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Jumpers aim for Olympic slot at Hickstead

July 23, 2011

The FEI Nations Cup of Great Britain next Friday is expected to form a crucial stage in preparations for the London Olympic Games.


Robert Smith. © Lulu Kyriacou
The Nations Cup class, along with the Longines King George V Gold Cup at Hickstead, form two of the three Olympic showjumping qualifiers to be held in Britain before the 2012 Games.

British riders who have been selected to represent their country at this home leg of the FEI Nations Cup series are Peter Charles (Murka's Nevada VI), Bruce Menzies (Sultan V), Robert Smith (Talan), Michael Whitaker (GIG Amai II) and Guy Williams (Titus II). The British team will likely start favourites for this year's competition, following their emphatic home victory in 2010.

Competition will be just as fierce in the other main showjumping classes at the show, which runs from 26-31 July. These include the Templant Events Queen Elizabeth II Cup, the fast and furious Sky Sports Speed Classic and the Bunn Leisure International Stakes.

A several former Olympic event riders will also be at Hickstead on July 28 for the Amlin Plus Eventing Grand Prix, including Pippa Funnell, Mark Todd and Andrew Nicholson. This unique class sees showjumpers and event riders go head-to-head round a course of towering showjumps and daunting cross-country fences.

 

 

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