Britain’s top show jumpers are preparing to take on six other nations in the penultimate leg of the Samsung Super League in Dublin (12 August). Chef d’Equipe Derek Rickett’s British foursome consists of Robert Smith (Marius Claudius), Michael Whitaker (Insul Tech Portofino), Tim Gredley (Omelli) and John Whitaker (Peppermill).
The British team, currently placed fifth on the leader board has been drawn to jump second, after the Netherlands. Ireland, who lie at the bottom of the Samsung Super League score board will be looking to climb up the ladder on home ground.
Irish team manager Robert Splaine said “There is no weak team here, everyone is strong but we will be fighting very hard. We have a good, strong, confident team and we are hoping to leave the “Dutch well behind us tomorrow – much as we like them!”
But considering the Netherlands squad includes Olympic medallists Piet Raymakers and Jeroen Dubbeldam and the Schroder brothers, Gerco and Wim, the Irish have a tough job on their hands.
SAMSUNG SUPER LEAGUE WITH FEI 2006 – LEADERBOARD AFTER ROUND 6 AT HICKSTEAD :
1. Germany – 35.125
2. USA – 32.0
3. France – 31.0
4. Switzerland – 26.625
5. Great Britain – 26.0
6. Sweden – 18.125
7. Netherlands – 14.125
8. Ireland – 12.0
