Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ 2015: Brilliant British make it a back-to-back double in Rome

Team Great Britain produced a superb back-to-back double in the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping 2015 Europe Division 1 League when following up their success at La Baule, France a week ago with another extraordinary victory at Piazza di Siena in Rome, Italy today. It was another nail-biting competition that came down to a fierce battle with the reigning Furusiyya champions from The Netherlands this time around. And, not for the first time in his long and legendary career, the result was sealed by the master craftsman John Whitaker.

It was his younger brother, 55-year-old Michael, who clinched it for his side at the French fixture seven days ago, but today Michael’s single time fault could have cost his country dearly. Because if John, who turns 60 in August, left a fence on the floor second time out, then all the glory would go to the Dutch. But instead he produced one of four double-clear rounds to ensure pole position and a standing ovation for his team from the enthusiastic Italian crowd.

Sweden lined up third behind The Netherlands while Spain, Switzerland, Italy, Qatar and Belgium filled the remaining places.

Pictured at the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping 2015 qualifier in Abu Dhabi, UAE today (L to R) : Faisal Al Ali, Vice-President Emirates Equestrian Federation, Patrick Aoun, Brand Manager Longines, winning Qatari team members Ali Yousef Al Rumaihi and Khalid Al Emadi, Chef d’Equipe Willem Meeus, team member Bassem Hassan Mohammed, coach Jan Tops and team member Sheikh Ali Bin Khalid Al Thani, Stephan Ellenbruch, Foreign Judge, Saeed Mohammad Bin Hofaan Al Mansouri, Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club and Ahmad Ali Al Nuami, General Manager Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club. (FEI/Richard Juilliart)

Judgement and skill

Another hero of the day today was master Italian course-designer Uliano Vezzani whose judgement and skill was tested to the limit by appalling weather conditions that seriously affected the arena surface. Thunderous rain prior to the competition made the going deep and sloppy, and he took the decision to lower rails, reduce spreads and take over a metre off the stretch of the open water in order to ensure the welfare of horses was not compromised in any way. Yet he still produced an afternoon of intense competition that went right down to the wire.

The British were already out in front on a zero score at the halfway stage after foot-perfect runs from Michael and John Whitaker, and John’s son Robert. Relative newcomer, 25-year-old Holly Gillott, hit the second element of the Longines triple combination at fence seven and both elements of the penultimate double to provide the British discount score first time out with Dougie Douglas.

The open water was the fourth fence on the track and provided few problems but the following oxer hit the floor on several occasions while the planks vertical at six required a careful approach off a sweeping left-hand turn and it was here that Dutch pathfinder and reigning World double-gold medallist Jeroen Dubbeldam made an error with Zenith. However the biggest drama of the first round was provided by Italy’s Piergiorgio Bucci when, clear all the way to the final planks, his stallion, Casall Z, drifted to the right on this left-bending line and galloped past the fence. The crowd was dumb-struck as the pair were awarded a total of six faults from which their side could not recover.

Rallied brilliantly

The Swiss rallied superbly with three fault-free rounds second time out that included a double-clear for pathfinders Jane Richard Philips and Pablo Virton, but it was all too late to put them back in the game with 16 faults already on the board. And a nasty fall for Jos Verlooy and Farfelu de la Pomme when the mare left out a stride at the final element of the combination put paid to Belgian chances. The team from Qatar inched ahead of them to fill seventh place at the end of the day while the Spanish held their ground when adding just four faults to finish on a total of 12. And Sweden also stood firm, thanks in no small part to superb double-clears from Angelie von Essen (Jordan ll) and Henrik von Eckermann (Cantinero).

But it was the Dutch who chased the British all the way to the line, Dubbeldam’s second four-fault effort followed by three great clears from Maikel van der Vleuten (VDL Groep Verdi) and Jur Vrieling (VDL Zirocco Blue) whose horses never touched a pole all day to leave them on their first-round four-fault tally.

The British team celebrate on the podium after victory at the second leg of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping 2015 Europe Division 1 League at La Baule, France today: (L to R) Michael Whitaker, Spencer Roe, Di Lampard (Chef d’Equipe), Joe Clee and Guy Williams. (FEI/Eric Knoll)

Boost British chances

Gillott produced a copybook second round to boost British chances, but a mistake at the very last fence for Robert Whitaker and Catwalk IV put the pressure on, and although Michael Whitaker and Cassionata were also free of jumping faults they passed the 80-seconds time-allowed to collect a single time fault and suddenly it was critical. Because if John Whitaker could not stay clear then his team would have to count that single fault and would have to settle for runner-up spot with a total of five.

