France wins FEI Nations Cup opening leg

Britain took third place in the opening leg of the FEI Nations Cup Eventing 2014 at Fontainebleau in France (24 March).

Eliminated

The team was third after the dressage, but couldn’t improve on their position when Emily Llewellyn had a refusal at the fourth fence on the cross-country with Greenlawn Sky High, while Lucy Wiegersma and Mr Chunky were eliminated at fence 19.

Izzy Taylor, who made her senior squad debut last year, was the highest placed Brit best in 13th place on Dax van Ternieuwbeke. Gemma Tattersall and Chico Bella P also jumped also put in a good performance to finish 15th.

Very challenging

“It was a very challenging early season competition and a pretty testing few days with show jumping and cross-country courses up to height with the time tight over strong tracks,” said British team manager Philip Surl said.

“Izzy and Gemma did a very good job today jumping clear in a time that again was quite tight and managed to take our team result ahead of the Italians.

French victory

It was a victory for the French team, competing on home turf, who were the only team to produce four clear cross-country rounds. Second place went to the Netherlands.

The next leg of the Nations Cup will be held in Ireland for the first time on 11-14 April 2014.