The FEI Nations Cup of Great Britain ended in a thrilling three-way jump-off between Germany, France and USA. And, thanks to a perfectly judged round by Marcus Ehning and Plot Blue – riding his third clear of the day – the title went to Germany.
“I would like to thank the family Bunn for what they have done here and hopefully today we have given something back,” said Germany’s chef d’equipe Sonke Sonksen.
France finished second with a solid jump-off performance from Kevin Staut and Silvana De Hus. They, too, were clear but 1sec slower. Beezie Madden (Coral Reef Vio Volo) had kicked off proceedings with the fastest of the three rounds, but at the expense of a substantial oxer.
Great Britain’s team of Guy Williams (Titus), Robert Smith (Talan), Peter Charles (Murka’s Nevada) and Michael Whitaker (GIG Amai) finished fourth, rising up from fifth after round one thanks, in no small part, to a superb clear from the latter in round two.
“We obviously wanted a top three placing and would have been very happy to have been in the jump-off with three of the strongest teams,” said Britain’s performance manager Rob Hoekstra. “We were only one fence behind but we perhaps left a bit much to do after the first round.”
Ireland dropped to sixth with some costly scores in the second round.
Results:
- Germany (20) 44.95
- France (20) 45.98
- USA (20) 44.43
- GB (24)
- Belgium (28)
- Ireland (44) & Netherlands (44)
- Denmark (69)
In the overall standings, Netherlands and Germany are in first and second, Ireland drops to third, GB stays in fourth, with France (5th), Belgium (6th), USA (7th) and Denmark 8th.
Don’t miss next week’s issue of Horse & Hound (out 4 August) for the full report, pictures, expert comment and a sneak behind-the-scenes.