The crowd watched intently as he set off, last to go and with everything hanging in the balance. And Argento ensured that his rider had plenty of riding to do as he pulled his way around the course, but leaving all the timber intact to the great joy of the appreciative crowd. This was Great Britain’s ninth victory in the 83-year history of CSIO Rome, and the spectators enjoyed every moment of it.

Great one to win

“This is a great one to win and it was important for us to do well today because we were looking for points. Everyone rode fantastic!”, John said afterwards. And talking about the hands-on ride he experienced in both rounds with Argento he pointed out, “he’s a stallion and he’s a bit full of himself because its spring! He’s a lovely horse, not as difficult to ride as he might seem, he’s so careful at the jumps – he really wants to clear every fence and that’s a fantastic feeling”, he explained.

Holly Gillott was understandably delighted. “For my horse it wasn’t easy on the wet ground, it rained for one whole hour before we started and he didn’t like the going, he got tired and flattened at the combinations but he came back really well in the second round.”

“There were so many Whitakers on the team I was worried that we might not win, so it’s a relief!”, joked Michael Whitaker. Robert Whitaker really enjoyed the family feeling today. Asked if riding alongside Michael and John puts him under pressure he replied, “it’s less pressure actually because I’m riding with my family and it feels very different. We probably try even harder when we are all together, it’s great!”

For further information on the eighth leg of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping 2015 series at Piazza di Siena in Rome, Italy visit http://www.piazzadisiena.com

The next leg will take place in Lisbon, Portugal on Friday 29 May. For details of the Portuguese fixture go to http://www.sociedadehipica.pt

Result:

1. Great Britain 1 fault: Dougie Douglas (Holly Gillott) 12/0, Catwalk IV (Robert Whitaker) 0/4, Cassionato (Michael Whitaker) 0/1, Argento (John Whitaker) 0/0.

2. Netherlands 4 faults: Zenith NOP (Jeroen Dubbeldam) 4/4, VDL Groep Verdi TN NOP (Maikel van der Vleuten) 0/0, VDL Zirocco Blue NOP (Jur Vrieling) 0/0, Glock’s Cognac Champblanc (Gerco Schroder) 8/0.

3. Sweden 8 faults: Udermus (Douglas Lindelow) 12/8, Bonzai H (Helena Persson) 4/4, Jordan ll (Angelie Von Essen) 0/0, Cantinero (Henrik von Eckermann) 0/0.

4. Spain 12 faults: Eliot Dws (Manuel Fernandez Saro) 0/4, Gribouille du Lys (Pilar Lucrecia Cordon) 4/4, Rokfeller de Pleville Bois Margot (Eduardo Alvarez Aznar) 12/0, Carlo (Sergio Alvarez Moya) 4/0.

5. Switzerland 16 faults: Pablo de Virton (Jane Richard Philips) 0/0, Windsor XV (Niklaus Rutschi) 12/0, Bonne Chance CW (Janika Sprunger) 4/0, Corbinian (Steve Guerdat) 12/4.

6. Italy 18 faults: Fixdesign Funke Van’T Heike (Giulia Martinengo Marquet) 0/8, Erco van T Roosakker (Lorenzo de Luca) 4/4, For Passion (Daniele Augusto da Rios) 8/0, Casallo Z (Piergiorgio Bucci) 6/4.

7. Qatar 21 faults: Gunder (Ali Yousef Al Rumaihi) 8/4, Appagino 2 (Hamad Ali Mohamed Al Attiyah) 4/4, Vienna Olympic (Sheikh Ali Bin Khalid Al Thani) 4/4, Primeval Dejavu (Bassem Hassan Mohammed) 0/5.

8. Belgium 28 faults: Echo van T Spieveld (Niels Bruynseels) 4/4, Sea Coast Pebles Z (Gudrun Patteet) 4/0, Farvelu de la Pomme (Jos Verlooy) 16/Elim, Bisquet Balou C (Nicola Philippaerts) 4/12.

At the prize-giving for today’s third leg of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping 2015 Europe Division 1 League at Piazza di Siena in Rome, Italy where Great Britain reigned supreme: (L to R) On. Sandro Gozi, FISE President Vittorio Orlandi, Gen. Roberto Corsini, Michael Whitaker, Robert Whitaker, British Chef d’Equipe Di Lampard, John Whitaker, Holly Gillott, FEI President Ingmar de Vos, Mr Majd Aldrees, Deputy Chef de Mission Saudi Arabian Embassy Rome, Elisa Gasparini, Brand Manager Longines Italy. (FEI/Stefano Secchi)

Facts and Figures:

Piazza di Siena, located in the beautiful Villa Borghese public park in the heart of the city of Rome, Italy, was the venue for today’s third leg of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping 2015 Europe Division 1 League.
A total of 8 nations competed, with 5 – Great Britain, Italy, Netherlands, Spain and Sweden – chasing points towards the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ 2015 Final which will take place in Barcelona, Spain from 24-27 September.

