Sweden Awarded Second Bronze Medal

Jan Brink (SWE) and Björsells Briar 899

Yesterday, 29 July 2005, the Spanish team (Ignacio Rambla – Distinguido 2; José Ignacio López Porras – Nevado Santa Clara; Juan Antonio Jiminez – Guizo; Beatriz Ferrer-Salat – Beauvalais) and the Swedish team (Louise Nathorst – Guinness; Tinne Vihelmson – Just Mickey; Jan Brink – Björsells Briar 899) finished the Grand Prix test on the basis of which the 2005 FEI European Dressage Championship medals are attributed on the equal score of 213.125%.

Given that Art. 434.4 of the FEI Rules for Dressage Events, 21st edition, states that “In case of equality of points, the winning team is the one whose lowest classified competitor out of the three has the best result”, the tie was broken in favour of the Spanish team (69.500% for Ignacio Rambla – 68.625% for Louise Nathorst). Spain were awarded the bronze medal. Sweden placed 4th.

In an extraordinary gesture of sportsmanship taking fairness into account, the Spanish Equestrian Federation through the Spanish Dressage team and Chef d’Equipe Bobby Bobadilla requested that the FEI Dressage Committee tie the place for the bronze medal for Spain and Sweden. The FEI agreed to their request.

Consequently, a second bronze medal will be awarded to the Swedish team. The official results are therefore modified as follows:

1. Germany – gold medal and team European champion
2. The Netherlands – silver medal
3. Spain – bronze medal
3. Sweden – bronze medal

A special prize giving ceremony will be organised today, Saturday 30 July, following the end of the Grand Prix Special.

The FEI congratulates both teams on their sports performances and expresses its special appreciation to the Spanish Equestrian Federation and the Spanish Dressage team for their remarkable spirit of fair play.