A total of 29 candidates have been shortlisted for the 2015 FEI Awards 2015, with the winners to be announced at a glittering gala dinner on the island of Puerto Rico on 13 November. The winners in five hotly contested categories will be presented with their awards by Hollywood actress Bo Derek, Chair of the Jury for this year’s FEI Awards.
The Puerto Rican capital, San Juan will roll out the red carpet next week for the “Oscars of the Equestrian world”, when the FEI family will gather to honour the commitment, dedication and development of equestrian sport in 2015 at the grand finale to the FEI General Assembly.
Equestrian heroes, arriving from all corners of the globe, will attend the equestrian world’s biggest night of glitz and glamour when our stars will get the chance to shine in a different light at the FEI Awards 2015, sponsored by Longines. Over 350 guests, including National Federation representatives, equestrian sport fans and FEI partners will celebrate the achievements of the winners.
Hollywood actress Bo Derek Chair of the Jury of the prestigious FEI Awards 2015, the annual awards launched by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), the world governing body of equestrian sport. (Photo: Bo Derek)
Nominees shortlisted for the five categories of the FEI Awards 2015 are:
Longines Rising Star – Dedicated to equestrians aged 14 to 21 who demonstrate outstanding sporting talent:
Juan Matute Jr (ESP)
Bertram Allen (IRE)
Kelsey Russell (USA)
Phoebe Peters (GBR)
Jessica Mendoza (GBR)
Gina Schumacher (GER)
Reem Acra Best Athlete – Athletes who have demonstrated exceptional equestrian skills and have taken the sport to a new level over the last 12 months:
Boyd Exell (AUS)
Jaques Ferrari (FRA)
William Fox Pitt (GBR)
Ingrid Klimke (GER)
Charlotte Dujardin (GBR)
Jeroen Dubbeldam (NED)
World Jumping champion Jeroen Dubbeldam, was the Reem Acra Best Athlete 2014. (FEI/Daniel Kaiser)
Best Groom – This award is reserved for those all-important, behind-the-scenes team members who work around the clock to ensure that our equine athletes get the best possible care and attention:
Alan Davies (GBR)
Jennifer Arnsten (USA)
Marlen Schannwell (IRE)
Zoltan Herczeg (GER)
Imogen Mercer (GBR)
Jose Eduardo Garcia Luna (“Eddie”) (USA)
Against All Odds – For those who have pursued their equestrian ambitions despite physical handicap or extremely difficult personal circumstances:
Gerado Tazzer (MEX)
Oriana Ricci Mannisille (URU)
Pepo Puch (AUT)
Ben Hobday (GBR)
Celine van Till (SUI)
Rixt van der Horst (NED)
FEI Solidarity – An equestrian development project, an individual or organisation that has demonstrated skill and energy in expanding equestrian sport:
Ready, Set, Trot (AUS)
First ever pilot course for Grooms (HAI)
Les Chevaux qui pensent les plaies (HAI)
Youth Summer Camp (BUL)
World football giants FC Barcelona today welcomed equestrian sport to its iconic Camp Nou home in a ground-breaking venture.
The legendary Catalan club, winners of five European Cup and Champions League crowns, plus 50 domestic league and cup titles, achieved another first in its illustrious 116-year history when top Jumping riders Jeroen Dubbeldam (NED), Sergio Alvarez Moya (ESP) and Jessica Mendoza (GBR) helped mark three weeks to go to this year’s Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping Final in Barcelona.
The Final, which takes place at the neighbouring Real Club De Polo de Barcelona (24-27 September), is the highlight of the world’s oldest team Jumping series, bringing together the best Jumping athletes from 19 nations that have qualified from all over the globe.
And for Spaniard Sergio Alvarez Moya, especially, the chance to walk down a players’ tunnel that has been graced by superstars like Barcelona heroes Lionel Messi, Neymar and Andres Iniesta and be pitchside where some of football’s most memorable action has unfolded, proved an awe-inspiring occasion.
“It’s an amazing feeling being here at FC Barcelona, even though my team is Real Madrid!” he said. “It won’t be long now before Barcelona and Catalonia welcome the world’s best Jumping athletes and thousands of equestrian fans to the Polo Club right next door.”
This could get messy! Sydney 2000 Olympic Jumping gold medallist and current World European champion Jeroen Dubbeldam (NED), right, and Sergio Álvarez Moya (ESP) wrestle with the Furusiyya trophy at FC Barcelona’s iconic Camp Nou stadium in the countdown to the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping Final at the neighbouring Real Club De Polo de Barcelona (24-27 September). (FEI/Dan Rowley)
“The Barça player’s tunnel is really amazing with all the messages of support from fans,” said Jeroen Dubbeldam, who 10 days ago added the European title to his Sydney 2000 Olympic and 2014 world crowns. “Our sport is just as passionate and exciting as football, and we’ll all feel that competition fever again very soon in Barcelona when the Furusiyya Final gets underway, and the Dutch will be aiming to win it again this year!”
The three Jumping stars made their way pitchside to get a full view of the famous Nou Camp stadium, with its “More Than a Club” (Més Que un Club”) slogan.