The Belgian team were defending the title they won at Piazza di Siena in 2014.

11 clear rounds in first round.

The British were in the lead on a zero score at the halfway stage and won with just a single time-fault to add.

6 double-clear performances – from Switzerland’s Jane Richard Philips (Pablo de Virton), Sweden’s Angelie Von Essen (Jordan ll) and Henrik von Eckermann (Cantinero), The Netherlands’ Maikel van der Vleuten (VDL Groep Verdi) and Jur Vrieling (VDL Zirocco Blue NOP) and Great Britain’s John Whitaker (Argento).

Following today’s third leg of the Europe Division 1, France still heads the league table with Italy in second and Belgium in third place.

The next leg of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping 2015 series is the third round of the Europe Division 2 League which will take place in Lisbon, Portugal on Friday 29 May.

Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ 2015 Europe Division I Standings (after Round 3 in Rome, Italy):

1. France – 160
2. Italy – 155
3. Belgium – 150
4. Spain – 135
4. Netherlands – 135
6. Sweden – 130
7. Ireland – 125
8. Great Britain – 100

Louise Parkes

Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping 2015: Five Teams Chasing Points At Eighth Qualifier In Rome

The eighth qualifiers of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping 2015 season will take place at Piazza di Siena in Rome, Italy tomorrow, Friday 22 May, attracting a field of eight teams.

The starting order, which was determined by a draw held in Rome this evening, will be as follows:

1. Belgium
2. Qatar
3. Switzerland
4. Great Britain
5. Spain
6. Sweden
7. Italy
8. ‎Netherlands

The winning Belgian team at the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping 2015 Europe Division 2 leg at Odense, Denmark today: (L to R) Jeromy Guery, Wilm Vermeir, Chef d’Equipe Maurice van Roosbroeck, Catherine von Roosbroeck and Gilles Dunon. (FEI/Annette Boe Østergaard)

This is the third leg of the Europe Division I League, and the teams from Great Britain, Italy, Netherlands, Spain and Sweden will be eligible for Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping points. A total of 10 nations will compete in Europe Division I during the season, and seven teams will qualify for the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping 2015 Final which will take place in Barcelona, Spain from 24 to 27 September.

Friday’s competition will begin at 15.45 CEST (local time in Italy, GMT+2 hours) and will be broadcast live on FEI TV, the FEI’s official online video platform.

The FEI is providing a wide range of online information resources in connection with the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping.

Classy Czechs Cruise To Victory At Europe Division 2 Opener In Linz

On an day of ever-changing fortunes for many of the other sides, a crack foursome from the Czech Republic took the lead at the halfway stage and held on to secure a convincing victory in the opening leg of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping 2015 Europe Division 2 League at Linz in Austria. Zuzana Zelinkova, Emma Augier de Moussac, Ondrej Zvara and Ales Opatrny finished on a final tally of just two faults to leave them well ahead of the runners-up from Ukraine who completed with eight. Team Germany lined up third ahead of Poland in fourth, while the exciting young side from Luxembourg slotted into fifth ahead of Finland in sixth place.

The was great joy in the Czech camp in the aftermath, and a sense that they have really arrived. Success in Europe Division 2 of the Furusiyya series is not entirely new to them as they also came out on top in Budapest, Hungary last season. But today’s result, which earned them the maximum 100 points towards qualification for the Furusiyya 2015 Final, suggests a significant strengthening of their position, backed up by a brilliant performance from their second-line partnership of 23-year-old Augier de Moussac and her 10-year-old gelding, Charly Brown, who produced the only double-clear of the competition.

The right level

Franz Madl’s 12-fence track was pitched at just the right level, with less-experienced riders gaining valuable experience while the more seasoned campaigners were still well-tested. A double – vertical to oxer – preceded the big 4-metre-wide open water which claimed a large number of victims in both rounds and that was followed off a wide right-handed sweeping turn to a 1.60m wall that represented the Austrian national flag and crest. The early drama of the day included a spectacular display of naughtiness from Finland’s path-finding 11-year-old grey, Lennox Luis, who threw a temper tantrum when asked to turn away from the out-gate and go down to the wall, and who wasn’t satisfied until he threw himself on the ground and unseated his rider, Henri Kovacs.

