Perfect Pearson leads equestrian team to more gold

By Paul Carter

Equestrian Lee Pearson maintained his perfect Paralympic record as he won his ninth successive Paralympic gold.

Pearson led the way in style with a score of 77.06 per cent in the freestyle to music as Great Britain scored an impressive one-two, with Ricky Balshaw taking his first medal in second.

“I want to cry but I can’t,” said Pearson. “I can’t believe we made it a one-two. I’m over the moon with my 100 per cent success rate.”

Pearson has never won anything less than gold in any every event he has competed in at the Paralympics.

“I rode my arse off and I couldn’t have done any more. I’m exhausted but I just want to enjoy my success. I don’t think it’s sunk in yet.”

Pearson was riding his own gelding Gentleman, who he only began competing with in January.

“I was more nervous for these three competitions than I have ever been for any competition in my life. I rode my heart out and I don’t think Gentleman will ever know how much he has changed my life.”

Earlier in the day, Great Britain secured another one-two in the grade 1a competition, as Sophie Christiansen and Anne Dunham won gold and silver to take Britain’s total to ten medals.