“The ’More than a Club’ idea really makes my heart beat faster”, said British teen sensation Jess Mendoza who, at 19, was the youngest British team member for nearly 40 years when she competed at the FEI European Jumping Championships 2015 in Aachen (GER) 10 days ago, helping Great Britain secure its place on the Rio 2016 Olympic startlist. “In our sport, you can’t do it alone, it’s all about team work. We’re like a big club, with a network of amazing grooms, vets, trainers, family and friends, whose only focus is to make sure you and your horse are ready to go out and win. The equestrian community is one big family and we’re all really close.”
This could get messy! Sydney 2000 Olympic show jumping gold medallist and current World and European champion Jeroen Dubbeldam of the Netherlands, and Spain’s best known and most successful show jumping rider, Sergio Alvarez Moya get into the zone as they lead their teams through the Camp Nou stadium players’ tunnel at FC Barcelona in the countdown to the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping Final at the neighbouring Real Club de Polo de Barcelona (24-27 September). FEI/Dan Rowley
“We are very happy to receive the elite of the show jumping world in our stadium”, Carles Vilarrubí, 2nd Vice-President of FC Barcelona said. “FC Barcelona is the reference point in world football and we welcome the best global events in other sports, and that’s exactly what the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping Final at the CSIO Barcelona is, and that contributes to our city being on top of the sports world.”
New British talent at FC Barcelona: Jess Mendoza pictured at FC Barcelona’s iconic Camp Nou stadium in the countdown to the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping Final at Real Club De Polo de Barcelona later this month. (FEI/Dan Rowley)
The FEI Awards 2015, which celebrate the world’s exceptional equestrians, need your nominations – by Friday!
Nominations for these prestigious awards, which put the spotlight on excellence, courage, commitment and dedication in the equestrian world, are open until midnight CEST this coming Friday (28 August). Nominate your champions now at http://www.feiawards.org.
World Jumping champion Jeroen Dubbeldam, who just a few days ago won individual and team gold at the FEI European Jumping Championships 2015 in Aachen (GER), was the Reem Acra Best Athlete 2014. The Dutchman is urging everyone to cast their votes for the 2015 Awards:
“The FEI Awards are incredibly important to equestrian sport, and there is a category dedicated to every member of our community that makes this sport a reality”, he said. “We are all dependent on each other to get to the next level in equestrian sport – it is truly a team effort.
“Stand up and be counted, and vote for your favourite equestrians, be they riders, grooms or projects that are helping our equestrian community to be bigger and stronger.”
World Jumping champion Jeroen Dubbeldam, who just a few days ago won individual and team gold at the FEI European Jumping Championships 2015 in Aachen (GER), was the Reem Acra Best Athlete 2014. The Dutchman is urging everyone to “stand up and be counted” by placing their nominations for the FEI Awards 2015 before midnight on 28 August 2015. (FEI/Daniel Kaiser)
FEI Awards 2015 – five categories
The Longines Rising Star Award – won last year by Lambert Leclezio, the 17-year-old who became the first athlete to represent Mauritius at a World Championship when he competed at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014, is for equestrians aged 14 to 21 who demonstrate outstanding sporting talent and commitment.
The Reem Acra Best Athlete – awarded to Dutch jumping legend Jeroen Dubbeldam, this award celebrates the athlete who over the last 12 months has demonstrated exceptional skills in the arena, and has taken equestrian sport to a new level.
The Against All Odds Award – acknowledges people who have pursued their equestrian ambitions despite physical issues or extremely difficult personal circumstances. Last year this award was won by Para-Equestrian Dressage athlete Sydney Collier (USA) with her service dog Journey. Collier, also named 2014 Junior Equestrian of the Year by the United States Equestrian Federation, has relentlessly pursued her dreams while dealing with the rare Wyburn Mason syndrome. She is aiming to represent the USA at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.
The Best Groom Award – dedicated to the vital behind-the-scenes team members, who work around the clock to make sure horses get the best care and attention, this award was won last year by Jackie Potts (GBR), who has spent over 20 years as groom and right-hand woman in the stables of the multiple Olympic, World and European Eventing medallist, William Fox-Pitt (GBR).
The FEI Solidarity Award – presented to equine therapy centre Equal Ark (SIN) last year, this award will be presented to an FEI Solidarity or equestrian development project, or an individual or organisation that has demonstrated skill, dedication and energy in expanding equestrian sport.
Glittering Gala
Hollywood actress Bo Derek, star of the romantic comedy “10” and recently cast in the cult Sharknado series on US cable network SyFy, is the Chair of the Jury of the prestigious FEI Awards 2015.
The winners of the awards will be flown to the glamorous FEI Awards Gala presented by Longines in Puerto Rico’s capital San Juan, where they will be presented with their awards by Bo Derek in front of over 350 guests from the global equestrian community.
Jur Vrieling, Gerco Schroder, Maikel van der Vleuten and Jeroen Dubbeldam with Chef d’Equipe Rob Ehrens celebrate team gold
The reigning world and Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ champions from The Netherlands clinched team gold at the FEI European Jumping Championships 2015 in Aachen (GER) today. Lying second as the day began, they produced another of their trademark foot-perfect performances to put the result beyond doubt when the leading French squad faded to fifth. And it was the host nation who slotted into silver medal spot ahead of the surprising Swiss who moved up four places to take the bronze.
