Longines League of Nations Final, Real Club De Polo, Barcelona, Spain
IN an exhilarating display of world-class sport, Germany came home as the jubilant victors of the inaugural Longines League of Nations (LLN) Final. The new-look series for 2024 (see box, p53) reached its climax in Spain where fortunes oscillated wildly for the nine finalists. But it was Otto Becker's side's superb horsemanship and composure under pressure that earned them the right to be the first to etch their names on the new silverware.
"Today was a great day, a weekend we will never forget," said world number 10 Richard Vogel, who jumped double clear for the winning team with the phenomenal United Touch S.
The competition was neck and-neck from the off and, with the luxury of a drop score in round one, Germany and the Netherlands topped the leaderboard on a zero score.
France, Sweden and Brazil formed a chasing pack carrying four faults, a fence ahead of Ireland, with USA and Spain on 12 faults. The first big surprise of the afternoon was that Switzerland were already trailing on 24 faults.
Switching to the three-rider per team format for round two, chefs d'equipe had to make tactical choices as to which riders to bring forward. Also, while the meaty championship course remained unchanged, Olympic designer Santiago Varela raised fence 7a and b a double of airy verticals with a Liverpool under the second element which would prove pivotal to the competition.
The double became something of a bogey, while the plank two fences later, on either a long five or short six strides from the previous oxer, was the downfall of many. Just under half the competitors jumped clear in round one, while in round two the strike rate dropped to just 22%, with Santiago noting that the majority of faults throughout the day came at the verticals and front poles of oxers.
A SHOCK ELIMINATION
Esta historia es de la edición October 10, 2024 de Horse & Hound.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición October 10, 2024 de Horse & Hound.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Better judges' cover a must to protect the sport's future
A group insurance option has been found to protect the officials showing needs but only if enough sign up
IVF with frozen sperm is a 'milestone' in equine breeding
The first successful use of frozen semen in the technique has been recorded in an American study
Challenging ourselves to be and do better for our horses
The 2024 FEI general assembly heard how we should all challenge ourselves to give horses the best lives possible
Scottish jockeys to benefit from fund's top services
A new centre in Galashiels has been built thanks to a legacy donation
How horse simulators could help encourage people into riding
It is hoped the new model will help break down barriers to the sector for a wide range of people
Many horses' needs aren't met: study finds chance to improve
Researchers say all must ensure horses have space, friends, forage and good experiences
Humble pie
How many ladies does it take to cook a shepherd's pie? It’s a complicated one, says Tessa Waugh, on a quest to find appropriate ovens for the impending hunt auction dinner
I love an underdog
The arrival of the winter mud brings with it a Venetia Williams hat-trick, but the day belongs to a warrior gelding, who never stops trying”
Jumping Jack cracks it
A scopey grey is learning to be quick” anda broodmare makes up for lost time
A star is born
A nine-year-old mare helps put Luxembourg on the map and we celebrate a remarkable grey’s comeback