Great Britain’s jumping squad named for World Equestrian Games
Friday 24 August 2018
The British Equestrian Federation (BEF) has today confirmed the showjumping team who have been selected to represent Great Britain at this year’s World Equestrian Games in Tryon, North Carolina (USA), 11-23 September 2018.
The announced team is (in alphabetical order);
Amanda Derbyshire, from Lancashire, with Gochman Sport Horse LLC’s Luibanta BH
William Funnell, from Kent, with The Billy Stud’s Billy Buckingham
Holly Smith, from Leicestershire, with Graham Smith, T J Hall Limited and her own Hearts Destiny
William Whitaker, from West Yorkshire, with Ludwig and Yasmine Criel’s Utamaro d’Ecaussines
The selected travelling reserve has been confirmed as:
Alexandra Thornton, from London, with Dunwalke Limited’s Cornetto K
Showjumping Performance Manager, Di Lampard MBE comments; “We are heading out to Tryon with an exciting team of horses and riders, all of whom have played their part in ensuring our Nations Cup top level status for next year. The team includes a mix of horses from Utamaro d’Ecaussines who has already proven himself at Championship level along with a younger group of exceptionally talented horses who have also proven themselves on the world stage. We have had fantastic support from all of the owners as well, whom I am delighted to say will be joining us on our journey, and now we can’t wait to get out there and get on with the job in hand”.
Commenting on their selection;
Amanda Derbyshire said; “It was fantastic to get the call and we’re really looking forward to getting out there. This has been the aim at the back of our minds and she [Luibanta BH] has been really special. At every team event she has been consistent and she has never let me down so hopefully we can carry that on. I think there’s a good mixture of personalities and there’s a great spirit within the team.”
William Funnell said; “Having done a Championship on Congo [Billy Congo] it’s special to be doing another one with his son. It’s nerve-racking because it’s an important year and the main thing we want to do is do a good job. I think we’ve got a good team and we have every chance of doing well.”
Holly Smith said; “Ted [Hearts Destiny] has been in really good form this year but now we’re anxious to do well; we know we’ve got a job to do. I’ve had him just over a year and this is already a massive achievement. This will be the first time that we’re heading out there but I really trust in his ability and I think he has the scope to do well."
William Whitaker said; “This was the main goal at the start of the year for me, my team and my owners and so to now be on our way is fantastic. Utamaro [Utamaro d’Ecaussines] has had a really good summer so far and he’s put in strong performances at the big competitions which is what you need when there is a major championship on the horizon. I’ve not been to a championship in America but I have competed at a few shows out there and they’ve always been to a really high standard; I think they will put on a really good championship.”
Equestrian Team GBR is supported by the UK Sport National Lottery funded World Class Programme; the British teams are very grateful to the support they receive from the British Equestrian Federation Fund and official partners Dodson and Horrell, Equi-Trek, FALPRO England, Musto, NAF and Point Two.
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