The result of today’s competition also decided the last three Western European qualifying spots for the 2016 Olympic Games. Switzerland, Great Britain and Spain finished best of the non-qualified eligible nations and are on their way to Rio.
It was a rip-roaring thriller from start to finish, with course designer Frank Rothenberger presenting a massive track that produced spectacular jumping and the best of great sport.
None of the 13 individuals who opened today’s action managed to leave all the poles in place, but they showed that the imposing fences were very jumpable. And once the team action got underway it turned into a ding-dong battle between the major contenders, with the Swiss making an incredible come-back thanks to two clear rounds. Only 10 fault-free results were registered, and when the Dutch added just a single time fault to their tally they were already looking good before last-line rider, Gerco Schröder, took his turn.
Hugely influential
The black wavy planks at fence four was one of the bogeys of the track, and the massive triple combination that followed was also hugely influential, with the opening triple bar enticing horses down to a tall vertical and often leaving them very deep at the final oxer element. And the difficult four or five-stride distance between the big 1.80m-wide oxer at fence eight and the following planks claimed a large number of victims.
Many horses showed better form than they had all week, however, and the fifth-placed Swiss began their climb to the medal podium with an opening clear from Romain Duguet and his mare, Quorida de Treho. Ukraine lay ahead of them as the competition began and Cassio Rivetti’s clear with Vivant got them off to a great start. That pattern continued with a fault-free run for British openers Ben Maher and Diva, Germany’s Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum with the fabulous grey, Fibonacci, and Dutch double world champion Jeroen Dubbeldam with SFN Zenith NOP.
When Penelope Leprevost’s Flora de Mariposa hit the bogey wavy planks the French began to look a little vulnerable. And the British couldn’t improve their situation with single errors from Jessica Mendoza (Spirit T) and Joe Clee (Utamaro D’Ecaussines). Germany held firm with another clear from Christian Ahlmann (Taloubet Z), but the Dutch stayed out in front when Maikel van der Vleuten and the always-reliable VDL Groep Verdi cruised home once again without incident.
The French meanwhile were in rapid decline, paying a high price for Simon Delestre’s (Ryan des Hayettes) mistake at the final element of the triple combination and the double-error from Jerome Hurel (Quartz Rouge) at the wavy planks and the second element of the double of water ditches, one fence from home.
Wide open
By the time Jur Vrieling entered the ring, the door was wide open for the Dutch if the third-line rider could produce a clear round. But he winced when he saw a single time penalty on the board after an otherwise perfect tour of the track, because if Ludger Beerbaum’s four-faulter with Chiara could be discounted by a clear from Daniel Deusser then the Germans had the advantage and all the pressure would be on the final Dutch duo of Gerco Schröder and Glock’s Cognac Champblanc.
You could hear a pin drop when Deusser entered the Soers arena, but there was a huge groan when Cornet D’Amour left the oxer at eight on the floor. The home side would now finish on a final score of 12.40, while the Dutch were already home and hosed with their total of 8.82, Gerco Schröder’s eight-fault effort having no effect on the end result.
The Swiss meanwhile came with a late run. Duguet’s opening clear was followed by nine faults from Martin Fuchs (Clooney) and four from Janika Sprunger (Bonne Chance CW), but it was the clear from Paul Estermann and Castlefield Eclipse that would secure the bronze on a final total of 18.23.
Magic formula
Magic touch
Dutch Chef d’Equipe, Rob Ehrens, who has led his country to great glory in recent years, was asked this evening if he has a magic formula for success. “There is no magic formula, in our small country we just work really well together and it only takes half a minute to call riders and get them in position for nations cups or championships. It’s a great honour for me to work with four of those amazing riders, with their amazing horses and the amazing people behind our team. And we have four more riders banging on the door at home. I’m a happy coach! To perform like this in Aachen, well we hope you will make more Championships in Aachen!” he said.
Double world champion Jeroen Dubbeldam, talked about the way the competition unfolded today and the pressure of being first to go for his side. “All four rounds were important, all four were in a difficult place in every round and had the pressure, my job was to go clear and keep up the spirit, to give the inspiration to keep going. It was a really tough course today. There were already three or four clears before I came in and that put pressure on me. I felt a lot of pressure, but my horse gave me an amazing feeling and the confidence for a clear round, and that gave the spirit to the rest of the team”, he said.
The Netherlands’ (L to R) Jur Vrieling, Gerco Schroder, Maikel van der Vleuten and Jeroen Dubbeldam with Chef d’Equipe Rob Ehrens celebrate team gold at the FEI European Jumping Championships 2015 in Aachen, Germany. (FEI/Dirk Caremans)
Tried hard
Asked how he felt about his team’s silver medal finish, German Chef d’Equipe Otto Becker said, “at first I was a little disappointed, but we tried hard and the team did great, all four horses and all four riders, there was not one bad round. It was a big fight and we tried very hard. I agree with Rob (Ehrens), there should be more championships in Aachen, but without the Dutch!”, he added with a laugh.
