In one of the most exciting rounds of the Meydan FEI Nations Cup series so far, the home team enjoyed a landslide victory at Hickstead.
The British team of Peter Charles (Murka’s Pom D’Ami), William Funnell (Billy Congo), Tina Fletcher (Hallo Sailor) and Michael Whitaker (GIG Amai) recorded six jumping clears from seven rounds, adding only a smattering of time-faults, and this meant last to go, Michael Whitaker, was not required to jump again.
As other countries struggled with the course, the atmosphere and Hickstead’s undulations, the British quartet outperformed their rivals at every turn.
“I am highly delighted, we always said we wanted to win at Hickstead,” said performance manager Rob Hoekstra.
Britain last won the Nations Cup here in 2006 and this success puts them into second in the overall standings, behind leaders France with one leg to go. This takes place in Dublin next week and Rob Hoekstra announced that the squad going there will be the same as here at Hickstead, with the addition of Nick Skelton.
Don’t miss H&H’s full report, analysis and comment from Graham Fletcher in next week’s magazine (on sale 5 August)
Meydan FEI Nations Cup of Great Britain result
1. Great Britain, 7 (Peter Charles & Murka’s Pom D’Ami 1+1; William Funnell & Billy Congo 1+1; Tina Fletcher & Hallo Sailor 2+1; Michael Whitaker & GIG Amai 8+NS)
2. Germany, 22
3. USA, 29
4. France, 34
5. Netherlands, 35
6. Ireland, 36
7eq. Spain & Sweden, 40
9. Switzerland, 36
