FEI Gandini Top Ten Final presented by Rolex

FEI GANDINI WORLD JUMPING RIDERS RANKINGS
Top Ten Final participating field

The 47th edition of the FEI Gandini World Jumping Riders Rankings decides on the participating field of the Top Ten Final to be held in Geneva (SUI) Palexpo arena on 11 December 2004 at 20.45.

The qualified riders are:
1. Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum (GER)
2. Ludger Beerbaum (GER)
3. Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA)
4. Marcus Ehning (GER)
5. Beezie Madden (USA) (will not participate to the Final)
6. Toni Hassmann (GER)
7. Markus Fuchs (SUI)
8. Otto Becker (GER)
9. Ludo Philippaerts (BEL)
10. Robert Smith (GBR)
11. Michael Whitaker (GBR)


The 4th Top Ten Final, open to the best 10 riders of the FEI Gandini World Jumping Riders Rankings, is organised with the support of Rolex and Gandini. The first two editions saw the victory of Ludger Beerbaum (GER), with Goldfever in 2001 and Gladdys S in 2002. Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA) and Baloubet du Rouet won the 2003 edition.

Six nationalities are represented in the Top Ten of the FEI Gandini Riders Rankings of this month. No 5 of the rankings, the American Beezie Madden will not come to Geneva, leaving her place to No 11 of the FEI Gandini World Rankings, Michael Whitakers, who already confirmed his participation. German Lars Nieberg (placed 12th) is the reserve rider.

It is the third time after 1995-96 and 2001-02, that the Geneva Horse Show has been distinguished as the "World Best Indoor Show" of the season. This title is awarded by a vote of the international riders, who select the best Indoor and Outdoor shows for the yearbook "l'Année Hippique". The Organising Committee and the 700 volunteers of CSI-W Geneva have been praised by the riders for the excellence of the installations and organisation, the diversity of the programme and their great sense of hospitality.

During a press conference in Geneva this morning, the new Director of the Organising Committee, Sophie Mottu, presented the 44th edition of CSI-W Geneva, which is being held in Geneva Palexpo exhibition halls since 1991. The size of the world's biggest indoor arena has been further increased to 88 x 51 meters (about 4500 sqm). On thousand seats have been added to bring the total capacity of the arena to 7600 seats. Fifty-nine riders from 17 nations will participate in 22 competitions, including the 4th leg of the FEI World Cup Western European League, which will take place on Sunday 12 December at 14:00.

More information and press accreditation to CSI-W Geneva: please contact Corinne Druey at             +41 21 312 82 22      , druey@syntagme-lausanne.ch

www.concours-hippique.ch

The complete rankings will be published shortly on www.horsesport.org (World Cup results from New Zealand and Egypt are still to be received).