Brash takes moment to make memories with second Olympic gold

There can be few grander venues in sport than the Palace of Versailles.

A former royal residence with a gladiatorial feel, its trio of steep, packed stands loom down on the pristine showground.

The stage where the equestrian events are being held at the Olympics is one where calm heads prevail. Calm heads like the one possessed by Scott Brash.

With fellow riders Ben Maher and Harry Charles having laid the groundwork in the team jumping final on Friday, the Peebles rider was the last to go on horse Hello Jefferson. A gold medal was on the line.

With that in mind, Brash decided to take a few extra moments before he and his mount followed a French rider into the arena. With composure assured, the pair successfully overcame every hurdle to secure a glorious gold.

"Jefferson is a bit tense and sharp," the Scot explained.

"And with the French being before us, I was quite aware there would be a lot of banging of feet and clapping of hands.

"So I tried to stay back to give him every opportunity to stay settled, relaxed and focussed. And it worked; he was absolutely incredible and jumped his heart out."

Brash now finds himself a double Olympic champion, having struck gold in the same event at the London Games in 2012.

But could a third gold be within his grasp when he and Hello Jefferson go in the individual event next week?

"The pressure is back on because each time you start on zero," the 38-year-old said.

"In the individual qualifier, there are about 90 people and only 30 qualify for the final. Then you start on zero again so one small mistake and you are out.

"But listen, I know he is in great form so will be giving it our absolute best chance on Monday and Tuesday and try and win another gold."