Great Britain finish second in the Pony Nations Cup of Austria after a tense jump-off
Tuesday 09 May 2023
Great Britain claimed second place on the podium in the Pony Nations Cup following a nail-biting jump-off with Belgium for the top two places at the Youth Festival in Lamprechtshausen, Austria. Both teams finished on a score of 12 after two rounds, forcing a tie-breaker.
Seven teams came forward to face a two-round 1.25m track with Belgium leading the way at the halfway stage on a zero score while Britain stood in equal second place on four faults alongside Ireland, Switzerland and The Netherlands. It was tight at the top.
The order changed dramatically in round two as Ireland, Switzerland and The Netherlands were all eliminated, Italy added another 16 faults to their 16 faults in round one while Germany, languishing on 32 faults in round one, added a further 16 faults to their score.
Pathfinder Tilly Bamford improved on her round one four faults with a clear on Carole Bamford’s Lapislazuli to boost Britain’s hopes.
Georgia Cooper-Hall, clear in round one with Liam Hall’s Saxton Freedam, came home on eight faults second time out.
Emily Fisher suffered an uncharacteristic off day with 14 and 17 faults on Kryptonite Van Orchids, jointly owned by Keith Fisher and Karan Dawson.
Anchor Madison Seedhouse was the star of the team with a double clear on ESM Equestrian’s Vaughann de Vuzit.
Meanwhile, Belgium steadily slipped their lead to finish on 12 faults in round two and a jump-off with Great Britain was on the cards.
It didn’t go Britain’s way against the clock. Although our team provided the fastest time, Belgium finished a fence in hand to take victory on four faults with Britain in second on eight. Tilly and Georgia both came home on four faults, Emily bounced back with a superb clear while Madison also finished on four to take second place on the podium. Italy finished third.
“All the tracks were difficult, not huge but technical, but the pony riders rose to the occasion especially as none of them had ever been in a jump-off situation for a team before. I was very pleased,” said Chef d’Équipe Clare Whitaker.
Lamprechtshausen Youth Festival, Austria – Saturday, 6 May 2023
Pony Nations Cup
1st Belgium - 12 + 4
2nd Great Britain - 12 + 8
Tilly Bamford & Lapislazuli – 4/0/4
Georgia Cooper-Hall & Saxton Freedam – 0/8/4
Emily Fisher & Kryptonite Van Orchids – 13/17/0
Madison Seedhouse & Vaughann De Vuzit – 0/0/4
3rd Italy - 32
Image Credit: Equisportif
