Team GB finishes second in Meydan FEI Nations Cup

Britain’s showjumping team put in another sparkling performance to finish second behind France in the Meydan FEI Nations Cup in Rome on Friday.

Performance manager Rob Hoekstra’s four-man team read like an equestrian “Who’s Who” and, by building on their equal third place in the first leg (La Baule, France), absolutely justified Britain’s place in showjumping’s Super League.

The pathfinder was Nick Skelton (Carlo 273), followed by Peter Charles (Murkas Pom D’Ami), Ben Maher (Robin Hood W) and John Whitaker (Peppermill). Peter Charles continued his immaculate Nations Cup record this year with a first-round clear. John Whitaker and Nick Skelton’s rounds brought about four faults apiece while Ben posted the discard score with 16pen on Robin Hood.

As the second round got under way, it quickly became obvious that France were unassailable as they notched up clear round after clear round. But, as the pressure built, experience in the GB camp told and all bar Peter Charles (four faults with Murkas Pom D’Ami) rode precise and determined clears to finish on their first-round team total of eight faults, four points behind France.

Ireland and Spain tied for third on 12 faults.

Don’t miss next week’s H&H for full report, comment and results.

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