While the top 15 riders in the current standings are either definitely or practically assured of a place in the Final, due to take place in Swedish city Gothenburg from April 3 to 7, the three other spots on offer are there for the taking in the French city.

Germany’s Ludger Beerbaum, Sweden’s Irma Karlsson and Belgium’s Francois Mathy Jr currently occupy 16th, 17th and 18th place respectively, but given that victory in the qualifier is worth 20 points, there are dozens still in contention.

Hans-Dieter Dreher of Germany is just two points behind Mathy Jr in 19th, while compatriot Marcus Ehning is a further two back in 20th.

Sitting in 21st place as things stand is Spain’s Eduardo Álvarez Aznar, seven points shy of where he would like to be. 

Those riders who are 100 per cent certain of a place in the Final are the Western European League’s top three; Germany’s Daniel Deusser and Christian Ahlmann, and world number one Steve Guerdat of Switzerland.

Also in that top-ranked group are Belgians Pieter Devos and Gudrun Patteet, France’s Kevin Staut, Switzerland’s Martin Fuchs, Sweden’s Henrik von Eckermann, Australia’s Edwina Tops-Alexander and Italy’s Lorenzo de Luca.

Those almost guaranteed of a place in the Final are Belgium’s Niels Bruynseels and Olivier Philippaerts, Austria’s Max Kühner, France’s Olivier Robert and Sweden’s Peder Fredricson.

The last Western Sub-League event of the FEI Jumping World Cup North American League is also scheduled to be held tomorrow in León in Mexico.

First place in yesterday's qualifier went to home favourite Francisco Pasquel on Coronado, clocking a time of 36.27sec in the jump-off.

The top 10 finishers were all Mexican with Andres Torres Hernandez second on Chabacon in 36.51 and Patricio Pasquel third on Babel in 37.77.

Created in 1978, the FEI Jumping World Cup is an annual international competition among the world’s best show jumping horses and riders.