The British squad of Michael and John Whitaker, Tim Stockdale and Robert Smith won the second leg of the 2008 Samsung Super League with FEI Series in Rome on Friday (23 May).
Emulating last year’s result, Derek Ricketts’ squad picked up 10 vital Super League points at the Piazza di Siena. This was the ninth time that Britain has won the nations cup in Rome.
Tim Stockdale riding Fresh Direct Corlato and John Whitaker with Peppermill both went clear in the first round. They were joined by Michael Whitaker and Suncal Portofino 63 on four faults. Robert Smith and Ronaldo VI were the discard score with 12 penalties. This left Britain in equal first place with United States and Ireland.
Tim, John and Michael produced repeat performances in the second round leaving them neck and neck with the United States. This lead to a jump off between John Whitaker and America’s William Simpson. A mistake from the American left the dooropen for John and Peppermill, who pulled everything out of the bag to jump yet another foot perfect round to claim victory for Britain.
British team manager Derek Ricketts said: “This is a fantastic result. All of the horses have jumped very well. John’s dependable performance in the jump off was superb and clinched us the victory here in Rome today. It’s a great feeling to come back and repeat last year’s win!”
2008 Samsung Super League with FEI Series Round 2 – Rome, Italy
1. Great Britain 8 pen
2. United States of America 8 pen
3. Germany 16 pen
=4. Ireland 20 pen
=4. The Netherlands 20 pen
6. Italy 21 pen
7. Belgium 24 pen
=8. Sweden 32 pen
=8. Switzerland 32 pen