Meanwhile the end of the course presented plenty of questions, with the penultimate triple combination taking a heavy toll. Augier de Moussac commented afterwards, “it was partly difficult because it was at the end of the track and the time was short. If you over-rode to the triple bar going in, then it was easy to have the vertical down or meet the last oxer on a bad stride” she explained. And talking about the open water she added, “I’m lucky I have such a good jumper because I hate water, I always add a stride going in and Charly was brilliant in both rounds!”

Reduced to eight

The maximum permitted quota of 13 teams was reduced to eight for the second round which began with another spectacular display from Kovacs’ Lennox Luis, but this time of the very best kind as the horse jumped brilliantly from start to finish, collecting just a single time-fault when over the 77 seconds time-allowed. This boosted Finnish morale, but despite a much-improved second effort they would only succeed in moving up two places, from eighth to sixth. The Turkish team carried 14 faults into the second round and didn’t improve from seventh spot when hampered by elimination for their opening rider Derin Demirsoy who parted company with his 12-year-old Holsteiner, Colino, after a mistake at fence five.

Luxembourg carried 12 faults after impressive four-fault efforts from Christian Weier (Global) Victor Bettendorf (Sorbier Blanc) and Noemie Goergen (Smint 2), and, adding only nine more they moved up one place to finish fifth. But the real battle was played out between the Ukrainians who carried eight into round two, the Germans, Poles and Hungarians carrying just four faults each and the Czechs out in front on a zero score.

Chances were dashed

Hungarian chances were dashed by the addition of 28 to see them plummet down the order, and Poland moved on to a 16-fault scoreline despite a last-to-go clear from Marek Lewicki and Abigej. Jorne Sprehe’s clear with Luna, that included a breath-taking leap over the water, ensured Germany only had to add nine to their tally, but three clears from the Ukraine pinned the Germans back to third spot, Katharina Offel (Quebracho Semilly), Cassio Rivetti (Forlap) and Rene Tebbel (Cooper 75) never putting a foot wrong.

The Czechs however had it in the bag after third-line rider, Zvara, returned with five faults when his grey stallion, Cento Lano, hit the oxer at fence six and was a little late through the timers. Zusana Zelinkova and her fabulous and flashy stallion Caleri ll, whose only mistake first time out was at the wall, returned with just a single time penalty and when Augier de Moussac posted a second clear then Zvara’s error only moved their running total onto an unbeatable six faults. So when Ales Opatrny and Acovardo set off it was cosmetic, his single time fault in another brilliant tour of the track negating Zvara’s five and increasing the winning margin by a full six faults.

The team from the Czech Republic won the first leg of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping 2015 Europe Division 2 League at Linz, Austria today: (L to R) Ales Opatrny, Emma Augier de Moussac, Chef d’Equipe Martin Ohnheiser, Zuzana Zelinkova and Ondrej Zvara. (FEI/Herve Bonnaud)

Great team spirit

“We have great team spirit, we support each other a lot” said Augier de Moussac who competed on last year’s winning Czech team at Budapest and at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy with her other top ride, Danthe. “Charly Brown is a new horse for me, my sister broke her wrist last year and he was only jumping up to 1.35m until last summer with her. He’s come a long way in a very short time!” explained the talented French-born rider who has been based with her trainer, Vincent Voorn, in Eindhoven, Holland for the last 18 months.

“I believed we could hold on!” she said, when asked about her team being in the lead at the halfway stage. “Our horses all jumped grand, but it’s only my second time in a Nations Cup and I didn’t know what to expect exactly. My horse stayed very calm in both rounds though.”

And Martin Ohnheiser, who made his debut as Czech Chef d’Equipe today, could hardly believe how things worked out. “I’m absolutely over the moon; what a great feeling!” he said.

Next Friday, 15 May, two legs of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping series will take place. La Baule, France hosts the second round of Europe Division 1, and for all details on the French fixture go to http://www.labaule-cheval.com or contact Press Officer Veronique Gauthier, Email veronique-gauthier@club-internet.fr

The second leg of Europe Division 2 will be held on the same afternoon at Odense in Denmark, and for further information on the Danish fixture check out website http://www.firsthorsegrandprix.dk

Result:

1. Czech Republic 2 faults: Caleri ll (Zuzanna Zelinkova) 4/1, Charly Brown (Emma Augier de Moussac) 0/0, Cento Lano (Ondrej Zvara) 0/5, Acovardo (Ales Opatrny) 0/1.

2. Ukraine 8 faults: Quebracho Semilly (Katharina Offel) 4/0, Forlap (Cassio Rivetti) 5/0, Chadino (Ferenc Sxzentirmai) 0/4, Cooper 75 (Rene Tebbel) 4/0.

3. Germany 13 faults: Che Guevara (Joerg Oppermann) 4/8, Luna (Jorne Sprehe) 4/0, La Luna (Andreas Kreuzer) 0/4, Cashmoaker (Denis Nielsen) 0/5.

