Paris Olympics 2024: Chris Burton snags equestrian silver with a burning hot ride

The new equestrian posterboy leant back in the saddle, looked up and started whipping the air knowing a medal was his – three hours before he actually won it.

New Australian equestrian posterboy Chris Burton leant back in the saddle, looked into the sky and started whipping the air knowing a medal was his to lose.

That was in the qualifying round, some three hours before the silver medal was safely around his neck.

Ice cool in the searing Parisian heat, Burton atop gelding Shadow Man delivered two faultless jumping rides to snag his first individual medal and add to the tally for his country.

It caps a remarkable Paris campaign for the Queenslander, whose day-one dressage performance put him third, forcing his competitors to sit up and take notice.

As second-last rider out in the jumping final, Burton posted a score good enough for gold before being forced to endure a nervous 90-second wait as final rider German Michael Jung headed out.

Christopher Burton and horse Shadow Man clear a hurdle in Paris. Picture: Buda Mendes/Getty Images

Like the Australian, Jung was mistake free on the 372m course to snatch victory.

“I’m not gonna lie, I thought we had him there for a second,” Burton said.

“It’s a funny thing Germans call schadenfreude – a lovely term – you sort of want to watch but then you want to enjoy the moment and it’s a little bit tearing.

“No shame in coming second.”

The capacity crowd at the western end of the Palace of Versailles gardens – some 2.5km from the manor itself – were raucous throughout the day as European nations and plucky Australia battled for the podium.

Chris Burton on his way to his silver medal. Picture: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

One loud lout was evicted by security during Japanese rider Yoshiaki Oiwa for shouting during his ride – more than the polite applause permitted.

This minor incident didn’t overshadow a stunning two days – and one miserable one – at the spectacular palace.

“What an incredible Olympics … what an amazing place,” Burton said.

“The crowd has just been so much fun, I wish we could bottle it and take it home.”

The 42-year-old adds to his team bronze medal from Rio and hopes victory will lure a sponsor to give him the cash to buy Shadow Man.

Gold medallist Michael Jung of Team Germany with Chris Burton of Team Australia and bronze medallist Laura Collett. Picture: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

“I spotted him years ago … tried twice to buy him and (co-owner) Ben Hobday was too much in love with him to sell him and I can understand it,” he said.

“We’re going back to Australia, we’re gonna go build a house and put up a white picket fence and live the dream,” he said.

Faultless performances by Great Britain pair Laura Collett and Tom McEwen put the heat on Burton – who remained cool as ever.

It marks a new high for the accomplished rider, whose blend of ocker-Aussie larrikinism with British aristocratic elegance has made him a favourite in the equestrian community.

Now, he’ll head back to Australia, build a house and put up a white picket fence.

“Live the dream,” he said.

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Heading into the final, veteran Olympian Shane Rose knew he wasn’t challenging for a medal, but delivered a faultless performance to finish his Paris campaign – and what might be horse Virgil’s last big stage event – in 20th.

Earlier in the day reserve rider Shenae Lowings – who’d never been to an Olympic Games before even as a spectator – found herself in front of thousands of spectators atop racehorse Bold Venture.

Her late call-up to Olympic showjumping after the retirement of Kevin McNab during cross country a day earlier might have spooked most, but the 27-year-old seemed like a veteran.

“I was shocked about how I felt … usually on the final day I’m a bit nervous and I’ve got a bit of performance anxiety whereas today I felt cool and calm,” she said.

Having subbed in for one round she did not progress to the final. Bring on Los Angeles?

“Yes, yes definitely,” she said.