Sweden’s Henrik von Eckermann on King Edward won the first of three nights of jumping competition at the FEI World Cup Finals in Omaha ©Getty Images

Sweden’s Henrik von Eckermann on King Edward, a pairing that has won two world titles, proved unbeatable again in the American city of Omaha as they won the opening speed leg of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) Jumping World Cup Final 2023.

Taking full advantage of getting the best draw, as last to go of the 40 starters from 19 nations tackling the 13-fence course, von Eckermann guided his horse to victory in the CHI Health Center Omaha Arena.

Britain’s longtime leader Scott Brash, on Hello Jefferson, had to settle at the end for the runner-up spot.

Third place went to Germany’s Daniel Deusser and Scuderia 1918 Tobago Z.

"I was happy to be going last and of course I’m very happy now - it was a good start!" said von Eckermann, who, riding Toveks Mary Lou, finished third the last time the Final was held in Omaha in 2017 and again in Paris the following year.

A strong performance in the opening competition is a key element of winning the overall title.

Apart from the leading three, others who gave themselves a good chance of success by finishing in the top ten were Switzerland’s Pius Schwizer, on Vancouver de Lanlore, Sweden’s Wilma Hellstrom on Cicci BJN, Denmark’s Andreas Schou riding Darc de Lux, The Netherlands’ Harrie Smolders on Monaco NOP, home riders Hunter Holloway on Pepita Con Spita and Aaron Val on Prescott, and Brazil’s Yuri Mansur, riding Vitiki.

But home rider McLain Ward, who won this title in Omaha in 2017, is also in the hunt after placing eleventh.

Von Eckermann was not getting carried away by his lead after the first competition because there were still two more days of jumping to come.

"It’s still a long way to go," he said.

"In Gothenburg (at the end of February) I had two down and if I have that tomorrow I’m gone, so it’s still very far away.

"But of course I have the best position and that’s what I like because I don’t have to hunt anyone.

"I just have to make sure that I’m good enough now and then we’ll see where it ends."

In the dressage final, the opening Grand Prix, which served as a qualifier for the freestyle event on Friday (April 7), victory went to Germany’s defending champion Jessica von Bredow-Werndl on TSF Dalera BB despite being distracted as they entered the arena by a loud noise.

"There was a stupid noise just above us, it was like ringing bells," she told chronofhorse.com

"It was strange, really strange."

But a percentage of 79.92 per cent proved enough for victory ahead of fellow German Isabell Werth, seven-time Olympic gold medallist, on DSP Quantaz, who earned 77.48 per cent.

In third place with 76.16 per cent was Denmark’s Nanna Skodborg Merrald on Blue Hors Zepter.