“Last year in Caen (Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy) and in Herning (FEI European Championships 2013) the competition was really close, but it couldn’t have been closer than in these last few days”, Ludger Beerbaum said. “There were emotional ups and downs. To be careful of your fences every moment and not get distracted by other things. It’s hard when you don’t make it, all four of us over three days had really good rounds, but we must accept the situation, there are days like this, and congratulations to the Dutch!”, said one of the world’s most popular and respected horsemen.
The individual scoreboard underwent a major shake-up today, with Spain’s Sergio Alvarez Moya shooting up from fifth to the gold medal spot ahead of Ukraine’s Brazilian-born Cassio Rivetti in silver and the reigning world champion, Jeroen Dubbeldam, in bronze. Switzerland’s Romain Duguet lies fourth while Frenchwoman Penelope Leprevost has dropped from first to fifth ahead of Sunday’s individual medal-decider in which riders carry their faults from the previous three days of competition.
The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), world governing body of equestrian sport, has today launched the FEI Awards 2015 to celebrate the world’s exceptional equestrians.
Champion your Champions
The annual salute to excellence, courage, commitment and dedication starts today with nominations open at http://www.feiawards.org.
“Our sport is unique and extraordinary”, FEI President Ingmar De Vos said. “Our athletes and everyone working in the equestrian community have amazing track records of success, incredible personalities and fascinating back stories. Time and time again as spectators and on television we see sensational victories, but there is so much more to our sport than meets the eye.
“These awards honour everyone who makes our sport happen, highlighting the true value of horse sport and its contribution to our global society. HRH Princess Haya created these important awards and I am proud to continue this tradition, which is now part of our community.”
FEI Awards 2015 – five hotly-contested categories
The Longines Rising Star Award – won last year by Lambert Leclezio, who at just 17 became the first athlete to represent Mauritius at a World Championship when he stepped into the Vaulting arena at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 – is for equestrians aged 14 to 21 who demonstrate outstanding sporting talent and commitment.
The Reem Acra Best Athlete – awarded to Dutch jumping legend Jeroen Dubbeldam, who scored individual and team gold at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian™ Games 2014 and helped the Netherlands clinch the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Final just weeks later – celebrates the athlete who over the last 12 months has demonstrated exceptional skills in the arena, and has taken equestrian sport to a new level.
The Against All Odds Award acknowledges people who have pursued their equestrian ambitions despite physical issues or extremely difficult personal circumstances. Last year this award went to Para-Equestrian Dressage athlete Sydney Collier (USA) with her service dog Journey. Collier, also named 2014 Junior Equestrian of the Year by the United States Equestrian Federation, has relentlessly pursued her dreams while dealing with the rare Wyburn Mason syndrome and is now aiming to represent the USA at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.
The Best Groom Award – won last year by Jackie Potts (GBR) who has spent over 20 years as groom and right-hand woman in the stables of world Eventing number one William Fox-Pitt (GBR) – is dedicated to the vital behind-the-scenes team members who work 24/7 to ensure their horses get the best possible care and attention.
The FEI Solidarity Award – which went to equine therapy centre Equal Ark (SIN) last year – will be presented to an FEI Solidarity or equestrian development project, or an individual or organisation that has demonstrated skill, dedication and energy in expanding equestrian sport.
Equestrian heroes celebrated at the FEI Awards 2014, in association with Longines and with international fashion designer Reem Acra (left to right): Jeroen Dubbeldam (NED), Melissa Tan (SIN) chairman of equine therapy centre Equal Ark, Jackie Potts (GBR), Lambert Leclezio (MRI) with (centre) Sydney Collier (USA) and her service dog Journey. (FEI/Liz Gregg)
Nominations for the FEI Awards 2015 will close at midnight on 28 August 2015.
Glamorous Gala
The winners of the awards will be flown to the glittering FEI Awards Gala presented by Longines in Puerto Rico’s capital San Juan, where over 350 guests from the global equestrian community, including representatives from the FEI’s National Federations around the world, will celebrate their triumphs.
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):
Ocala in Florida, USA joins the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping circuit when the 2015 season gets underway this Friday 13 February. The first leg of the series, which has revitalised and reinvigorated the sport of team Jumping since Furusiyya took up title sponsorship in 2012, has attracted six countries and a sparkling line-up of riders including a crack squad from the host nation.
And, just three years after the introduction of a new format for this much-loved competition which originated over a century ago, pre-season excitement is at an all-time high as horse-and-rider combinations from 45 nations prepare to participate in 20 thrilling qualifying legs all around the globe.
Staged a year ahead of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping 2015 series will be a valuable testing ground for athletes and horses and, once again, competitors from six regions will battle it out ahead of the Final which will be held at the Real Club de Polo in Barcelona (ESP) in September.
First event
Ocala presents the first competition in the three-leg North America, Central America and Caribbean League. Organised by the New York-based events management company HITS, Inc., the Florida fixture will feature teams from Canada, Colombia, Ireland, Mexico, USA and Venezuela, but only the Canadians, Mexicans and Americans will be eligible for qualifying points in their region.
And the home runners promise to be a tough act to beat, headed up by super-star Beezie Madden whose packed trophy cabinet includes multiple Olympic and World Championship medals. The 51-year-old rider, currently number 12 in the Longines Rankings, brings the horse with which she won the 2013 FEI World Cup™ Jumping title, Simon, and will be joined by Laura Kraut, Lauren Hough, Georgina Bloomberg and Todd Minikus.
