Belgium show jumpers triumph at Aachen

The trials and tribulations of Britain¨s Nations Cup riders continued at Aachen, where there was an improvement in the fact that we made the second round after missing that stage at three shows,but Britain still finished only sixth.

Britain’s highlight was Mark Armstrong¨s performance of four faults and a clear on Elise, which has earned him his European Championship place.

Belgium, strengthened by Jos Lansink¨s recent change of nationality and one of only two double clears in the competition by Marc van Dijck, achieved her first Aachen victory since the show was founded in 1929¨ and an imposing one, by four faults to the host nation¨s 12.

Italy was third, led by Jerry Smit on hisprospective European partner, Jamiro, who produced a double clear, Holland was fourth, the USA fifth and Britain just behind.

Dr Arno Gego¨s course was big, straightforward and not over-technical, although the combination was quite tricky.

For full report and pictures from Aachen, see Horse & Hound issue dated 21 June 2001