‘Exceptional’ Brits win Nations Cup in La Baule

Britain has won the second leg of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup division one in La Baule, with Michael Whitaker the hero of the day.

Four clears

The British team lead from the off, going into the second round at the top of the table with just one time fault.

All four riders jumped clear in the first round, although Guy Williams (Titus) and Michael Whitaker (Cassionato) had one time fault each – one of which provided the drop score.

Round two

In round two, Joe Clee(Utamaro d’Ecaussines), who was the team’s pathfinder, once again jumped a faultless round, to produce one of four double clears in the competition.

Spencer Roe (Wonder Why) and Guy both had the top rail of the penultimate fence, to gain four faults. This meant the team had one fence in hand over France, with Michael last to go.

‘Spectacular’

The 55-year-old showed his experience and talent pulling off a brilliant clear. He was just outside the time allowed, but even with two time faults added, it was enough for Britain to retain their lead with a total of seven faults.

“I knew I had to go in and have less than four penalties so the time really mattered,” Michael said. “The first round was a bit difficult, but the second round was great, he really went well and gave a good ride. I’m very happy, for the horse, his owners and for the team.”

France was second on nine faults, Ireleand third on twelve and in fourth place was Spain with 13 faults.

Strong position

Performance manager Di Lampard said she “couldn’t be happier” with the result.

“Everyone was exceptional and for Michael to pull it out the bag in the way he did made it spectacular,” Di commented. “Joe’s two rounds were superb, Spencer delivered two great rounds and so did Guy. Cassionato puts his faith in Michael, has great talent and we all saw this in the second round.”

The result puts Britain in a strong position for Rome next week, which is their first opportunity to put points on the Furusiyya scoreboard.

Division two

Elsewhere in Europe, another British team came second in the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Europe division two league in Odense, Denmark.

The team comprised Harriet Nuttall (A Touch Imperious), Chloe Winchester (Avoca Valkyrie), Emma O’Dwyer (HHSFigero) and Julie Andrews (Ayrton). They finished on nine faults, behind Belgium who won the competition on five faults.

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