Peebles showjumper strikes Gold at Olympics in Paris
Last updated 2nd Aug 2024
Peebles showjumper Scott Brash has helped Team GB to Gold at the Olympics in Paris.
The 38-year-old - who also won Gold at London in 2012 - was the third of Britain's riders to tackle the Palace of Versailles course and, with the pressure on, had to jump clear to claim the top prize.
He qualified for the event on horse Jefferson, along with team mates Ben Maher and Harry Charles, in third place behind Germany and the USA.
But, with the scores reset to zero, Maher jumped clear with one time penalty, before Charles added a perfect round and Brash jumped clear, with one time penalty which was good enough for Gold.
Reflecting on the achievement, Brash said: "Jefferson was amazing, he coped unbelievably with the atmosphere and things, and stayed relaxed and cool, and focused on his job; and I'm absolutely delighted.
"The lads put me in an unbelievable position and thankfully it all paid off. I think we've done our country proud.
"We've showcased a top sport today and we want it stay in the Olympic Games, it's so important for equestrian.
Congratulating the Borderer on his victory, sportscotland Director of Sport, Craig Burn, said: “What an incredible performance by Scott Brash and the other GB riders to bring home the gold medal.
"Scott has put so much effort into preparing for these Games and throughout a stellar career, it is great to see that rewarded with his second Olympic gold."
Scott - who had a sculpture made out of recycled horse-shows built in his honour in Peebles following his success in London - is one of four Borderers competing at this summer's Games.
Speaking after qualifying for today's showjumping final, he said: "I thought Jefferson was amazing, he was fantastic. He is a more experienced horse, I know him well, but he’s very sharp and he spots everything, like if a bird flies out of bushes, he spots it.
"So you never really know how he’s going to cope with such a big atmosphere, but he delivered again today and he felt really comfortable once we got in there and focused on his job.
“I think we’re all very happy with our horses, they feel in good shape and seem to be coping with everything well, the heat and the atmosphere and things. So I think we’re all happy ahead of tomorrow.”
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Brash was awarded an MBE in the 2013 New Year Honours for services to equestrianism.
Cheering him on back home is Scottish Borders Council leader Euan Jardine. Reacting to the win, he said: "Wow, wow, wow! I'm on cloud, so I've no idea what Scott and his family and friends must be feeling at the moment.
"It's absolutely fantastic for the Scottish Borders - two Gold medals is a phenomenal achievement.
"We've already got a statue, we've already got a Gold post box, so what's next to honour this fantastic Olympian? I'm lost for words."
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