Great Britain Rules in UAE Nations Cup

British showjumpers started the 2010 Nations’ Cup Series with a victory in the Longine sponsored CSIO Abu Dhabi. Leading from the start the team of Ben Maher, Ellen Whitaker, Guy Williams and Robert Smith beat Germany and the Netherlands into second and third. In its first Nations’ Cup appearance, the UAE team finished an astonishing fourth even though none of the riders had competed at that level before. The team has now qualified for the Promotional league Final in Barcelona this September.

The first round ended with Great Britain holding a light lead over Germany, a single time penalty dividing the nations. The remainder of the second round teams were the three man Dutch team with four points, Egypt with six, Ireland with eight, Italy with nine faults and the UAE with ten. Olaf Peterson Sr. had made good use of a tight time to sort out the teams and time was once again a factor in the second round.

In the second round, Britain’s first three riders all jumped clear a second time. But when Germany’s Max Kuhner scored a time penalty, it was all over and Britain could not be beaten.

Dutman Greco Schroder posted a second clear round following in the footsteps of Sheik Latifa al Maktoum, who put the pressure on his team. The Irish effort did not go smoothly but they finished in seventh place and earned Euro 4,000 all for the Haiti relief fund.

Germany’s second place finish was all the more creditable when Carino was found to be a bit lame in the morning. I and in another very sporting gesture, for which this contest is becoming known, Mario Stevens offered Uli Krochoff his other horse rather than let his team go down to three men. “This is not normal at a show of this level,” said Uli, “but Mario was quite sure and said he trusted me completely with his horse so I could not let him down even though it was not so nice to jump a Nationals’ Cup the first time you ride a horse.”

The day had began with speed class, the Dubai Racing Speed Cup and it went to Gerco Schroder with Eurocommerce Milano. Schroder was nearly last to go and had to endure a nervous few minutes while he watched compatriot Ger-Jan Bruggink try to catch him. But Gerco’s time of 63.11 was just too quick. Second place went to Jordan’s Hani Bisharat who took the lead half way through from Robert Smith by two seconds. While many tried to catch his time only Schroder was able in 63.21. Gert-Jan was a fraction slower finished on 63.54. Robert Smith was fourth, Clarissa Crotta fifth and yesterdays winner Dermottt Lennon sixth.

The prize giving ceremonies took place on the Ghantoot Polo Club ponies to make sure European and Arabic horses do not mix and comply with strict quarantine conditions.

Results

Class 3 Dubai Racing Speed Cup

1. Gerco Schroder (NED) Eurocommerce Milano o, 63.11, Euro 7000

2 Hani Bisharat (JOR) Trouble Maker, 0, 63.21, Euro 5000

3. Gert-Jan Bruggink (NED) Cash Junior, 0, 63.54, Euro 2700

Longines Nations Cup 1. Great Britain, 0 , Euro 30’000

2. Germany, 6, Euro 20’000

3. Netherlands, 9, Euro 16’000

4. United Arab Emirate, 13, Euro 13’000

Quotes

Gerco Schroder – “I is always nice to win but I am enjoying this show anyway. I have been to a show in Dubai and this one compares very well. Yes I know there was a little problem last night but these things can happen anywhere and this is the first time here and next time it will be better”.

Mohammed al Hanin – “We had no real expectations before the start just to come here and do our best, we have not made any plan for the future yet, it feels good just to be sitting here in this company.”

Guy Williams – (who became a father of baby boy George the night before last) “it is great to win, this is a lovely show and I think we should be in the super league. If we definitely appeal I will fully support the BEF”.

Wil Connel (British Equestrian Federation) – “This is a great result and just what we wanted. The team really pulled together under the inspired leadership of Tim Stockdale and we are very proud win at the inaugural running of such a great new show. We have to also thank the lottery for helping to fund Team GB so we can compete at shows like these.”