Michael Jung and La Biosthetique-Sam FBW have made two sizeable annotations to the history books today, by becoming only the second pair ever to win the Rolex Grand Slam and achieving the best final score in Badminton Horse Trials’ 25 year history (34.4).
As if that wasn’t enough, Jung is also the first German to win the 4* competition at Badminton.
Michael Jung & La Biosthetique - Sam FBW: your 2016 @Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing champions! @bhorsetrials
amp.twimg.com/v/0c7da920-d15…
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USEF (@USEquestrian) May 08, 2016
The German has collected the biggest prize money in eventing, a mighty £240,000.
Germany's Michael Jung closed in on a £240,000 bonus prize at the @bhorsetrials
bbc.in/1SX18NR #MMBHT https://t.co/8TC7QiVRyh
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BBC Sport (@BBCSport) May 07, 2016
Overnight Jung was leading above fellow German, Andreas Ostholt, with two-fences in hand.
Today Jung directed his mount around the showjumping ring with stealy determination, and both horse and rider looked totally focused.
The German’s angles and lines were clinical in their accuracy and he directed his ride confidently and decisively to every fence.
The crowd fell silent as La Biosthetique-Sam FBW popped around the ring with style, looking relaxed and comfortable and effortlessly clearing every jump.
There was a real sense that you were watching a special moment unfolding.
When Michael and Sam finished with a clear round, the equestrian world had two new sporting legends.
Well done to Michael Jung. A new record score at Badminton, the first German ever to win and the Rolex Grand Slam completed. Not bad.
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Clare Balding (@clarebalding) May 08, 2016
Speaking about the partnership with his family’s 16 year old gelding, Sam, Jung was overcome with emotion:
I am so proud of Sam. He is not only a very special horse, but he is my friend.
I think we need a bit of time to realise this very special moment. It’s a very big situation
The other riders in the top three on the final day remained unchanged from the previous day, with German Andreas Ostholt (So Is Et) finishing second and Briton Gemma Tattersall (Arctic Soul) in third.
Tattersall was elated with Artic Soul’s performance:
Arctic Soul has been in the form of his life [in the run up to Badminton]. He did a personal best in the dressage and I couldn’t be more proud of him.I knew we had a great chance, but to be in the top three is beyond my wildest dreams.
3RD @bhorsetrials I literally can't believe it.... Arctic Soul is so incredibly special. Just thank you boy. #dreamsdocometrue 💗💗💗💗💗🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎
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Gemma Tattersall (@GTeventing) May 08, 2016
Many of the British riders in the competition were hoping to make big statements and secure their qualification for Olympic selection.
Along with Gemma Tattersall, the Queen’s granddaughter Zara Tindall (High Kingdom) made a return to form, Kristina Cook (seventh on Star Witness), Izzy Taylor (eighth on Allercombe Ellie) and Ben Way (12th on Galley Light), all made the qualifying standard.
Team GB’s equestrian team will be announced in July.