Canadian Show Jumping Team Finishes in Fourth at Wellington Nations Cup

The Canadian Show Jumping Team finished in fourth place in the $50,000 Samsung Nations Cup, presented by CN, at the CSIO4* United States Cosequin Finale in Wellington, FL.

Held for the second time at night under the lights, nine nations competing in the order of Great Britain, Argentina, Canada, United States, Switzerland, Mexico, France, Ireland and Belgium started sharp at 7:30 p.m. following a colourful parade of nations.

As the lead-off rider in the first round, Eric Lamaze of Schomberg, ON, had the first fence, a large natural triple bar, down for four faults riding Tempete V/H Lindehof. Frankie Chesler of Orangeville, ON, and VDL Oscar incurred four faults at the skinny CN vertical. Aboard her long-time partner, Catch 22, Ainsley Vince of Milton, ON, lowered the second element at the first combination and the second last fence, a large oxer, for eight faults. Ian Millar of Perth, ON, received four faults for a knock-down at fence five with In Style.

Great Britain was leading following the first round with a team total of six faults. Ireland was a close second with eight faults, and Canada was in third with a score of 13. Tied for fourth were Switzerland and Argentina with 17 faults each. Sitting in fifth place was the United States with 21 faults. With 23 faults were both France and Belgium. Mexico incurred a total of 30 faults.

Starting round two for Canada, Lamaze aced the second round with a clean performance. Chesler had a foot in the water and rail in the triple combination and also at the second last fence down for a total of 12 faults. Canadian Olympian, Ian Millar, had two rails for eight faults with In Style.

The Irish Team won with a total of 12 faults over two rounds. The British finished in second place with 20 faults, and in third was Argentina with 30 faults. Canada finished with 33 faults, followed closely by the United States in fifth with 35 faults.

"It was a tough class with competition," noted Chef d'equipe of the Canadian Team, Torchy Millar. "We were pleased with our results, but we wish we were higher in the standings."

For complete results, please visit www.stadiumjumping.com

A Nations Cup is the only two-round competition in show jumping where riders, competing in teams of four for their country, vie for top honours against other nations. The next North American Nations’ Cup will be held during the Spruce Meadows Masters tournament in Calgary, AB, from September 7 to 11, 2005.