BRITAIN SETTLE FOR 4TH AS GERMANY WIN THE FEI NATIONS CUP AT HICKSTEAD

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It was an exiting three way jump-off to decide the rightful winner of this years FEI Nations Cup of Great Britain, with Germany, France and the USA all on 20 points after round 2.

It was last to jump, Marcus Ehning on Plot Blue who claimed the title for Germany, leaving France in second after a solid perforce from Kevin Staut in the jump off riding Silvana De Hus.

Great Britain had to settle for 4th after a spectacular clear round from Michael Whitaker moved them up from 5th.

FEI President, HRH Princess Haya, presented the Prince of Wales trophy to the winning team of Marcus Ehning, Phillipp Weishaupt, Holger Wulschner and Janne-Friederike Meyer.

“We had some top-class sport, and Hickstead is such a special place,” said Princess Haya afterwards. “It is an incredible venue, with such an amazing history. The Bunn Family are just so good at what they do and they add so much value to the equestrian community around the world. As a team event, the FEI Nations Cup™ really is one of the jewels in the crown of the FEI, and watching it today was fantastic.”

Today’s competition puts the German team in second place in the overall standings behind the Netherlands, with two more stages to go. Britain are now fourth overall behind Ireland in third with just two events left – Dublin next Friday and Rotterdam on August 26 – and crucially, GB stand a healthy 5.5 points above the relegation zone.

Final Results:

1. Germany (20) 44.95
2. France (20) 45.98
3. USA (20) 44.43
4. GB (24)
5. Belgium (28)
6. Ireland (44) & Netherlands (44)
7. Denmark (69)

In today’s first class in the International Arena, The Old Lodge Young Breeding Horse Championship, the spoils went to Shane Breen – who won on Balloon and also picked up third and four place with other rides. Later this morning, leading lady rider Laura Renwick was the winner of The Bunn Leisure International Stakes, riding Roller Coaster III. She says: “It’s always tough out there at Hickstead, but my horse just revels in it. He’s very adaptable and he covers the ground which is one of his strengths. The ground is fantastic out there, the horses feel like they are bouncing off of it.

There was plenty of action aside from the showjumping, with the Garrick Surface Coatings Ltd Supreme Riding Horse Championship going to Comberton Clancey and Jayne Webber. Jayne is the reigning British Horse Society Supreme Horse championship holder, so she’s one to watch in this Sunday’s grand finale.

“We have only had him since the beginning of this year, but every time out he learns a bit more. This is by far the biggest test he’s had so far and he was an absolute superstar,”

The supreme working hunter championship went to Jo Callwood and Thor, while reserve was Louise Bell and Get Smart. In the Sandra Wood BSPS Heritage mountain and moorland Supreme Ridden, the tricolour went to Miss C Dawson’s Dales pony Kilmannan Kilty, ridden by Aimee Hoare.