Belgium Wins Team Gold at the European Show Jumping Championship in A Coruña
The Longines FEI Jumping European Show Jumping Championship, currently taking place at the Casas Novas Equestrian Center in A Coruña, has crowned its new team champion. After a thrilling and tightly contested third qualifying round, Belgium claimed the gold medal, with Great Britain and Germany completing the podium.
A large crowd gathered at Casas Novas to witness an exciting third team qualifier, reserved for the top ten nations after the first two rounds. The medal positions remained undecided until the very last ride, adding even more intensity to the event.
Great Britain, who had entered the round as provisional leaders, were overtaken by a consistent Belgian team performance. Belgium finished the championship with 5.61 points, thanks to a flawless round from Nicola Philippaertsriding Katanga vh Dingenhof, a 1-point round from Thibeau Spits with Impress-K Van’t Kattenheye Z, and a decisive clear round from Gilles Thomas on Ermitage Kalone. The team’s fourth member, Pieter Devos, had 4 faults with Casual DV Z, a score that was not counted.
The silver medal went to Great Britain, with a total of 7.96 points. The British team was composed of Ben Maher(Dallas Vegas Batilly), Matthew Sampson (Medoc de Toxandria), Donald Whitaker (Millfield Colette), and Scott Brash (Hello Folie).
Germany took bronze, having started the final round with 4.19 points and finishing on 8.19. The German squad included Marcus Ehning (Coolio 42), Sophie Hinners (Iron Dames My Prins), Christian Kukuk (Just Be Gentle), and Richard Vogel (United Touch S).
It’s worth noting that Spain did not qualify for this third and final team round, having finished outside the top ten after the first two qualifiers. They ended the competition in 16th place.
Looking Ahead: Individual Final on Sunday
With the team medals decided, the focus now turns to the individual final, which will take place on Sunday, July 20. This final is reserved for the top 25 riders after the first three rounds. Unfortunately, there will be no Spanish riders in the final. The only Spaniard to reach the third round, Armando Trapote with Tornado VS, had a rail down and finished the championship in 40th place with 13.40 points.
The individual competition remains extremely close, with less than 4 points separating the current leader from 13th place—just one rail’s difference. The provisional standings are as follows:
- Richard Vogel (GER) – 0.01
- Scott Brash (GBR) – 1.08
- Steve Guerdat (SUI) – 1.19
- Gilles Thomas (BEL) – 1.37
- Nicola Philippaerts (BEL) – 1.72
- Nadja Peter Steiner (SUI) – 2.11
- Seamus Hughes Kennedy (IRL) – 2.16
- Ben Maher (GBR) – 2.35
- Janika Sprunger (SUI) – 2.41
- Kevin Staut (FRA) – 2.47
- Sophie Hinners (GER) – 3.21
- Riccardo Pisani (ITA) – 3.74
- Darragh Kenny (IRL) – 3.91
Podium Ceremony and Special Awards
The medals were presented by Sabrina Ibáñez, Secretary General of the FEI. In addition, Elena Orozco, Brand Manager of Longines Spain, awarded a Longines watch to each of the Belgian team riders.
A special prize, the CaixaBank Trophy, was also awarded to the best rider from the winning team, which went to Nicola Philippaerts. The award was presented by Juan Pedro Badiola, Northern Regional Director of CaixaBank.
All equestrian fans who are unable to attend Casas Novas this weekend can still enjoy the CSI3* competitions via free livestream on www.clipmyhorse.tv, and follow the Longines FEI Jumping European Championship events on www.fei.tv.