Anchor riders proved key to the result of today’s first round of the team Jumping competition at the London 2012 Olympic Games at Greenwich Park. Saudi Arabia holds the lead going into tomorrow’s second-round medal-decider carrying just a single time penalty, while Great Britain, The Netherlands, Sweden, and Switzerland lie less than a fence behind in silver medal spot carrying four faults apiece.

With five faults on the board, Canada finished sixth and, with only the top eight teams going through to tomorrow’s second round, Brazil and the United States clinched the last two available places when closing their day with eight faults.

But attendees’ heads shook in disbelief when the always-strong German team missed the cut along with France and Belgium, as not one of the riders from any of these top-level nations managed to keep a clean sheet today.

Bob Ellis‘ brilliant course building has had a significant impact however. Once again the loops and roll-backs tested control and accuracy, and the Olympic arena at Greenwich Park has proved that it is no place for shrinking violets. Horses need courage and conviction to come home without penalty, and riders need to execute their plans to perfection