It is always a big battle between the Americans and Canadians in this league, and with 2008 Olympic gold medallist Eric Lamaze, and the extraordinary 11-time Olympian Ian Millar in action, the Canadians are unlikely to be a push-over.
The competition gets underway at 13.00 local time, and promises to get the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping 2015 series off to great start.
Team USA won the Challenge Cup at the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping Final 2014 in Barcelona, Spain today (L to R) Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland with Margie Engle, Beezie Madden, Lauren Hough and McLain Ward. (FEI/Dirk Caremans)
Single qualifier
The second leg will take place in Abu Dhabi (UAE) a week later, and this single qualifier for the Middle East region is open to teams from Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Qatar and the UAE. The remaining two leagues, Europe Division 1 and Europe Division 2, get underway in April and May respectively.
Lummen in Belgium launches the premier Europe Division 1 league, and once again this will be contested by teams from 10 countries: Belgium, France, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. And of course all eyes will be on the Dutch, who swept to victory at the 2014 Furusiyya Final just a few short weeks after claiming gold at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ in Normandy (FRA). Dutch riders have been on a roll for some time now, and it will be fascinating to witness the strategy of their popular Chef d’Equipe, Rob Ehrens, who will be hoping to follow through with another strong result this year while also thinking ahead to the Olympic challenge of 2016.
Most competitive
Europe Division 2 is also an eight-round affair, but what makes this the most competitive league of all is the high-octane pressure of trying to finish as one of the top two nations from a start-list of 16 ambitious countries. Austria, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Turkey and Ukraine will all be battling it out through heated afternoons from the outset at Linz (AUT) until the final leg at Arezzo (ITA).
The leading country at the end of this series will be promoted to Europe Division 1 for the following year, but while the second-placed team will earn a place at the Furusiyya Final in Barcelona only a top-eight finishing spot there will allow them to also earn promotion.
Allocation of teams to Europe Division 1 and Europe Division 2 events has been finalised, and you can check out the detail at this link http://goo.gl/EUDnnX
Sweden, France, Belgium, Ireland and Italy will all be hunting down early points at the opening leg of Europe Division 1 in Lummen on 1 May, while The Netherlands will begin the defense of their title at the second round in La Baule (FRA) two weeks later.
This week, however, Ocala in Florida will set the stage for another much-anticipated season of top-quality and thrilling team sport.
LIGHTS! CAMERA! ACTION! Riders from around the globe in Barcelona for the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping Final draw inspiration from the iconic Piscina Municipal de Montjuïc, home of the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Diving Finals, with its magnificent city backdrop. [L-R], Simone Coata (ITA), Alexander Zetterman (SWE), Andres Rodrigez (VEN), William Whitaker (GBR), Julia Hargreaves (AUS), Ben Asselin (CAN), Pedro Vennis (BRA), Margie Engle (USA), Simon Delestre (FRA), Paula Amilibia (ESP) and Dirk Demeersman (BEL). (Jude Edginton /FEI)
Facts and Figures:
The FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping series celebrates 106 years of team competition in 2015.
The forthcoming season comprises 20 qualifiers in as many countries.
A total of 45 nations will compete in the qualifying rounds.
Qualifying events will take place in four regions – Europe Division 1 & Europe Division 2, North America, Central America & Caribbean and Middle East.
There will be eight qualifying legs in Europe Division 1 and 2, three in the North America, Central America & Caribbean region and a single event in the Middle East.
The Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping Final will once again take place at the Real Club de Polo in Barcelona (ESP), venue for the Jumping events during the Barcelona Olympic Games in 1992.
A total of 18 teams, plus the home team if not qualified, will compete at the Final which will take place from 24 to 27 September 2015.
A total of six nations will compete at the season-opener in Ocala (USA) – Canada, Colombia, Ireland, Mexico, USA and Venezuela. Only Canada, Mexico and USA will be competing for qualifying points.
The 10 teams qualified for Europe Division 1 this season are Belgium, France, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
Watchmakers, Longines, are the official timekeepers for the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping series.
Furusiyya finalised a 16 million Euro four-year sponsorship package with the FEI in November 2012.
Equestrian heroes – and a very special dog – were celebrated tonight at the FEI Awards Gala 2014 presented by Longines.
The five winners of the “Oscars of the equestrian world” 2014 were presented with their awards by outgoing FEI President HRH Princess Haya on her final day as FEI President at a dazzling ceremony in Baku’s fabulous Buta Palace.
The winners, who have made outstanding contributions to the growth of equestrian sport in 2014, are:
Reem Acra Best Athlete Award: World Jumping champion Jeroen Dubbeldam (NED)
Longines Rising Star Award: Vaulter Lambert Leclezio (MRI)
Best Groom Award: Jackie Potts (GBR), groom to Eventing world number one William Fox-Pitt (GBR)
FEI Solidarity: Equine therapy centre Equal Ark (SIN)
Against All Odds: Para-Equestrian Dressage athlete Sydney Collier (USA) with her service dog Journey
Equestrian heroes were celebrated tonight at the glittering FEI Awards 2014, the “Oscars of the equestrian world”, presented by Longines in Baku’s fabulous Buta Palace (left to right): HRH Princess Haya, Jeroen Dubbeldam (NED), Melissa Tan (SIN) chairman of equine therapy centre Equal Ark, Jackie Potts (GBR), Lambert Leclezio (MRI) with (centre) Sydney Collier (USA) and her service dog Journey. (FEI/Liz Gregg)
The equestrian heroes donned tuxedos and gowns for the gala dinner, which was attended by almost 350 guests from National Federations, partners, VIPs and international media.
