He can become the first rider in 25 years to win a third consecutive title. Brazilian Rodrigo Pessoa (1998-2000) is the only one who has managed to achieve an unbroken triple.
But von Eckermann is keeping a low profile.
I want to try to win the first day. If I do, I'll try the next day and the next, he says.
The reason is simple. These days, he's sitting on 13-year-old mare Iliana. Not on King Edward, the stallion he's had enormous success with and won the finals in Omaha and Riyad on.
Iliana is a horse that lives on her own will. So does King Edward, but he has a different exchange, more natural capacity.
Naturally Faster
Iliana is naturally faster in the basic gallop than King Edward is. There are pros and cons. It's easier with Iliana to get a fast and even round in the time jumping, while it would have been easier to jump bigger obstacles with King Edward on Sunday.
On Iliana, he has won tough GP jumping competitions, but the World Cup final offers the same level of difficulty as a championship. Iliana has done one – and that was enough to contribute to the Swedish European Championship gold in Milan 2023.
Everything is as it should be with her. She feels in very good form, says Henrik von Eckermann.
After a series of misunderstandings in some heated re-jumps last winter, he decided not to compete indoors with King Edward this season. Instead, the horse got time to build up its self-confidence. The relationship and understanding between rider and horse needed to be improved and deepened.
Must Go Clean
Horse welfare is the top priority for the world number one. At the same time, he reduced his chances of winning a third consecutive World Cup final.
The pair that stands as winners on Sunday must likely make four faultless rounds.
It's definitely required, with this starting field.
Any stable tips?
I think Martin (Fuchs) will be tough. The one who maybe nobody really counts on is Robert Whitaker. Vermento has been in very good form, says Henrik von Eckermann.
Henrik Skiöld/TT
Facts: Latest World Cup Winners
TT
2024: Henrik von Eckermann, Sweden (Riyad).
2023: Henrik von Eckermann (Omaha)
2022: Martin Fuchs, Switzerland (Leipzig)
2021 and 2020: No competitions due to the pandemic
2019: Steve Guerdat, Switzerland (Göteborg)
2018: Elizabeth Madden, USA (Paris)
2017: McLain Ward, USA (Omaha)
2016: Steve Guerdat (Göteborg)
2015: Steve Guerdat (Las Vegas)
Thursday: Jumping, first round. 20.05–22.30 SVT24/SVT play.
Friday: Jumping, second round. 20.05–22.30 SVT24/SVT play.
Saturday: Dressage, decisive kür. 18.50–20.00 SVT2/SVT play, 20.00–22.30 SVT24/SVT play.
Sunday: Jumping, third round. 13.50–15.00 SVT1/SVT play, 16.05–17.15 SVT1/SVT play.
Henrik von Eckermann is the only Swedish participant in jumping, Patrik Kittel in dressage.
