Team GB saved from Nations Cup relegation

Great Britain’s showjumpers rustled up a dazzling performance to finish second in the final leg of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup in Dublin.

The team of Ben Maher (Cella), Joe Clee (Utamaro D’Ecaussines), Spencer Roe (Wonder Why) and Scott Brash (Hello Sanctos) just missed out on victory, with USA lifting the famous Aga Khan Trophy and winning their third Nations Cup in seven days.

But thanks in no small part to a double clear from youngest member, Spencer Roe, Team GB earned enough points to qualify for the Nations Cup final in Barcelona in October and avoid relegation to division two of the Furusiyya series.

“I’m very proud of the team — they were under a lot of pressure,” said GB performance manager Rob Hoekstra. France are the overall winners of division one of the FEI Nations Cup, with Great Britain sixth of the seven teams to qualify.

Results of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup in Dublin

1. USA 4; 2. GBR 8; 3eq. UKR, FRA & SWE 16; 6eq. IRL & NED 20; 8. GER ELIM

Don’t miss the full report including all the reactions, pictures and an interview with GB hero Spencer Roe in next week’s issue of H&H (out 14 August).

Jennifer Donald

H&H showjumping editor

Jennifer is passionate at showjumping and her role as H&H’s showjumping editor has taken her around the world reporting from shows and interviewing riders, connections and those involved behind the scenes. Since joining H&H from BBC Sport in 2005, she has written on every subject across the equestrian sphere — from turnout rugs to stable management — and has interviewed gold medallists, world champions and winners galore. She also has first-hand experience of working in the equestrian industry as a riding instructor and yard manager.