4. Poland 16 faults: Wavantos vd Renvillehoeve (Lukasz Wasilewski) 4/9, Osadkowski van Halen (Piotr Morsztyn) 0/4, Emperio van’t Roosakker (Zuzanna Gowin) 0/8, Abigej (Marek Lewicki) 16/0.

5. Luxembourg 21 faults: Global (Christian Weier) 4/1, Sorbier Blanc (Victor Bettendorf) 4/4, Smint 2 (Noemle Goergen) 4/13, Kiwi du Gibet (Charlotte Bettendorf) 8/4.

6. Finland 23 faults: Lennox Luis (Henri Kovacs) Elim/1, Cue Channa (Sebastian Numminen) 4/4, Celestine (Satu Liukkonen) 8/1, Vincente (Maiji Mallet) 5/4.

7. Turkey 27 faults: Colino (Derin Demirsoy) 5/Elim, Chaccomo (Cagri Basel) 1/5, Chiara (Husnu Dinc) 8/4, Dadjak ter Puttenen) Omer Karaevli) 8/4.

8. Hungary 32 faults: Esprit (Emil Orban) 0/12, Zordon (Balazs Horvath) 0/8, Chacco Boy (Mariann Hugyecz) 4/8, Casinger (Gyula Szuhai) Ret/23.

Facts and Figures:

Linz in Austria presented the first leg of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping European Division 2 League today, with the team from the Czech Republic coming out on top.

A total of 13 nations started in the first round, with nine chasing points towards the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping 2015 Final which will take place in Barcelona, Spain in September.

8 teams went through to the second round.

Course designer was Austria’s Franz Madl.

10 horse-and-rider combinations jumped clear in the first round including 3 from the Czech Republic who led the way at the halfway stage.

Only four jumped clear in the second round.

Just one double-clear performance on the day, from Czech Republic’s second-line horse-and-rider partnership Charly Brown ridden by Emma Augier de Moussac.

Quotes:

Emma Augier de Moussac: “I was born in France, but I’ve been meeting all of the other team riders through the years and we are always there for each other”

Zuzana Zelinkova: “Today was an absolutely super day of sport, and getting first place is just amazing. This is our second Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ win following our triumph last year in Budapest. I really want to thank my teammates for their unbelievable performance!”

Emma Augier de Moussac: “I am ever so proud to be part of this team. You can never get tired of winning and I want to experience more moments like this.”

Ondrej Zvara: “The course today was great, and it went very well. My horse doesn’t usually make many faults to start with, and the challenging part – the triple – he dealt with well so a great day overall.”

Franz Madl (Course Designer): I would firstly like to congratulate the Czech team for their magnificent win today. I am, however, disappointed that Austria couldn’t make it further!”

Louise Parkes

Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping 2015: Five Teams Chasing Points At Fourth Qualifier In Lummen

The fourth qualifier of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping 2015 season will take place in Lummen, Belgium tomorrow, Friday 1 May, attracting a field of eight teams.

The starting order, which was determined by a draw held in Lummen today, will be as follows:

1. France
2. Netherlands
3. Sweden
4. Belgium
5. Ireland
6. Great Britain
7. Italy
8. ‎Switzerland

Conor Swail and Grafton clinched victory for Ireland in the opening leg of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping 2015 series at Ocala, Florida (USA) today. (FEI/Anthony Trollope)

This is the first leg of the Europe Division I League, and the teams from Belgium, France, Ireland, Italy and Sweden will be eligible for Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping points. A total of 10 nations will compete in Europe Division I during the season, and seven teams will qualify for the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping 2015 Final which will take place in Barcelona, Spain from 24 to 27 September.

Friday’s competition will begin at 16.00 CEST (local time in Belgium, GMT+2 hours) and will be broadcast live on FEI TV, the FEI’s official online video platform.

The FEI is providing a wide range of online information resources in connection with the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping.

Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping 2014 – Round 20

Italians earn promotion to Europe Division 1 with superb victory at last qualifier in Arezzo

There were great celebrations at Arezzo in Italy today when the host nation won the last round of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping 2014 Europe Division 2 series. The result was not only a much-sought-after victory on home ground, but it also earned a place at next month’s Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping 2014 Final in Barcelona, Spain and has promoted Italy to Europe Division 1 for the 2015 season.

There was a whole lot riding on today’s event, with Norway heading the Division 2 standings as the day began. But, relegated to runner-up spot after today’s Italian triumph, the Norwegians must now go to the Barcelona Final knowing that only a finishing spot in the top eight there will see them join their Italian counterparts in the top league next year.

