Equestrianism: Davenport's cool finish improves his stature

Richard Davenport gave another reminder of his growing assurance in major show jumping contests here on Saturday evening, when he rode Grand Marnier into equal sixth place in the World Cup qualifier. In the process, the 21-year-old Briton moved up two places in the Western European League and is now lying in equal seventh place on 24pts.

Among those on the same total are the Dutchman Jan Tops and his Swedish stable-jockey, Rolf-Goran Bengtsson, who have both helped Davenport as he strives to make his name in the sport. The British rider walked the course with Tops and he jumped a fine round, which was marred only by a refusal at the curved grey wall – the third of 13 fences.

The wall was on a related distance of six or seven strides from the previous obstacle and Davenport believed that his chestnut mount had probably got too close to the obstacle. Tops commended his protégé for keeping a cool head: "Richard kept riding positively and he did well to finish inside the time."

Well-known for his persistence, Davenport will now be pressing for invitations to the Geneva and Olympia World Cup Shows next month. He has missed out on the qualification procedure for Olympia, but there must be a strong case for the organisers of the London show to find a place for the home rider who holds the best place in the league.

Belgian representatives dominated the World Cup here, with Stanny Van Paesschen on O de Pomme defeating Jos Lansink on Cordijana. To complete the clean sweep, Gilbert de Rook finished third on Neron de la Tourelle.