2002 World Equestrian Games

Team Standings Emerge in Phase 3

Twelve teams remained in the race by Phase 3. Italy was in second place (19:09:15) followed by Australia (19:39:07) and then the U.S., Belgium, and Spain. At the third of the four vet gates, riders had completed 102.5-km, and 89 remained in the race.

France was well ahead by Phase 3, with elapsed time of 18:36:21. All three riders were close in speed, with Demedy 7th, Le Labourier 8th, and Frances 14th. France's reigning World Champion, Maya-Killa Perringerard, retired in Phase 3. She rode her gray Arabian mare, Varoussa.

Only 69 riders completed Phase 4, at 141 km. France's three kept almost the same placings, with Demedy now 6th and Le Labourier 7th.

Demedy crossed the finish line at 7:19 PM, for a total time of 9:38:47. Le Labourier followed at 8:25 PM, still in 7th (total time 10:00:23, 16.02 km/hour), and Frances in 12th (total time 10:45:52, 14.46 km/hour). Italy won team silver with 31:05:52, Australia the bronze (32:57:47). Seven teams finished. Demedy said, "It was a tough course. I have a strong but small mare who did a great job. She made the track look easy today." Fifi du Bagnas had an average speed of 16.62 km/hour, and won the Best Condition award. U.S. rider Beverly Gray praised the French horse: "She was very proud of herself. He loves what she's doing, and she trained exceptionally well."