From the starting field of 13 nations, it was Sweden who lined up second this afternoon while Denmark and Ireland shared third place. There were only two double-clear performances, and the one produced by pathfinders Andres Rodriguez and his lovely grey gelding Darlon van Groenhoeve helped Venezuela line up fifth ahead of Finland and Germany in equal-sixth while Poland slotted into eighth place.

Italy’s success owed much to the stunning double-clear produced by Piergiorgio Bucci and Casallo Z who gave their team the best possible start in both rounds. The chestnut gelding simply cruised around Uliano Vezzani’s track which proved a great deal more difficult than it initially appeared.

Amazing

“When we walked the course we thought it was not so difficult, but Uliano knows how to make us make faults – he is amazing!” said Bucci this evening, as the home team relished success in front of their home crowd.

Uliano Vezzani’s reputation for excellent course design is second to none, and the Italian maestro said with a grin afterwards “I’m delighted the Italian team has won, although I promise there is no bias involved when creating the course!” The track built in intensity as it progressed, with the Longines planks at fence three creating the first real stir before riders opened up for the following open water at four and a square white oxer at fence five.

The double at six jumped well for most, but the following line presented the real test of the day, the 1.8m-wide triple bar opening horses out only to be followed on a five-stride distance by a narrow gate with a narrow pole on top. This fell 27 times over the two rounds of jumping, 12 of those mistakes coming in the second round when only eight teams returned to the fray.

“Part of the problem there was the colour of the fence, it was black and it was difficult for the horses to see it properly. Also the line was difficult to ride – the riders were pushing to the triple bar and then the distance was often not just right at the vertical” Bucci explained afterwards.

Many who faulted at the gate at eight then found their horses unsettled as they swung left-handed to the triple combination that followed and which also took a heavy toll before they moved on to a water-tray vertical, an oxer, and then the final vertical which was the second 1.60m-high obstacle on the course.

Just three riders

Slovenia arrived at their very first Furusiyya event of the season with just three riders, and when Tomas Laufer was eliminated for refusals at the double at fence six their day finished early.

Switzerland, Brazil, Spain and Austria were also sidelined in round two when only the top eight teams returned to action, and the Italians already held the whip hand, carrying only four faults from their first tour of the track. The Swedes were lying second, with 11 on the board, while Ireland, Finland and Denmark were all close behind sharing a 12-fault total at the halfway stage. Venezuela was next with 13, Germany followed with 16 and the Polish team was the last to make the cut having collected 17 faults so far.

There were only five teams chasing Furusiyya points – Denmark, Finland, Italy, Poland and Slovenia – and the biggest threat to Italy’s chances of taking the maximum 100 points on offer came from the Danes who, as the day began, were lying just 30 points behind them. But even though the Danish riders all only dropped a single fence each second time out to improve to joint-third place and collect 90 of those precious qualifying points, it wouldn’t be enough to move ahead of Norway and book their ticket to Barcelona.

A double-clear from pathfinders Piergiorgio Bucci and Casallo Z in today’s last leg of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping Europe Division 2 series at Arezzo in Italy led the host nation to victory and to a place in the Europe Division 1 series in 2015. (FEI/Stefano Secchi).

Down to a duel

It came down to a duel between the Swedes and the Italians, although the eventual winners used up much of their first-round advantage as the second round evolved.

A single mistake at the middle element of the triple combination saw Sweden’s Linda Heed match her first-round score with Bee Wonderful, but like many others who encountered numerous problems at their first attempt, team-mate Angelie von Essen produced a much-improved second effort with Jordan ll to add just five to their scoreline. And when Niklas Jonsson and Caral survived a big jump out of the cups for the back pole of the oxer at five to return a clear, then Jens Fredericson’s double-error with Lunatic could be dropped to add just nine to the Swedish tally and bring their total to 20 at the end of the day.

Bucci gave his side the best possible start yet again in round two, but double-errors from both Danielle de Rios with For Passion and Lorenzo de Luca riding Elky van het Indihof piled the pressure on anchorman Juan Carlos Garcia. If his team-mates’ 16 faults had to be added then Italy would also finish on 20 faults and would be forced into a jump-off against the Swedes, and that was never in the plan.

However as Garcia returned to the arena he knew that Italy was already assured of those qualification spots for both the Furusiyya Final in Barcelona and next year’s Europe Division 1 league, because even a 20-fault finishing score would leave them ahead of their nearest rivals from Denmark. As it happened his 14-year-old gelding, Moka de Mescum who had been foot-perfect at his first attempt, fell victim only to the bogey gate at fence eight in an otherwise flawless run, so with his four faults now replacing one of the double-error scores, Italy finished clear winners on a final total of 16.

