In form, Lara de Liedekerke-Meier? That’s an understatement!
By Friday evening, at the end of the dressage phase of the Mondial du Lion Crédit Mutuel,
she was sitting second in the provisional standings of the 6-year-old World Championship, and leading the 7-year-old category.
This morning, the 6-year-old class delivered some beautiful performances. The first rider to break the 30-penalty barrier was Wynja Eriksdotter Rubin (SWE) with Calidus. A little later, Noor Slaoui (MAR) and Casanova took the lead with 27.8. Then Lara de Liedekerke-Meier set a new standard with a stunning 25.1 aboard Tara van het Leliehof, temporarily topping both categories.
Melissa Joannides (GBR) – competing at the Mondial du Lion Crédit Mutuel for the first time – slotted into second with Graf Leopold on 27.5. It wasn’t until the end of the test that the podium was reshuffled, when Olympic Champion Julia Krajewski (GER) produced an outstanding 24.1 with Ajana to take the lead.
In the 7-year-old class, the scores are incredibly tight, with the entire podium separated by less than one point – and five riders tied across the top three positions, including three joint third places. It’s also worth noting that, in this category, the top 11 has remained unchanged since the first day of dressage on Thursday afternoon.
On the French side, Thomas Carlile is the man to watch, lying 5th among the 6-year-olds with Juste Unétoile and joint 3rd among the 7-year-olds with Iam du Loir – still in contention for what could be a sixth victory at the Mondial du Lion Crédit Mutuel. But two phases remain – starting with the cross-country, tomorrow, Saturday from 10 a.m. for the 6-year-olds.
Riders’ Reactions
“This cross-country seems more demanding, especially at the start of the course. But as always here, it’s a beautiful, fair track with clear questions. My mare is genuine, but she’ll be discovering this level and the atmosphere, so it’s up to me to do my job and make sure everything goes smoothly tomorrow.”
— Julia Krajewski (GER), leader of the 6-year-old category with Ajana
“Congratulations to the organisers for the incredible work done on the ground – it’s immaculate. The course feels different this year: more compact, with fewer galloping stretches towards the end to make up time. Managing the clock will be key.”
— Lara de Liedekerke-Meier (BEL), leader of the 7-year-olds with Helios and 2nd
among the 6-year-olds with Tara van het Leliehof
“I got the call only a week ago – I can hardly believe I’m here. I’d always heard the Mondial was a wonderful event, and they weren’t lying – it’s magical. Graf Leopold is an honest, fast and powerful cross-country horse. I trust him completely and I’m thrilled to take on this new challenge together.”
— Melissa Joannides (GBR), 3rd among the 6-year-olds with Graf Leopold
“Last week I said my 7-year-old was lovely, but that I wasn’t going to win the dressage…!”
— Lara de Liedekerke-Meier (BEL), on Helios
“I’ve often come to the Mondial du Lion as a spectator, even as a groom, but this is my first time competing here as a rider.”
— Emily Young-Jamieson (GBR), joint 3rd among the 7-year-olds with La Vita 44
“She’s a mare who just wants to win – everything comes naturally to her.”
— Hallie Coon (USA), 2nd among the 7-year-olds with Boleybawn Oliva
Provisional Rankings – 6-Year-Olds | Provisional Rankings – 7-Year-Olds
Cross-Country Start List – 6-Year-Olds | Cross-Country Start List – 7-Year-Olds
Watch the Press Conference – 6-Year-Olds
Watch the Press Conference – 7-Year-Olds