Azerbaijani TV presenter Leyla Aliyeva and retiring FEI Endurance Director Ian Williams were Masters of Ceremony for the evening.
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II also became the first recipient of the FEI Lifetime Achievement award last month as part of this prestigious FEI Awards scheme in recognition of her leading role as supporter of equestrian sport throughout her reign as British monarch. She was presented with the award at Buckingham Palace by HRH Princess Haya.
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II today became the first recipient of the FEI Lifetime Achievement award in recognition of her leading role as supporter of equestrian sport throughout her reign as British monarch. The award was presented to Her Majesty by FEI President HRH Princess Haya at a ceremony in Buckingham Palace this afternoon in the presence of former FEI President the Duke of Edinburgh Prince Phillip, and Keith Taylor, Chairman of the British Equestrian Federation. Credit (Press Association)
HRH Princess Haya was herself celebrated in a special presentation tonight in acknowledgement of her outstanding commitment to equestrian sport and to the FEI, during her eight year term in office as FEI President.
“It is a great honour for me to be here tonight on my first official duty as FEI President,” newly elected FEI President Ingmar De Vos said. “There have been a number of awards tonight, but there is someone here, a very special person, who deserves to be recognised and celebrated. Your Royal Highness, it is now my turn to surprise you with your very own special award. I hope you will wear it with pride and think of your FEI Family” as he presented her with a beautiful diamond brooch.
“You have had a lasting effect on every single person in this room, on the organisation, on the FEI Family and on the sport globally. You have led us to new frontiers. You had a vision and you took us on an incredible journey. Thank you once again for everything!”
HRH Princess Haya was joined on stage by her brother HRH Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein, FIFA Vice President: “There is one question she always asks when she meets someone that she looks up to, but it’s a question she has never actually asked me. She asks ‘If there is someone in the past you would like to see something you have done, and they would be proud of you, who is it?’ I would say tonight that I would love our late father and late mother to come back and see you right now. They would be so proud of you.” Brother and sister joined hands as they watched a moving video of the key moments of Princess Haya’s family life, her sporting career and love of horses, and her eight years as FEI President.
FEI Awards 2014 winners – biographies and reactions:
Reem Acra Best Athlete Award: Jeroen Dubbeldam (NED)
With an impressive track record including individual gold at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games during a career spanning 25 years, Jeroen Dubbeldam has had an exceptional 2014, scoring individual and team gold at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian™ Games 2014 and helping the Netherlands clinch the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Final just weeks later.
“I’m very honoured to receive the Reem Acra Best Athlete Award,” said Jeroen Dubbeldam. “I’m very proud of it! Looking back at 2014 I am full of pride for my horse, Zenith SFN, and the way he competed, as this was the first year at this top level, filling in the gap of my former horse, Utascha SFN that was sold.”
International fashion designer Reem Acra flew in specially for tonight’s gala dinner to present the Best Athlete Award to Jeroen Dubbeldam. “It is an honour to have again been asked to present the FEI’s Best Athlete Award”, she said. “Since I started participating in the FEI World Cup Dressage series, I have come to appreciate even more the incredible level of talent required to reach the top in equestrian sport. Every recipient of this award has spent countless hours creating the amazing harmony between humans and horse that is so beautiful to watch.”
Longines Rising Star Award: Lambert Leclezio (MRI)
At just 17 years of age, Lambert Leclezio became the first athlete to represent Mauritius at World Championship level when he stepped into the Vaulting arena at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy (FRA). An impressive sixth place finish in the individual category was the culmination of years of dedication to his sport. Coming from a country with limited training facilities and Vaulting horses, Lambert received support through the FEI’s global sport development programme, FEI Solidarity, to qualify for the 2014 Games by training and competing in Europe. Training on a former racehorse in Mauritius, Lambert continues to practice and compete throughout the year, both in his home country and Europe, while completing his studies in Mauritius.
“Thank you so much to everyone who voted for me”, Lambert Leclezio said. “It’s a great honour to receive the Longines Rising Star Award. I made lots of sacrifices to get here, and so did everyone who has been helping me. I would like to say a special thanks to the FEI for organising this beautiful ceremony for the equestrian family, and for the huge help from FEI Solidarity, which allowed me to compete at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Normandy and made my dream come true. I’m very happy for all that has happened to me in 2014.”
“Supporting the up-and-coming athletes in the sports Longines is involved in has been a high priority for the brand for the past few years”, said Juan-Carlos Capelli, Longines Vice-President and Head of International Marketing.
“These young talents are the future of their discipline and will be part of the development and influence of the sport across the globe. To encourage these promising sportsmen and women to reach their full potential and fulfil their dreams is one of the most rewarding efforts a brand can make and we are very proud of that.”
