 |
Federation
Equestre Internationale News
FEI Eventing World Cup News
|
A
truly international trio wins the first Final of the FEI Eventing
World Cup
The
Swedish rider Linda Algotsson (SWE) on Stand By Me won today the
first Final of the FEI Eventing World Cup held in Pau, South-western
France. The pair convincingly took the lead since the very beginning
by performing a high-quality Dressage test (38) and went clear
in both Cross Country and Jumping. The winner was presented with
a trophy for perpetual competition generously donated by Mr and
Mrs Apter, owners of Stunning ridden by William Fox-Pitt.
Linda
is followed by Andrew Nicholson (NZL) on Fenicio and Gina Miles
(USA) on McKinlaigh with 51.6 and 53 points respectively.
Her
performance is all the more remarkable as she scored one of only
two clear rounds within the time allowed in the Cross Country
and, even with two fences in hand before the third phase, went
faultless on the very technical Jumping course. Linda's success
is that of an entire family. Her sister Sara placed 7th riding
the Swedish warmblood Robin Des Bois bred by the Algotsson sisters'
mother by the same mare as Stand By Me.
When
asked to comment on the horse's exceptional performance, especially
since the pair won the silver medal in the European Championship
only five weeks ago, she said: "That are Swedish horses for
you, they can do everything!"
Runner-up
and Olympic champion Andrew Nicholson paid tribute to Linda in
a true spirit of horsemanship and fair-play. He expressed the
view that the short Eventing format, which is becoming the standard
for the Olympic Games and will also gradually be introduced for
Championships, was beneficial for the sport as it would allow
for horses to be seen more often on the international sporting
scene. All three riders conveyed their full support and enthusiasm
for the World Cup concept as a showcase of modern Eventing.
The
FEI Eventing World Cup will resume in only ten days' time in Nichelino
(ITA).
www.horsesport.org
.