How much it means

At the post-competition press conference, Piergiorgio Bucci explained just how much this result, and promotion to Europe Division 1, means to the Italians. “It is so very important for us, because we want to prepare well for the European Championships in Aachen next year so we can get Olympic qualification, and it’s not so easy to prepare for this top level if you are not competing against the best horses and riders all the time” he said. “The last season we were in the Super League was 2009 and we won a medal at the European Championships in Windsor because we could prepare for our goal. We have good horses and good riders but we need to jump at the bigger shows so we are ready when the time comes” he continued.

He knows the challenge of the top league is not something to be taken lightly. “It will be difficult for us to stay in the top league next year, but it is important for us to get the chance to make our horses ready (for the Olympic qualification at the FEI European Championships in Aachen, Germany). I’m quite positive about it actually. We know what we need to do” he said with determination.

Of course he was particularly pleased with the performance of his own horse. “I was really unlucky with Casallo Z last year, he was injured at the European Championships and then I lost a few months of competition with him. I took the opportunity to bring him back, but I didn’t want to do the World Championships because it was too early for him. Now I am very glad. He’s a really wonderful horse, and I am very lucky to have him” said the 39-year-old Dutch-based rider.

Daniele Da Rios was thrilled with his result. “I am very happy to be a part of this wonderful team. In truth, I am a bit of an ‘outsider’, as I haven’t really competed at this level. I would like to thank Hans very much for the confidence he has entrusted me with today. Although I lack experience at this level, he also acknowledges that it is by performing in shows like these that I can get to the next level. I am very happy he has allowed me to take part in the team and compete in Arezzo” Da Rios said.

Mission accomplished

For Italian Chef d’Equipe, Hans Horn, it was mission accomplished. “I am very happy with this win in Arezzo, especially considering it is our home show. We have been preparing several weeks for this event because clinching the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Division 2 title was one of our main goals this year. Needless to say, doing so at home makes it all the sweeter!” he pointed out.

He sees today’s result as a major stepping-stone for Italian Jumping. “This will provide us with the platform to create more opportunities for growth within the Federation, and particularly the riders themselves. The less experienced ones who don’t have so many chances to take part at this level will be able to do so now. This is an outcome that has key strategic implications” he added.

Lorenzo de Luca said “we are really looking forward to preparing now for Barcelona in the perfect way”, and his team manager explained that, with the entries for the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping Final closing next Monday, he will be discussing potential team candidates with Federation officials “over the next couple of days”.

Juan Carlos Garcia also recognised the significance of today’s result, and the role his team manager has played in it. The Colombian-born rider whose spectacular career highs include team silver in both Jumping and Eventing at the FEI European Championships in 2009, said “I would like to extend my thanks to the Federation and to Hans, who has been very clever in his selection of the four events to compete in. For us, it is absolutely essential to be back in Division 1 so as to prepare the horses and ensure they reach and maintain that particular level. A massive thanks to Hans for all the technical help he has provided us with throughout the year, we are very grateful”, Garcia said.

For further information on round 20 of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping 2014 series at CSIO 3* San Marino Arezzo, Italy go to website http://www.csiosanmarinoarezzo.com or contact Press Officer Caterina Vagnozzi, Email c.vagnozzi@gmail.com, Tel +39 335 610 7070. The Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping 2014 Final will take place at Real Club de Polo in Barcelona, Spain from 9-12 October 2104. For all information on the Spanish fixture visit website http://www.csiobarcelona.com or contact Press Officer Isabel Suter, Email isuter@rcpolo.com,Tel +34 760 258 222.

Result:
1. Italy 16 faults: Casallo Z (Piergiorgio Bucci) 0/0, For Passion (Danielle da Rios) 8/8, Elky van het Indihof (Lorenzo de Luca) 4/8; Moka des Mescum (Juan Carlos Garcia) 0/4.

2. Sweden 20 faults: Lunatic (Jens Fredericson) 2/8, Bee Wonderful (Linda Heed) 4/4, Jordan ll (Angelie von Essen) 20/5, Caral (Niklas Jonsson) 5/0.

3. Denmark 24 faults: Lenardo der Kleine (Andreas Scho) 0/4, Never Say Never (Thomas Dresler) 12/4, Amarone (Thomas Sandgaard) 0/4, Tailormade Esperanza de Rebel) 23/4.

3. Ireland 24 faults: Isco de Amoranda (Mark McAuley) 12/4, Monastery Stud More Pleasure (Alexander Butler) 8/4, Mullaghbane (Capt Geoff Curran) 4/5, MHS Going Global (Greg Broderick) 0/4.