Best Groom Award: Jackie Potts (GBR)
After spending the last 22 years as groom and right-hand woman in the stables of world eventing number one William Fox-Pitt (GBR), Jackie Potts is one of the most well respected grooms on the circuit. She has groomed at four Olympic Games, four FEI World Equestrian Games™ and eight European Championships, on top of countless three-day events around the world. Jackie is the consummate professional, managing all aspects of Fox-Pitt’s yard and horses from training to veterinary care. Her extensive knowledge of horse management and training means her advice is often sought by other grooms as well as Team GBR.
“It is so exciting and an absolute privilege to be here to receive this award tonight,” Jackie Potts said. “I feel like I am accepting this award on behalf of all other grooms, who are so hardworking and equally deserving,”
“It is a hugely deserved and very prestigious award,” William Fox-Pitt said by video message. “Jackie has a profound empathy with horses, and horses love her. She is fantastic at motivating her team, and is generous in the sharing of her knowledge and expertise.
“There are few grooms in the world that rival her experience, and her dedication is proven by her 22 years as my yard manager. After all she has achieved in her profession, nothing gives me greater pleasure than to see her being rewarded tonight.”
Against All Odds: Sydney Collier (USA) with Journey
Born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Sydney Collier was diagnosed with the rare Wyburn Mason syndrome at the age of seven. The disease has meant that she has been faced with significant obstacles, but these have not prevented her from reaching her goals. The 17-year-old has undergone a series of operations, including three brain surgeries, is blind in one eye, and a stroke at the age of 11 led to paralysis on her left side.
Despite these challenges, she has pursued her dreams relentlessly, and after competing at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 this summer, is determined to continue training and represent the USA at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. In between training in New York, 10 hours away from her family and friends, she also volunteers once a week to speak, motivate and encourage young people of her age who do not have the same motivation and family support that she does.
Sydney Collier was also recently announced 2014 Junior Equestrian of the Year by the United States Equestrian Federation.
Journey, the star service dog in Baku
Sydney’s service dog, the white standard poodle Journey, who became famous during the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy for being the first dog to get accreditation for a World Championship, created a buzz again tonight when he arrived on stage at the Buta Palace in Baku, complete with bow tie. After travelling over 9,000 kilometres from New York, Journey took to the stage to receive his own FEI Award, a personalised dog bowl.
“Winning the FEI Against All Odds Award means so much to me as an individual, and as an athlete,” Sydney Collier said. “Life has routinely thrown speed bumps and curves on my plans, but my passion for horses and their incredible spirit has repeatedly helped me find a way around obstacles that others might have seen as insurmountable.
“In winning this award I now have the incredible opportunity to share with so many others facing similar circumstances that their goals do not ever have to be put aside. The world out there is filled with wonderful opportunities as long as you are willing to push yourself to reach them. I would like to thank the FEI for creating this award to help continue to inspire every athlete, regardless of challenging circumstances, to strive to be their best every day in and out of the saddle. And to my family and my trainer Wes Dunham who have been beside me every step of the way. I wouldn’t be standing here today without each one of you supporting and cheering me on through thick and thin.
“It means even more to me to have my special service dog Journey by my side to accept this award. When Journey was granted his credentials at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games a world of opportunity and education was opened. Together Journey and I are now able to share with others the special working relationship and independence that service animals grant their handlers. The icing on the cake? Journey loves horses as much as I do!”
FEI Solidarity: Equal Ark (SIN)
Launched in 2011, the Singapore-based Equal Ark (Equine-Assisted Learning for At Risk Kids) is a programme of horsemanship lessons for children experiencing a range of difficulties at home and at school. The initiative has already helped 800 children who have failed or dropped out of school at an early age. Equal Ark provides children with a greater chance of success in their school, work and family lives while developing a love for horses. Equal Ark will enrol 400 students annually from 2015, and is aiming to double this from 2017.
“Recognition from a prestigious international organization now puts EQUAL and our island of Singapore firmly on the global equestrian map”, chairman of Equal Ark Melissa Tan said. “The FEI Award allows us to recognise and acknowledge our appreciation to the team of volunteers and staff who have contributed to its success.
“This award affirms and cements our dedication to reach out to even more children whose lives can be inspired by the beauty and magnificence of our treasured equine partners.”
Equestrian champions are taking on athletes across all sports in the Year of the Horse in bids to claim top national sports awards in the Netherlands, Great Britain and Ireland.
The Netherlands’ traditional Sport Gala 2014 announced its nominees on Sunday night, with equestrian heroes featuring in four of the six categories. Great Britain’s Charlotte Dujardin has already claimed one award and is nominated for two others, while Ireland’s teenage sensation Bertram Allen has been nominated for the Irish Independent Young Sports Star of the Year award.
Jeroen Dubbeldam, double gold medallist at the Alltech World Equestrian Games™ 2014 and the Netherlands’ first ever Jumping world title holder, has been nominated for the Best Male Athlete award. The Sydney 2000 Olympic Jumping champion will battle it out against football legend Arjen Robben, world champion in gymnastics Epke Zonderland and four Olympic Winter Games gold medallists in speed skating.
