Korntawat Samran (THA) and B.Grimm Billy Elmy. Photo by Yong Teck Lim.
The FEI Asian Championships 2025 CCI2* cross country phase ran in the morning before the day reached max temperature of over 31°C (89°F). As we often see after the completion of this phase, the placings shifted just a bit. Thailand’s Korntawat Samran and B.Grimm Billy Elmy (Qif Elmy x Dandy de Surcy), owned by Mr. Harald Link & Ms. Nunthinee Tanner, took over the top spot, keeping their penalty score at 28.8. Sitting on a penalty score of 29.4, Ashish Limaye (IND) aboard Willy Be Dun took over the second spot. Still in the top three, Alex Hua Tian (CHN) and Manjushri were clear over the course, but incurred 2.4 time penalties, for a score of 29.6.
Partnered with his mount for three years now, Samran said, “He gave me his best out there and he was really motivated.”
The attractive 22 obstacle course, with four combinations, designed by Helen West of Great Britain, overall rode quite well with a few challenging spots. Samran indicated that the middle elements from fence 13 to 14, where going downhill with a sharp angle was the trickiest aspect. Limaye noted that the last water element at 20AB, which required riders to jump over a skinny elephant down into the water and to negotiate another elephant at element B while splashing through the water, was the most difficult.
Statistically, six competitors completed the track clear inside the time, including the current top two, while four riders completed the course with just time penalties. With less than a rail separating the top five riders, tomorrow’s show jumping phase is poised to be a nail-biter that could completely reshuffle the podium.
Now based in France, Samran feels the pressure of riding in an FEI Championship on home turf. “Of course there is pressure at any event, but even more at your home. I am more than happy to be here and put the pressure on myself, because it has been a long time since I’ve been back.”
When asked about tomorrow’s test in the show jumping arena, Samran felt confident, Limaye noted “fingers crossed” and Hua Tian said “Tomorrow is another day. I hope to jump a nice clear round and put the pressure on these two boys.”
Ashish Limaye (IND) and Willy Be Dun. Photo by Yong Teck Lim.
Team Standings
After day two, Hong Kong, China held their lead in the team standings on a total of 101.3 penalty points. At 105.6 penalty points, Thailand moved into the second spot, with just over a rail separating them from Hong Kong, China. India is currently third with a cumulative 121.
Alex Lachore (GBR), Eventing Technical Delegate (TD) who has been a part of international events all over the world, tipped his hat to the organizers “I think the organization of this Asian Championships has been fantastic, first class. The facilities for the horses today were amazing. Welfare was paramount with an excellent team of vets and doctors out there.”
The FEI Asian Championships Pattaya 2025 are being hosted at B.Grimm Country Club, also known as Thai Polo & Equestrian Club Pattaya, with the support of B.Grimm.
FEI Asian Championships Pattaya 2025 (Thailand): [Website] [Scores] [Live Stream]
