Great Britain second in Rotterdam Nations Cup
After three wins out of three in the Meydan FEI Nations Cup series so far, everyone was wondering if France could be beaten. But it was a fresh USA team’s turn to shine in the fourth leg in Rotterdam, with Great Britain taking second ahead of the home team, the Netherlands, in third. France could only manage equal fifth.
Performance manage Rob Hoekstra chose Peter Charles with Murka’s Pom D’Ami as the pathfinder. This ultra-reliable combination collected just one time-fault over the two rounds. David McPherson and his exciting addition to the Nations Cup team, nine-year-old Chamberlain Z, finished on one time-fault in the first round and four faults in the second while Scott Brash (Intertoy Z) amassed four faults in each.
In the second round, USA fired out clear round after clear round and, after the third one was clocked, a win was guaranteed. The Dutch team had finished next-best on eight points so, once again, it all came down to Britain’s last rider John Whitaker, who had come home just outside the time for one time-penalty in the first round.
He and the 13-year-old stallion Peppermill didn’t disappoint, and their clear round left Great Britain in second place on a total of seven points.
In the overall standings, Great Britain maintains second position behind France. USA’s win moves them up to third.
Don’t miss next week’s Horse & Hound (out 24 June) for full report, results and comment.
Results from Rotterdam
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1. USA (0)
2. Great Britain (7)
– Peter Charles (Murka’s Pom D’Ami) 0/1
– David McPherson (Chamberlain Z) 1/4
– Scott Brash (Intertoy Z) 4/4
– John Whitaker (Peppermill) 1/0
3. The Netherlands (8)
4. Germany (9)
eq5. Spain and France (12)
eq7. Switzerland and Ireland (24)
9. Sweden
10. Poland
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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.