PIERRE Michelet acknowledged that he was “surprised to see so many falls” during today’s cross-country course, which was rated by many of the riders afterwards as one of the toughest Olympic courses they had ridden at or remembered.

Speaking at the press conference at the end of a dramatic day, which saw the team leaderboard shuffle after practically every rider, Michelet still regarded the course as “fair for everybody. There were a lot of run-outs and dramatic things, I was surprised to see so much falls.”

He also felt that other riders had “easily” tackled the course, which saw a host of medal hopefuls including dressage leader William Fox-Pitt (22nd); Ingrid Klimke (19th) and her compatriot Sandra Auffarth (equal 20th) sink down the order.

When asked if he would have built the course differently, the experienced French course designer maintained that the course required a change of plan, saying “We had five falls, one was on the flat and we had two falls at the beginning. But after that, there was a change of strategy and people were jumping less quickly.”

We always said if you want to win a medal at these Games, you have to be brave and go fast

Mark Todd, who lies just outside the medals in fourth place with Leonidas II, defended Michelet’s course at the conference. “I’ve already thanked Pierre for building the course because if it wasn’t we shouldn’t be sitting here. We always said if you want to win a medal at these Games, you have to be brave and go fast.”

Christopher Burton, the current leader, was one of only three riders inside the time with Santano II.

“He was a rocket. He started off like a pre-novice and finished like a four-star horse,” said the Australian, in admiration of the nine-year-old.

His fellow countryman Sam Griffiths (9th) also had one of the best rounds of the day, cruising round on the Irish-bred mare Paulank Brockagh to add just 6.8 time penalties.

Australia now hold a slim lead (150.30) over their nearest Antipodean rivals New Zealand (154.80) while a solid performance from the French team sees them in bronze medal position overnight (161.00).

IRELAND NINTH

In a recent development, Ireland, who at one point today had moved up to third place, are now in ninth place after the last rider to go for the host country Marcio Carvalho Jorge had his score with Lissy Mac Wayer reinstated.

It was a day of contrasts for the Irish team which had started out with high hopes after a strong dressage team result. However options narrowed after pathfinder Padraig McCarthy had a run-out at 11A, then had an unlucky fall at the Flower Box, six fences later. Down to three riders, the pressure was on Clare Abbott and Euro Prince, who had a glance off at the dreaded Fence 6, the Corners Question and at Fence 11 too.

“It was so out of character for him to do that. Normally he’s so surefooted and brave,” said Abbott afterwards. “But now we have to focus on this afternoon.”

STANDOUT PERFORMANCE

Once again the best result came from Jonty Evans whose 22.80 time penalties saw him slip to 16th place but was still a standout performance from a 10-year-old horse at this level.

“He was tired towards the end but he was so, so genuine. He’s a class horse,” declared Evans.

Mark Kyle incurred a runout and 30.80 time penalties with another promising 10-year-old in Jemilla.

“There will be a few more twists and turns before the medals,” was his accurate prediction at the end of what he felt was a “frustrating day” for the Irish.

Tomorrow will no doubt hold more surprises before the Rio Olympic medals are decided.

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