Samsung Super League Update

As the 2005 Samsung Super League series resumes this Friday at
Hickstead after a six-week break, the Swiss hold a narrow lead over the
Americans at the top of the table and only two points separate the
first five nations. There is likely to be some jostling amongst the
leading bunch but the most exciting action will probably be played out
between the three countries at the other end of the leaderboard as the
Dutch and Irish fight to climb away from that last-place relegation
position and the Belgians work to ensure that they don't get left
behind in the aftermath.

It was no surprise when Germany took team and individual gold at the
European Championships in San Patrignano in Italy last week but
Switzerland's team silver medal marked a significant upturn in fortunes
while few could have predicted that the Dutch, struggling for Super
League survival, would claim team bronze in considerable style.

The squads travelling to this week's British fixture are very different
however and the formidable Hickstead arena with it's undulating ground
and challenging fences is bound to be as influential as ever. There is
little comparison between jumping a nations' cup track at most European
venues and what they will find here and, after heavy rain in the early
part of this week, the going could also be a major factor. The best
horses to bring to Hickstead are usually ones that have been there
before. They need to be brave and bold - any lack of courage will
quickly become evident.

On paper, the Americans and Germans look strongest. The US squad
includes Laura Kraut, Beezie Madden, Kimberly Frey, McLain Ward and
Jeffery Welles. Although relatively unknown in Europe, Welles is one
of the most successful competitors on the US circuit.

Germany sends Thomas Muhlbauer, Alois Pollmann-Schweckhorst, Rene
Tebbel and Ulrich Kirchhoff - all seasoned campaigners with experienced
horses - and they can be expected to give a good account of themselves.

Pius Schwizer conjured up something close to a miracle to clinch
victory for the Swiss in Rotterdam and he is joined by Beat Mandli,
Hansueli Sprunger and Niklaus Schurtenberger this time out while the
French line-up of Herve Godignon, Olivier Guillon, Nathalie Paillot,
Philippe Leoni and Philippe Rozier will be hoping to ensure that they
keep pace with the leading pack. A hat-trick of Samsung Super League
titles is still well within their grasp if the French can hold their
ground.

The Belgians were most impressive in Italy last week when finishing
fifth, so spirits should be high as Chef d'Equipe Lucien Somers chooses
his side from Philippe Le Jeune, Jean-Claude van Geenberghe, Maurice
van Roosbroeck, Dirk Demeersman and Niels Bruynseels.

The British used up most of their fire-power when finishing sixth at
San Patrignano so team manager Derek Ricketts has plenty to think about
but the Irish and Dutch have called up fresh troops and the Dutch seem
to have the advantage here.

Mathijs Van Asten, Wout-Jan van der Schans, Harrie Smolder and Emile
Tacken will be buoyed up by their country's superb result last weekend
but the Irish witnessed their colleagues disappearing from the team
event during the nations' cup first round. Not much encouragement
there then.

The return of Cian O'Connor to the Irish side should have boosted
morale. His three-month ban from international competition was
completed just over two weeks ago and he immediately showed form when
finishing fifth in the Gelderland Grand Prix with his Olympic ride
Waterford Crystal, but Jessica Kurten's refusal to ride alongside him
has come as a huge blow because both riders are so desperately needed
if Ireland is to stand any chance of staying in the premier league of
international show jumping.

Denis Lynch, Marie Burke, Dave Quigley and Shane Breen join O'Connor at
Hickstead this week but there is cloud hanging over the Irish camp.
Chef d'Equipe, Eamon Rice, said yesterday "we have our backs against
the wall, but we'll still be coming out fighting" so this Friday's leg
of the 2005 Samsung Super League series looks set to be thriller.


SAMSUNG SUPER LEAGUE LEADERBOARD (after Round 4 in Rotterdam):
1. Switzerland - 22
2. USA - 21.5
3. Germany - 21
4. Great Britain - 20.5
5. France - 20
6. Belgium - 10.5
7. Ireland 7.5
8. Netherlands - 7

The next leg of the Samsung Super League series takes place at
HICKSTEAD on Friday July 29th. Show President is Douglas Bunn, Show
Director is Edward Bunn and Press Officer is Peter Jeffery. For all
information contact :jeffery.communications@btopenworld.com, tel:
            +441643 831011      , fax: +441643 831040 or check out the website
www.hickstead.co.uk.

SAMSUNG SUPER LEAGUE 2005 CALENDAR OF EVENTS:

ROUND 1 - La Baule (Fra) 5-8 May; ROUND 2 - Rome (Ita) 26-29 May; ROUND
3 - St Gallen (Sui) 02-05 June; ROUND 4 - Rotterdam (Ned) 16-19 June;
ROUND 5 - Hickstead (GBR) 28-31 July; ROUND 6 - Dublin (Irl) 03-07
August; ROUND 7 - Aachen (Ger) 23-28 August; ROUND 8 and FINAL -
Barcelona (Esp) 15-18 September.