GREAT BRITAIN TAKE SECOND IN ST GALLEN

Friday 01 June 2012

An amazing performance at round 3 of the 2012 FEI Nations Cup held in St Gallen, Switzerland this afternoon saw Rob Hoekstra’s British quartet share second place with the host nation.

The first round produced just seven clears, one of which was claimed by Tim Stockdale riding Colin Garratt’s eleven year-old bay gelding Fresh Direct Kalico Bay. Whilst ‘in-form’ Nick Skelton riding Beverley Widdowson’s eleven year-old grey gelding Carlo 273, Michael Whitaker with his own ten year-old chestnut gelding Viking V, and John Whitaker aboard Clare Whitaker’s eleven year-old chestnut stallion Maximillian IV, each lowered a single pole to leave Great Britain on a total score of eight penalties and in equal third place with the host nation after the first round. Consistent performances from a strong German squad put them at the top of the leader board on just a single time penalty with The Netherlands in second at the half-way stage.

A complete turn of fortunes in the second round saw Germany drop down to fourth place and superb clear rounds from Nick, Tim and John meant the Brits finished on a total score of eight, sharing the runner-up spot with Switzerland.

World Class Showjumping Performance Manager Rob Hoekstra, commented;

“An excellent performance from the Team this afternoon, particularly the second round where they chalked up three impressive clear rounds. It was great to see Tim back on top form jumping one of only three double clears of the entire competition, an amazing achievement after breaking his neck just a few months ago. Today has certainly made the decisions for London all the more difficult!”.

Today’s second place puts Great Britain into fifth spot on the FEI Nations Cup points table. The next round of the 2012 FEI Nations Cup takes place in Rotterdam, The Netherlands on Friday the 22nd June. 

Competition’s continue throughout the weekend at the Grüendenmoos Stadium in St Gallen, culminating in Sunday’s €200,000 Longines Grand Prix. Further information and results can be found by visiting www.csio.ch.

The British Showjumping Teams are strongly supported by Exchequer and National Lottery funding via UK Sport.

2012 FEI Nations Cup
Round 3 – St Gallen SUI

1st The Netherlands – 7 penalties

=2nd Great Britain – 8 penaltie
Nick Skelton & Carlo 273 (Owner: Beverley Widdowson) – 4/0
Michael Whitaker & Viking V (Owner: Michael Whitaker) – 4/12
Tim Stockdale & Fresh Direct Kalico Bay (Owner: Colin Garratt) – 0/0
John Whitaker & Maximillian (Owner: Clare Whitaker) – 4/0

=2nd Switzerland – 8 penalties
4th Germany – 9 penalties
5th Belgium – 25 penalties
6th Ireland – 28 penalties
7th France – 35 penalties
8th Sweden – 48 penalties