‘I didn’t think I’d done anything but go clear’: Ros Canter penalties under review after Paris Olympics cross-country

Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo did what they do best during their Paris Olympics cross-country round as anchors for the British team in the Olympic eventing competition.

They jumped a great round, stopping the clock with seven seconds to spare, but have been awarded 15 penalties for a missed flag at fence 21c, The Whimsical Woods. These penalties are under review and Ros and the British camp are “confident” they will be removed once the official video footage has been studied.

“I touched a flag coming out of the triple brushes in the woods, but I would never have imagined that I didn’t jump the jump,” explained Ros. “I didn’t come back and think I’d done anything but go clear inside the time, so hopefully the penalties will be removed.”

Ros and “Walter’s” performance around the Pierre Le Goupil-designed track looked to be flawless and should the penalties be removed, they will go into the final day of competition tomorrow on their 23.4 dressage score in fifth place individually.

“Walter was his usual incredible self. He absolutely loves to run and he loves to gallop and jump and he loves the crowd – he was in his element,” said Ros of the 12-year-old gelding, owned by Archie and Michele Saul. “He was nicely tucked up in bed about an hour ago having a sleep, so we had to get him up to get ready for the cross-country, so it’s been a good day for him in France!”

Crucially, even with 15 penalties currently attached to Ros’ score, Britain remains at the top of the team leaderboard after the Olympics cross-country day on a score of 82.5. France are in silver on 87.2, while Japan are vying for their first Olympic eventing medal in bronze on 93.8 going into tomorrow’s showjumping.

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