Britain clinch Nations Cup thriller in Rome

Britain have won their second consecutive Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup leg, claiming victory today in Rome (22 May).

Strong performance

Just a week after winning at La Baule in France, the British team was once again back on the podium in celebratory mood. This time, their win was even more critical as it was their first ‘point scoring’ leg, where they compete for qualifying points for the Nations Cup final in Barcelona this September.

It wasn’t quite an all Whitaker line-up today, with squad member William Whitaker not selected for the final team in Rome – his cousin Robert and uncles John and Michael were joined by fast-rising star Holly Gillott.

It’s fortunate that British riders are used to inclement weather. Heavyrain fell for more than an hour before the competition began, making the going deep and sloppy.

Italian course-designer Uliano Vezzani madethe decision to lower rails, reduce spreads and reduce the stretch of the open water.

Round one

In the first round, the experience of the Whitakers showed with Robert, John and Michael all netting clear rounds. Holly’s chestnut gelding Dougie Douglas struggled with the wet going and ended up hitting three fences, providing the drop score of 12 faults.

The Brits finished the round with zero faults, but Sweden and the Netherlands were breathing down their necks with a team score of 4 faults apiece.

Round two

In the second round, Holly produced a stunning clear round to give British hopes a real boost.

Robert Whitaker was unlucky when Catwalk IV knocked the very last fence to incur four faults, while Michael, 55, jumped clear but picked up a time penalty with the grey Cassionato.

But the Dutch team, as the reigning Furusiyya champions, weren’t going to let the Brits have it all their own way, withthree members of the Netherlands’ team producing clear rounds. It was neck and neck between the two countries, just is it had been at Greenwich during London 2012.

John Whitaker and Argento had to net a clear to secure the win, but if the 59-year-old was feeling the pressure he didn’t let it show. Living up to his reputation as one of the greatest horsemen in the sport, John duly delivered an immaculate clear on the 13-year-old stallion to give Britain the win.

Placings

“We’ve been on great form all year, finishing second in Lummen and a win in La Baule,” said 25-year-old Holly Gillott. “So it was nice to get it done when it mattered today.”

Her team mate Michael Whitaker was content to be on the winning side. “There were so many Whitakers on the team I was worried that we might not win, so it’s a relief!” he said.

Sweden were third behind Britain and The Netherlands, while Spain, Switzerland, Italy, Qatar and Belgium filled the remaining places. The Belgian team had a day to forget, picking up a team total of 28 faults.

It was a superb win for Great Britain, who had been close to relegation last season, and a continuation of the very strong start made by new World Class Performance Manager Di Lampard, who joined the team on the podium today.

Britain must retain their current form at this summers FEI European Championships in Aachen, where they need to qualify for the Rio Olympics.

Nations Cup league

Despite their win in Rome, Britain currently sits at the bottom of the Nations Cup league table, having only competed in one qualifying competition – whereas their seven rival teams have now all competed in two point-scoring legs each.

Team GB’s next Division One Nations Cup leg is in St Gallen in two weeks’ time, while they will be aiming for qualifying points atRotterdam (17-21 June), Hickstead (30 July – 2 August) and, finally, Dublin (5-9 August).

Let’s hope their winning form continues throughout the season – they’ve certainly got off to a good start.