Opening day at the Longines FEI World Cup™ Final in Omaha was a thriller, with the USA’s McLain Ward edging out Sweden’s Henrik von Eckermann by just .31 seconds. Defending champion, Steven Guerdat followed in a close third and sits in the cat bird seat ready to make it a three peat.

Here are yesterday’s top 12:

HH Azur celebrating her win with a buck.

Henrik von Eckermann & Mary Lou were 2nd.

Defending champion Steve Guerdat & Bianca placed 3rd.

Gregory Wathelet & Forlap were 4th.

Leopold van Asten & VDL Groep Zidane N.O.P were 5th.

Romain Duguet & Twentytwo des Biches were 6th.

7th went to Martin Fuchs & Clooney.

Sergio Alvarez Moya & Arrayan were 8th.

Guido Klatte Jun. & Qinghai were 9th.

10th went to Simon Delestre & Chadino.

Nicola Philippaerts & H&M Harley vd Bisschop were 11th.

12th went to Kevin State & Reveur de Hurtebise HDC.