(Malmo, Sweden) - At the end of an energetic Cross Country day, Andrew Hoy (AUS) aboard Mr Pracatan remains in the lead of the 2005 FEI Eventing World Cup Final. Thanks to a faultless round completed 5 seconds ahead of the optimum time of 7 min 14 sec., he retains his Dressage result of 39.3. Finland's Piia Pantsu and Yp�äj�ä Karuso did not make any mistakes either and are thus brilliant second (40.4). Clayton Fredericks of Australia on Ben Along Time, who was tied with Piia for runner up position after Dressage, behaved in a gentlemanly manner letting the lady first. He got home 4 seconds after the optimum time which cost him 1.6 penalties. With 42 points, he places 3rd.

Life is full of swings and roundabouts and so was today's Cross Country imagined by Swedish course designer Per Magnusson who has been officiating at Malm�ö for the last six years. The 28 obstacles (38 jumping efforts), some of which could even be used in a four-star competition, spread over 4125 m. Built on public parkland, it is an exceptional site with the Baltic Sea and Denmark on the horizon on one side and the 190 m high white Twisted Torso tower on the other. Cleverly built to cater to the habits and expectations of all the different nations taking part in the Final, it offered a witty mixture between traditional Scandinavian elements and unexpectedly contemporary ones. Only meters from the pretty thatched Danish roofs and fences made of white birch logs proudly stood three multicoloured pimples brightly covered in graffiti, the work of a 12-year old boy. Two water complexes were constructed around the pond in the middle of the park, the second of which featured a truly unique element: a fence with water jets sprinkling upwards, which instead of surprising or scaring the horses brought them higher in the air, adding to the already stunning atmosphere. A very special tribute should be paid to the organisers, who in holding this competition in the city have brought the best of Eventing to the public. An impressive crowd of 10,000 spectators had gathered today on Malm�ö's beach despite the surprisingly cold and windy weather.

"My horse was wonderful today," a beaming Andrew Hoy said. "There was not a single stage of the competition during which he wasn't concentrated. The first water (9a) felt a little shaky but he was perfect from then on. I had walked the course around the graffiti fences many many times to make sure I got my line right. I'm glad Mr Pracatan didn't stop to read those fences at all, he just went forward without any problem. Today was a day of great sport."

The best performance of the day belongs to Heidi White (USA) on Northern Spy who rode across country in 7 min 5 sec, a whole 9 sec ahead the optimum time. She lies now 6th. The round of Polish rider Artur Spolowicz on Wag was acknowledged by all as he was the first one to go and not only was he clear within the time (7min 12 sec), but he went in a very energetic and secure manner giving confidence to all.

The Jumping test, which follows tomorrow, will be as tight and thrilling as ever. The difference between the leader and the 3rd rider is only 2.7 points and, clearly, there is no room for error. Mr Pracatan had a lovely Jumping round at Badminton this year; Yp�äj�ä Karuso is usually clear but tends to get tense; this is the first major international event for Ben Along Time. Tomorrow is another day which will bring its own share of exhilarating moments and and unforgettable sport.

The complete results are available on http://www.equipe.nu/MeetingDetails.aspx?mId=268

ENDS
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