Rio-bound Brits head Nations Cup squad at Hickstead
Rio-bound British showjumpers will be in action in the final section-leg of the FEI Nations Cup series this week before the team flies to Brazil.
Three of the five-strong squad heading to the Olympics have been chosen to represent Britain in the Nations Cup at Hickstead on Friday (29 July).
Olympic riders Michael Whitaker and Ben Maher, and travelling reserve Jessica Mendoza, will join Tim Stockdale and Scott Brash on the Nations Cup squad.
This is the first time the Longines Royal International Horse Show at Hickstead has hosted the final European division one leg of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup series.
Due to this summer’s Games, Dublin Horse Show — normally the final leg — was moved to the week before Hickstead. The final will be held in Barcelona on 22-29 September.
The full British line-up is:
- Ben Maher on Diva II (pictured), owned by himself and Tatiana Korsakova
- Scott Brash on Hello Guv’nor, owned by Lord and Lady Harris and Lord and Lady Kirkham
- Tim Stockdale on Fleur De L’Aube, owned by Marjorie and Clark Glasgow
- Michael Whitaker on Viking, owned by Melissa Braybrooke
- Jessica Mendoza on Spirit T, owned by Sarah Mendoza
The Brits, who finished sixth here last year, are currently in sixth place in the series following the penultimate leg in Dublin. The last time Britain won on home turf was in 2010.
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Last year, Britain finished in second place at the finals in Barcelona. Two combinations from the 2015 runner-up team — Jessica Mendoza (Spirit T) and Ben Maher (Diva II) — are on the Hickstead squad.
Britain’s results so far this year include a win in Rome (29 May), eighth place in Rotterdam (26 June), third in Falsterbo (10 July) and fifth place in Dublin (24 July).
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Lucy is an experienced news journalist, reporter and presenter. Since joining the Horse & Hound team in 2015, Lucy has reported from major global sporting events including the Tokyo Paralympic Games and multiple European Championships, as well as Badminton, Burghley and London, to name a few. She has covered current affairs and sports news across the full spectrum of equestrian disciplines and racing, as well as human and equine welfare, industry news and court cases.