Phillip Steiner and Cassina Dior have flown through the trot up at the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Final in Omaha. Phillip worked the mare in the arena before and says she took it all in her stride. “There were no jumps,” he says, “we were just schooling but she didn’t really look at anything.”

There are 44 combinations entered in the final representing 19 nations. Tomorrow is arena familiarisation when combinations have 90 seconds in the arena and are allowed to jump. “It’s great having Greg (Best) here. He and I will watch a few go and then analyse what we need to do.”

The first round is set to go on Thursday afternoon (NZ time) with the second on Friday and the final – for the top 30 – on Sunday morning.

Cassina Dior’s breeder Pip McCarroll is finally on the ground after weather delayed her flights too. “She brought Oddfellows for Dolly (Cassina Dior), a New Zealand cover, a nice new cotton sheet and some drapes for the stables so we are really looking the part now. It is much appreciated.”

Phillip is also very thankful for all the messages of support from home. “They have been nice to receive,” he said. Meanwhile James, Oliver and Francie Steiner spent a very enjoyable the day at the zoo.

TIMETABLE
Below is the timetable for the competitions this week, live streaming available via FEI.TV

Event

Omaha Time

NZ Time

Comments

Jumping Final 1

Wednesday 7.15pm

Thursday 12.15pm

All start

Jumping Final 2

Thursday 7.15pm

Friday 12.15pm

All start except those retired or eliminated in round 1

Jumping Final 3

Saturday 6.15pm

Sunday 11.15am

Top 30 in first round of final, top 20 in second round

By Diana Dobson – HP Media Liaison
Photos by Christine Cornege Photography