MEYDAN FEI NATIONS CUP™ PROMOTIONAL LEAGUE FINAL 2010 - DRAW REPORT

SPAIN TO LEAD THE WAY ON HOME GROUND

The Spanish team will be first into the ring when the 2009/2010 Meydan FEI Nations Cup™ Promotional League Final gets underway at the Real Club de Polo in Barcelona tomorrow afternoon.

The weather has played havoc with the schedule of events at the popular 5-Star fixture, and last night's Grand Prix was postponed and has been rescheduled for this evening.  However it is "all systems go" for tomorrow's Meydan FEI Nations Cup™ Promotional League Final in which eight nations will do battle. 

ORDER OF GO
The draw took place this afternoon, and the order-of-go for tomorrow's competition is as follows:  1, Spain; 2, Italy; 3, Norway; 4, Austria; 5, Finland; 6, Hungary; 7, Canada; 8, Denmark.

Spain is not challenging for a place in the 2011 Meydan FEI Nations Cup™ because this weekend's host nation made its debut in the top-level series this year, but was relegated despite a great run of form in the early part of the season.  Spanish riders must now attempt to re-qualify through the 2010/2011 Promotional League.

They make a guest appearance on home ground tomorrow however and Chef d'Equipe, Marco Fuste, has selected Alfredo Fernandez-Duran (Golddigger), Jesus Garmendia Echeverria (Moon Mail), Natalia Golding (Just Cruising) and Cristina Toda (Cashmire) to fly the home flag.  As in all Nations Cup events, with national pride at stake they can be guaranteed to present considerable opposition.

SERIOUS AFFAIR
For Italy, Norway, Austria, Finland, Hungary, Canada and Denmark tomorrow's competition is a serious affair, because the result will decide which country will take the final qualifying spot for the elite Meydan FEI Nations Cup™ series in 2011.

At today's Press Conference the FEI's Director Jumping, John Roche, once again paid tribute to Meydan for their support.  "Since taking on the mantle of sponsorship last year, the Meydan brand has become intrinsically linked with premier team competition and, on behalf of the FEI and everyone else involved in equestrian sport, I would like, once again, to extend our gratitude to this company which is responsible for the spectacular development of the Meydan Racecourse in Dubai" he said.

He added, "the heavy rain over the last few days has been very unfortunate, but there is a plan in place to re-do the footing in the main arena here at the Real Club de Polo so this continues to be an ideal venue for this important event".

Tomorrow's action kicks off with the parade of teams at 15.00 followed by the first rider into the arena at 15.30 local time.  Don't miss a moment - watch it all LIVE on FEI TV - www.feitv.org
 
Meydan FEI Nations Cup™ 2011
The result of this weekend's event in Barcelona will decide the final qualifying place for the 2011 Meydan FEI Nations Cup™ in which eight nations will compete.  Already qualified for next year's top-level series are Belgium, winners of the 2010 FEI Nations Cup™ series, and the top six teams from the 2010 Meydan FEI Nations Cup™ - France, USA, Great Britain, Ireland, Germany and The Netherlands.
 
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