The FEI reversed its initial decision on the CCI4*-S class at Royal Jump in France after discovering a course measurement discrepancy of 247 metres. Storm Straker was reinstated as the winner following the correction.
Riders had complained about the published course length in the CCI4*-S division. Officials re-measured the track and found it 247m shorter than listed, prompting an adjustment to the allowed time.
Not all competitors received the updated information before their rounds. Storm Straker was initially demoted from first to fifth place when officials reverted to the original time.
The FEI later overturned that ruling and restored the result based on the re-measured distance. Eventing director Molly Day and the FEI were credited with resolving the issue.
Mark Phillips questioned how such an error occurred with multiple senior officials present at the event, two weeks before Defender Bramham Horse Trials.
