Samsung Nations Cup Series

Seven nations participated in the Samsung Nations Cup of Drammen, which took place last Saturday 25 June 2005: Sweden, Denmark, Ireland, Germany, The Netherlands, Italy and Norway.

Course designer Anders Hafskjold built a very technical track, and Italy was the only team with no faults at the end of the first round. Denmark and Norway picked up 8 faults each, and were equal second, followed by Ireland on 12 points.

In the second round, Sweden retired after the elimination of Linda Heed and her bay gelding Thunderbird at the water and the 32 faults of Johan Lundh and Roxette.

Towards the end of the second round, Norway was in second position after Tony Andre Hansen and E.T. Royal Volo had only one rail down at the very last fence. Kirsti Svaboe and Gimini scored 12 penalties, leaving Nina Braaten Johnsen and Favoritas no other choice than to jump a clear round to offer victory to the home crowd. A fault at the very last fence destroyed the dreams of the Norwegian team, which finished third on 28 points, 24 of which were scored at the last fench in both rounds.

After a fantastic clear round by Ciaran Howley and Darcato, Ireland was leading the competition before the last Italian rider had started. Roberto Cristofoletti and his grey stallion Lohnegrin Di Villa Emilia could afford two rails down and Italy would still win the competition. Cristofoletti ended it up with only one fence down and was cheered loudly by the other Italian team members Jonella Ligresti, Giulia Martinengo and Karl Wechselberger.

At the press conference following the event, the Italian team praised the excellent course, which was considered tricky enough and requiring a lot of riding. The show was run under perfect conditions and in front of an enthusiastic audience encouraging the riders.

For pictures and more information, contact press officer Heidi Skar at (47) 97 64 47 37

After the 8th event of the Samsung Nations Cup Series, Norway takes the lead of the standings with 15 points, ahead of Sweden (14) and Spain (10). Italy goes up from 10th to 4th position with 9 points. The next leg of the Samsung Nations Cup Series will take place in Lummen (BEL) next week-end. For more information, visit www.lummen-horses.be