GBR TAKE JOINT 4TH IN FLORIDA’S $75,000 NATIONS CUP
Saturday 03 March 2012
Great Britain finished by sharing fourth place with USA in last night’s (2nd March 2012) Nations Cup.
The ten nations represented across the competition in teams of four were Colombia, Australia, Canada, Ireland Great Britain, Mexico, Germany, USA, Venezuela and France.
The competition, consisting of two rounds over the challenging course set by New York based Anthony D’Ambrosio, saw some fierce competition with the ten Nations all vying to be in the top six after the first round to enable them to contest the final second round.
With each team dropping their highest penalty score in each round it was Germany that led the way in the competition going forward with a zero penalty score having jumped three clear rounds. Their lead continued through the competition with them relegating Ireland into 2nd place on 8faults and Canada into 3rd place on 9faults.
Tying with Germany on 4th place, Great Britain finished on a total score of 22faults despite Warwickshire based Nick Skelton and Big Star’s terrific performance in producing one of the only four double clears that were seen throughout the competition. Big Star, a 9 year old bay stallion owned by Beverley Widdowson has been consistently hitting form and last nights performance was no exception, showcasing him to be the talent that Nick has always felt him to be.
Oxfordshire based Tina Fletcher with Ursula, an 11 year old bay mare jointly owned by Lady Pauline Kirkham and Lady Pauline Harris incurred 8faults in the first round with just 4faults in the second. This was their first appearance as a combination on a Nations Cup team.
Scotland’s Scott Brash with Sanctos Van Het Gravenhof a 10year old gelding which was recently purchased for him to ride by Lady Pauline Kirkham and Lady Pauline Harris made their debut as a combination in Nations Cup competition. However, an unfortunate 12faults in the first round and 8faults in the second meant they became the drop score for each section.
Anchorman was Hertfordshire based Ben Maher and Tripple X III a 10 year old black stallion whom he owns jointly with Quainton Stud. Having incurred 9faults in the first round they produced a faultless clear in the second however breaking the beam just outside the time allowed meant a time penalty was accrued leaving them to carry a 1fault penalty.
Competition continues at Wellington over the weekend with the Grand Prix commencing on Sunday 4th March. For full start lists and results please visit www.equestriansport.com
The British Showjumping Teams are supported by Exchequer and National Lottery funding via UK Sport.
