British Showjumping secure top spot at the CSIO4* Nations Cup of Sharjah
Sunday 05 February 2023
On Sunday, 05 February 2023, the British Showjumping Team finished first in the CSIO4* Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup of Sharjah.
Seven teams came forward for this Nations Cup competition, and Great Britain were drawn seventh to go. Leading from the start and producing the only double clears of the competition, Great Britain finished first on a total of six faults, Ireland finished second on a total on 14 faults, and the United Arab Emirates finished third on a total of 26 faults.
William Funnell from Dorking, Surrey took the pathfinder position aboard the 11-year-old Billy Stud owned bay mare Billy Picador. A superb double clear from this combination gave the British team the best possible start in both rounds.
Tim Gredley from Newmarket, Suffolk was second to jump with the 10-year-old Black Gelding Imperial HBF, owned by Unex Competition Yard. An unfortunate knock of the planks, as well as 3 time faults saw the combination finish the first round on 7 faults. The second round saw a determined Tim and Imperial HBF jump a much-improved round, leaving all the fences up with two time faults, to finish on a total of 9 faults.
Donald Whitaker from Barnsley, South Yorkshire was third to jump, riding the 10-year-old grey mare Millfield Colette, owned by Reitsportanlage Dagobertshausen GmbH & CO.KG. This combination also produced a foot-perfect double clear, keeping Great Britain in the hunt for a first-place finish.
Joe Whitaker from Barnsley, South Yorkshire took the anchor rider position with his own 11-year-old chestnut gelding Hulahupe JR. They also saw the planks hit the sand in the first round, finishing on four faults. Joe and Hulahupe JR did not return to jump the second round as Great Britain could not be beaten, having produced the only two double clears of the competition.
For full results visit: results.hippodata.de/2023/2259/docs/20finalresult.pdf
Image: Sharjah Equestrian and Racing Club
The GBR showjumping teams are supported by the British Equestrian Federation’s World Class Programme, funded by UK Sport through the National Lottery. The Programme focuses on identifying talent, developing potential and maximising medal-winning performances on the world stage. The teams are further supported by LeMieux, who supply the teams with saddlepads and rugs.
