Team Germany ruled the ring on Saturday afternoon, beating six other countries to win the BMO Nations’ Cup 1.60m. Their squad — André Thieme, Joerne Sprehe, Daniel Deusser and Jana Wargers — beat teams built from some of the best riders of Canada, Spain, Switzerland, France, Ireland and Great Britain.
Lead by chef d’équipe Otto Becker, the Germans rode on champion steeds Paule S, (Thieme), Toys (Sprehe), Gangster V/H Noddevelt (Deusser) and Dorette Old (Wargers).
“I feel great, I’m very proud of this team,” Becker told the Spruce Meadows Media press conference following the event. “In the end, it was teamwork. Teamwork makes the dream work.”
They conquered the 12-jump, 14-effort course designed by Venezuelan course designer Leopoldo Palacios, with the teams from Ireland and Great Britain coming second and third, respectively. Switzerland placed 4th, Canada was 5th, France 6th and Spain 7th.
Thieme, the current Rolex Grand Slam Contender following his recent win in Aachen, Germany, in July, also told how he was determined but worried going into tomorrow’s CPKC ‘International’, presented by Rolex.
“I’m a very happy person today,” said Thieme, who opted to give champion horse DSP Chakaria the day off in preparation for tomorrow. “But I am a little worried about tomorrow. I tried to make the best plan, to give Chakaria a perfect day tomorrow, but there is something inside me telling me that she’s being just a touch too careful here.
“But it is what it is. I have to trust her now. She is always brave. Sometimes you have to take a little risk to win.”
Earlier in the day, British besties Matthew Sampson and Donald Whitaker came second and third in the Suncor Winning Round after being pipped by Germany’s Daniel Deusser, in his first win of the day, claiming top spot with stallion Bingo STE Hermelle.
Sampson was riding gelding Fabrice DN while Whitaker was on mare Ulania 3.
They beat a starting lineup of 28 horse-rider pairings, topping a ten-horse jump-off, on Palacios’ course, featuring 12 jumps and 15 efforts.
For a full schedule of ‘Masters’ events visit here.
Results here.
~ with files from Spruce Meadows Media