Dubbeldam and his team-mates have also been nominated in the Best Team category. The orange quartet of Dubbeldam, Jur Vrieling, Maikel van der Vleuten and Gerco Schröder claimed gold in Normandy and booked a slot at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, and then went on to score a sensational victory at the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Final in Barcelona (ESP) just over five weeks later.
Chef d’equipe Rob Ehrens, responsible for so many “orange-gold” medals, has also been recognised and is nominated in the Best Coach category. The former rider has steered the Dutch Jumping to multiple successes, and also helped the Eventing team secure its qualification for Rio 2016.
Another equestrian hero has been nominated for these famous awards, with Para-Equestrian Dressage athlete Rixt van der Horst, double world champion, featuring in the Best Paralympic Athlete category along with three other nominees. She collected two individual gold medals and a silver team medal in Normandy on her international debut.
Winners in each of the six categories will be selected by a jury of former Olympic athletes, coaches and sports journalists. The Sport Gala 2014 ceremony takes place at the RAI Amsterdam Convention Center on 16 December.
Dubbeldam has another nomination, as the emotional moment when his daughter Nina jumped into his arms crying after seeing her father crowned World Champion is one of 10 selected for the Sport in Beeld award. This television award for the best sporting pictures of the year is chosen by public vote and will be presented at the Sport Gala 2014.
Anky van Grunsven won the Best Female Athlete in 1994 and took the Fanny Blankers Koen all-time achievement award in 2012. The Dutch Jumping team was previously nominated for the Best Team award in 2006.
(L to R) Olympic, World and European Dressage champion Charlotte Dujardin (GBR), World Jumping champion and Sydney 2000 Olympic champion Jeroen Dubbeldam (NED), and Para-Equestrian Dressage double world gold medallist Rixt van der Horst (NED) are some of the equestrian athletes nominated for national all-sports awards in 2014. (FEI/Arnd Bronkhorst)
Dancing with the awards
Dressage star Charlotte Dujardin (GBR), last year’s Reem Acra Best Athlete in the FEI Awards, has already scooped the Sunday Times & Sky Sports Sportswoman of the Year award for 2014, and is now nominated for two other all-sports awards: the BBC Sports Personality of the Year (SPOTY) and the BT Sport’s Action Woman of the Year award.
The London 2012 double Olympic champion has had an incredible year, winning two individual gold medals and team silver at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014, and the Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage Final in Lyon (FRA), where Dujardin and her dancing horse Valegro enchanted the public once again.
For the SPOTY award, Dujardin has been shortlisted by a panel of sports specialists and will be taking on an all-star cast of Lewis Hamilton (Formula 1), Gareth Bale (football), Carl Froch (boxing), Kelly Gallagher and guide Charlotte Evans (skiing), Rory McIlroy (golf), Jo Pavey (athletics), Adam Peaty (swimming), Max Whitlock (gymnastics) and Lizzy Yarnold (skeleton). Nominees will compete for the public vote live on television on 14 December.
Previous equestrian winners of the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award are The Princess Royal, Princess Anne (1971), her daughter Zara Phillips 25 years later, and David Broome (1960).
Dujardin has also been nominated for the BT Sport’s Action Woman of the Year Award, where each candidate is supported by someone from the world of sport or entertainment. Dujardin is supported by former England footballer Michael Owen. “My daughter Gemma is a keen dressage rider and Charlotte Dujardin is one of her heroes so we have often watched her compete and for sheer control and movement Charlotte really is as good as it gets”, he said.
The public vote closes today, 2 December, and the winner will be presented with the trophy during a live broadcast on BT Sport on 10 December.
Teen superstar
The 19-year-old Jumping athlete Bertram Allen (IRL), who has been taking the Jumping world by storm with phenomenal successes this year with the mare Molly Malone, was nominated yesterday for the Irish Independent Young Sports Star of the Year award, along with four other nominees.
“Bertram is, unquestionably, the biggest sensation in international jumping right now”, the Irish Independent newspaper said about his nomination. Allen is currently 19th in the Longines Jumping Rankings after a sensational year during which he won the Verona qualifier for the Longines FEI World Cup™ Final in Las Vegas, as well as victories in the Longines International Grand Prix of Ireland and the Grand Prix in Lummen (BEL). He was also a member of the Irish team at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ in Normandy, where he finished seventh individually.
In September, Allen and the seven-year-old mare Barnike became the first combination in history to score back-to-back wins at the FEI World Breeding Jumping Championships for Young Horses 2014 at Lanaken (BEL).
The Irish Independent Young Sports Star of the Year award winner is chosen by public vote, which closes on 17 December.
![LIGHTS! CAMERA! ACTION! Riders from around the globe in Barcelona for the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping Final draw inspiration from the iconic Piscina Municipal de Montjuïc, home of the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Diving Finals, with its magnificent city backdrop. [L-R], Simone Coata (ITA), Alexander Zetterman (SWE), Andres Rodrigez (VEN), William Whitaker (GBR), Julia Hargreaves (AUS), Ben Asselin (CAN), Pedro Vennis (BRA), Margie Engle (USA), Simon Delestre (FRA), Paula Amilibia (ESP) and Dirk Demeersman (BEL). (Jude Edginton /FEI)](https://finixsports.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/furusiyya-fei-nations-cup-final-barcelona-8oct2014-e1412897697242.jpg)
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