GREAT BRITAIN WINS THE BMO NATION’ CUP FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 3 DECADES AT THE SPRUCE MEADOWS MASTERS

Germany finishes in second, while the United States in third

Great Britain won the BMO Nations’ Cup on 6 September, on British Day, watched by the Duchess of Edinburgh.

A dominant force in the competition, the reigning Olympic team gold medallists were ready for victory with a powerhouse crew under Chef d’Equipe Di Lampard: Matthew Sampson, Ben Maher, Joseph Stockdale and Donald Whitaker. The foursome pulled together a final team score of 0 faults after two rounds. This ended a 29-year draught of BMO Nations’ Cup wins for Great Britain, in front of a packed International Ring crowd.

Eleven teams competed in round one of the competition with Germany, Great Britain, the United States of America, Ireland, Belgium and Brazil advancing to round two.

“The spirit of this team is second to none, it’s come together so well this year. Three members of this team, the European silver medallists. And we’ve been building, building, but to have the win here (at Spruce Meadows). I’m so proud of them all.” Chef d’Equipe Di Lampard on her team winning the BMO Nations’ Cup.

An unfortunate final rail for Richard Vogel (GER) put the German team into second, their final team score of 4 faults after two round and a total first round time 232.56s. The United States also had a four-fault team score but a total first round time of 234.34s.

--ENDS--

Full results here

Photo by Spruce Meadows Media/Mike Sturk



Synopsis - by HT

Great Britain has won the BMO Nations' Cup at the Spruce Meadows Masters for the first time since 1996. 

 

While Matthew Sampson and his horse Ebolensky carried faults, Ben Maher on Enjeu de Grisien and Joseph Stockdale on Ebanking gave their Chef d'équipe - Di Lampard - a big reason to smile after perfectly clearing both their rounds.

 

The win came down to the final rider Donald Whitaker on Millfield Colette; under pressure, he delivered a clear round to give his team a win with a final score of 223.16 and zero faults.

 

The Brits clinched first place after a dramatic turn of events for Team Germany which was in a strong position to win. Their final rider to go into the second round, Richard Vogel on Cloudio, knocked down the very last fence - a mistake that gave them a total of four faults and a score of 232.56, opening the door for Great Britain's victory after three decades.

 

Team USA is placed third with four faults and a 234.34 score.

 

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