Germanteam_Hickstead09301.JPGGermany pipped France at Hickstead today when, for the fourth time during this thrilling 2009 Meydan FEI Nations Cup™ season, the result was decided in a two-way jump-off against the clock.  And Germany has discovered a new star in 28 year old Janne-Frederike Meyer, who not only completed the single double-clear of the competition but then went one better and clinched a back-to-back victory for her country at the British venue with a third foot-perfect run from the super-careful Cellagon Lambrasco.

On a high-scoring afternoon in which weather conditions played a major role, Ireland finished a comfortable third ahead of Sweden, but it was a difficult day for the Americans who racked up 52 faults to finish equal-fifth with Belgium, while the British saw their worst fears realised.  Hampered by the loss of Tim Gredley when a recurring injury for his horse, Omelli, kept him out of the second round the host side had to settle for seventh ahead of the Dutch in eighth.  The spectre of relegation is now hanging over them, while a last-place finish has ensured the departure of the Italians who, once again, sat it out during the second round, this time in the company of the Swiss.

Elimination

The Swiss got off to the worst possible start when Christina Liebherr’s Robin Hood, who previously showed a dislike for water in Aachen, was eliminated at the wide stretch of wet stuff at fence four, and with a total of 49 at the end of the first round her team were sidelines along with the Italians, carrying 63..

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