehand will have to rely on numerous knockdowns from the competition.