Team Turkey really put themselves on the map today with a superb victory at the fourth leg of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping Europe Division 2 League in Sopot, Poland. In a 10-nation contest it seemed the host country would come out on top as they led the way at the halfway stage and remained in contention during the second round.

But as every Chef d’Equipe is quick to point out, it is clear rounds that decide results at the end of the day, and two of those clinched it for Mert Alicioglu’s Turkish side who had threatened from the outset. This was Turkey’s debut in the Furusiyya series, and a most impressive one. With three further qualifying opportunities available to them, they have the Furusiyya 2014 Final now very much in their sights.

Poland had to settle for runner-up spot this afternoon ahead of Norway in third, Denmark in fourth and Germany in fifth place. The Italian team rose from the bottom of the pile to finish sixth while Hungary slotted into seventh and Belgium finished last of the eight teams that made the cut into the second round. Sweden and Finland were side-lined at the end of round one, and it wasn’t good news for the Finns who, along with Denmark, Hungary, Norway, Poland and Turkey, were chasing points towards the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping 2014 Final at Barcelona, Spain in October.

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