5. Venezuela 25 faults: Darlon van Groenhoeve (Andres Rodriguez) 0/0, Hardrock Z (Emanuel Andrade) 5/8, Indiana (Angel Karoly) 12/8, Antares (Pablo Barrios) 8/4.

6. Finland 32 faults: Cue Channa (Sebastian Numinen) 14/8, Agropoint Cassius (Kaarlo Kovas) 8/12, Lennox Luis (Henri Kovacs) 0/8, Fardon (Anna-Julia Kontio) 4/4.

7. Germany 32 faults: Queen Mary (Jan Wernke) 8/0, Quinaro (Henry Vaske) 8/8, Cashmoaker (Denis Nielsen) 0/8, Arrivederci (Lawrence Greene) 13/12.

8. Poland 37 faults: Crazy Quick (Jaroslaw Skrzyczynski) 4/8, Abigej (Marek Lewicki) 5/4, Emperio van’t Roosakker (Zuzana Gowin) 8/8, Zoewja (Krzysztof Ludwiczak) 12/Ret.

Facts and Figures:

13 nations competed in the eighth and last leg of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping 2014 Europe Division 2 series at Arezzo in Italy today.

5 countries – Denmark, Finland, Italy, Poland and Slovenia – were fighting for the last available qualifying points.

Italy’s victory has ensured promotion to Europe Division 1 for the 2015 season.

Norway headed the Europe Division 2 leaderboard as today’s competition got underway, and finishing second in this eerie, the Norwegians have now qualified, along with Italy, for the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping 2014 Final which takes place in Barcelona, Spain next month.

The Norwegian team must finish in the top eight nations in Barcelona in order to also earn promotion to Europe Division 1 next year.

8 teams went through to today’s second round.

2 horse-and-rider combinations jumped double-clear – Italian pathfinders Piergiorgio Bucci and Casallo Z and Venezuelan pathfinders Andres Rodriguez with Darlon van Groenhoeve.

Course designer was Italy’s Uliano Vezzani.

The bogey fence on today’s 12-fence track was the narrow 1.60m gate at fence eight which fell 29 times during the two rounds of competition.s

Quotes:

Riccardo Boricchi (Event Director): “As a member of the Organising Committee, I am extremely happy with how the competition has gone, especially considering the Italian team has won today – on home soil. Considering this is the second edition of CSIO San Marino Arezzo, it is brilliant to see that the event has moved forward so much since last year. Indirectly, I am also really happy to have played a part in helping the Italian team clinch their spot in Division 1 for next year!”

Lorenzo De Luca: “I am really happy that Hans has given me the chance to compete at this level – in the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ – with the horse that I have. The atmosphere amongst all the riders is absolutely fantastic, even with those that aren’t on the team. We wanted to get promoted to Division 1 and we finally did it!”

Uliano Verzzani (Course Designer): “It has been a great pleasure to design the course today and I’m very happy with the way the course was ridden. The result was fair, and it is also great – and very important – to see all the horses jumping it so well”.

Carlo Bernardini (Event Director): “The most important thing for me is to say a big ‘thank you’ to the San Marino Federation for allowing us to host this event on their behalf for the second year running. It is very important for them as well. I would also like to thank Uliano for his great work as always”.

Final Standings after Round 8 of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping Europe Division 2 League 2014 at Arezzo (ITA):

1. Italy – 370

2. Norway – 345

3. Denmark – 330

4. Poland – 300

5. Finland – 290

6. Slovakia – 245

7. Austria – 240

8. Turkey – 222.5

9. Hungary – 200

10. Czech Republic – 180

11. Portugal – 100

12. Russia – 65

“Furusiyya” (Arabic: فروسيه) this single Arabic word conveys so much, embracing the idea of horsemanship, chivalry, and equestrian knowledge in general. The term is a derivation of faris, or horseman and faras, a horse.

Longines has been based at Saint-Imier (SUI) since 1832. Its watchmaking expertise reflects a strong devotion to tradition, elegance and performance. It has generations of experience as the official timekeeper at world championships and as a partner of international sports federations. Longines’ passion for equestrian sports began in 1878, when a timepiece was made with a horse and jockey engraved on the watch face. Over the years, the brand has built strong and long-lasting links with equestrian sports. In 1926, for the first time, the brand was involved as timekeeper for the Official International Equestrian Competition of Geneva.

Today, Longines’ involvement in equestrianism includes Jumping, Endurance and flat racing. Longines is a member of The Swatch Group S.A., the world’s leading manufacturer of horological products. With an excellent reputation for creating refined timepieces, the brand, whose emblem is the winged hourglass, has outlets in over 130 countries.

Louise Parkes