For the seventh time in the history of the Mercedes-Benz Nations’ Cup at the CHIO Aachen the national anthem of the USA, the “Star-Spangled Banner”, was played for the victory on the “Holy Grass” of the Soers – the continuation of a week, for which the American riders have set themselves high targets.

On a total score of just 4 faults, the USA asserted themselves against Belgium (8) and Great Britain (10). After the first round, Germany still had all options open. However, in the second round quite a few problems cropped up. At the end of the day, Otto Becker’s team comprising of Christian Kukuk with Cepano Baloubet (0/13), Hans-Dieter Dreher with Elysium (4/0), Sophie Hinners with Iron Dames Combella (8/11) and Jana Wargers with Dorette, who succeeded in riding double clear, finished in fourth place on 15 faults.

“Mecca of the show jumping sport”

Lillie Keenan also rode double clear with her 15-year-old Mylord Carthago son, Argan de Beliard. She was thus the heroine of the evening of the victorious US team. The 28-year-old was the first to go in the team and she provided the foundation for the team’s success with her rides. The remaining faults were divided up among her fellow team members as follows: Kent Farrington and Toulayna jumped clear in the first round and collected four faults in the second round, both Laura Kraut with Bisquetta and McLain Ward with Imperial HBF picked up four faults in the first round and jumped clear in the second round.

The chef d ’équipe, Robert Ridland, said with a beaming smile, “For us Aachen is the Mecca of the show jumping sport. It was easy to select the team; I just went down the ranking list. They are all under the top 5. I don’t need to say anymore. That’s what we came for.“ His strategy for success was simple: “Leave the jumps up and don’t fall at the water.
So, that’s what they did. And considering that the American riders have already won four competitions in the past three days, including the two most important classes, their fellow competitors will have to really go all out to beat them.

McLain Ward, who picked up his second gold rosette today, after his victory in the STAWAG-Prize summed up: “For me it is hallowed ground here, it is the pinnacle of the sport. The atmosphere and the spectators are unparalleled. It is always an honour to win here I have been on two winning Nation Cup teams, then we had quite a drought, so it is lovely to be in this position here.” Ward already announced after the STAWAG-Prize that “this is the year we are finally going to get the Grand Prix!” and have their names engraved on the Winners’ Board. A milestone in his career that is still on his bucket list. His sights are even more set on this goal. I always joke Aachen is a girl I never got a date with. I have always been too shy to say it. But this is my chance. Sunday is mine.“

Proud to come second

Peter Weinberg, Chef d ‘équipe of the Belgian team, confirmed: “It was an unbelievable evening, we came quite close at the end. But the Americans were fantastic. Our team is a super troop and we are very proud to have come second.“ His A-team comprised of Jos Verlooy with Parise van den Dael (4/8), Emilie Conter with Portobella van de Fruitkorf (0/4), Abdel Said with Bonne Amie (18/0) and Gregory Wathelet with Bond Jamesbond de Hay (0/0).

The British team that has made the winners’ podium three times consecutively and came third for the second time, took it with dignity: “We will keep on trying,” the Chef d ‘équipe, Di Lampard, said. She particularly praised the Aachen debutant, Georgia Tame, who only clocked up time faults with Be Golden Lynx in both rounds. “What a performance!” Her further three team members were Ben Maher with Dallas Vegas Batilly, who jumped double clear, Robert Whitaker with Vermento (8/9) and Scott Brash with Hello Jefferson (8/0).

Simply thank you!

ALRV Board Member and CHIO Aachen Head of Sport, Birgit Rosenberg commented “We can only set the stage, but then it is down to your riders. Thank you for the sport and thank you to the spectators! It was a fantastic night!”