Gemma Alexander reports from Aachen
K-H Frieler took the photos…
One of the main highlights of the week of jumping at CHIO Aachen is undoubtedly the Nations Cup. Eight teams of four come forward to compete over two massive rounds for a massive €420,000 in prizemoney, plus an additional bonus of €80,000 to be split amongst the combinations who manage to pull off a double clear round. The best three results for each team count in each round. All teams come back for the second round except in the case of elimination, and in the second-round teams compete in reverse order of the penalties incurred over the course of the first round.
The evening saw teams put forward by The Netherlands, France, the United States of America, Sweden, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany and Ireland. Last years’ winners were the mighty Germans, with the team comprised of Simone Blum and DSP Alice, Laura Klaphake and Catch Me If You Can, Maurice Tebbel and Chacco’s Son and team anchor Marcus Ehning with Pret A Tout.
story continues after advertisement
Reading the start list the teams were all so strong, it was impossible to predict the outcome! The teams for the competition were as follows.
Netherlands
Maikel van de Vleuten – Dana Blue (Mr. Blue x Hemmingway)
Doron Kuipers – Charley (Calido I x Askari)
Willem Greve – Zypria S (Canturo x Lux Z)
Marc Houtzager – Sterrehof’s Calimero (Quidam de Revel x Libero H)
France
Penelope Leprevost – Vancouver de Lanlore (Toulon x Le Tot de Semilly)
Olivier Robert – Vangog du Mas Garnier (Cornet Obolensky x Quidam de Revel)
Guillaume Foutrier – Valdocco des Caps (Number One d’Iso x Quidam de Revel)
Kevin Staut – Calevo 2 (Casall x Levantos I)
United States
McLain Ward – Noche de Ronda (Quintender x Loves Corinth)
Nicole Shahinian-Simpson – Akuna Mattata (Quinar x Landwind II)
Laura Kraut – Curious George (Codex One x Dutch Capitol)
Beezie Madden – Darry Lou (Tangelo van de Zuuthoeve x Nabab de Rêve)
Sweden
Henrik von Eckermann – Toveks Mary Lou (Montendro x Portland L)
Angelie von Essen – Luikan Q (Luidam x Kannan)
Evelina Tovek – Dalila de la Pomme (Taran de la Pomme x Diamant de Semilly)
Peder Fredricson – H&M Christian K (Namelus R x Calvados)
Belgium
Niels Bruynseels – Utamaro d’Ecaussines (Diamant de Semilly x Quidam de Revel)
Gudrun Patteet – Sea Coast Valdelamadre Clooney (Centeuer Z x Coral de Ibio)
Jérôme Guery – Quel Homme de Hus (Quidam de Revel x Candillo)
Gregory Wathelet – Iron Man van de Padenborre (Darco x Chin Chin)
Switzerland
Pius Schwizer – Cortney Cox (Carlo x Espri)
Bryan Balsiger – Clouzot de Lassus (Ugano Sitte x Tenor Manciais)
Arthur da Silva – Inonstop van’t Voorhof (Nonstop x Fortuin Z)
Steve Guerdat – Venard de Cerisy (Open Up Semilly x Djalisco du Guet)
Germany
Simone Blum – DSP Alice (Askari x Landrebell)
Christian Ahlmann – Clintrexo Z (Clintissimo Z x Rex Z)
Daniel Deusser – Calisto Blue (Chacco-Blue x Con Air)
Marcus Ehning – Funky Fred (For Pleasure x Pilot)
Ireland
Shane Sweetnam – Chaqui Z (Chacco-Blue x Quinar)
Peter Maloney – Chianti’s Champion (Champion du Lys x Cornet Obolensky)
Darragh Kenney – Important de Muze (Erco van T Roosakker x Nabab de Rêve)
Cian O’Connor – Irenice Horta (Vigo d’Arsouilles x Diamant de Semilly)
story continues after advertisement
First out over the monster track was Maikel van de Vleuten and his big grey Dana Blue; despite backing off slightly at the water, they put in an easy clear.
Next was Penelope Leprevost for France with Vancouver de Lanlore, and despite being a little lucky at 5A, we had another nice clear.
It’s clear for second on course Penelope Leprevost and Vancouver de Lanlore
Third out was McLain Ward with the lovely big mare Noche de Ronda, cruisy clear number three. The crowd is now starting to murmur that maybe this track isn’t as tough as it appeared?
Fourth out were Swedish superstars Toveks Mary Lou and Henrik von Eckermann, who surprised no one by jumping a clear round as if they were just out for an evening stroll around the Soers.
Fifth saw the first rider from Belgium, Niels Bruynseels and the super cute stallion by Diamant de Semilly, Utamaro d’Ecaussines; this guy jumped around with flair, and despite a couple of edge-of-your-seat moments, including an enormous leap over the oxer at 11, they too come home clear and under time.
Utamaro d’Ecaussines and Niels Bruynseels, the fifth consecutive clear…
By this point people are really starting to wonder: has Frank Rothenberger made a grave miscalculation?? The first five in succession all clear in one of the toughest Nations Cup classes in the world?? As it turns out, the master knew exactly what he was doing, and all those who questioned him no doubt offered up a silent apology.
It’s an odd sensation being relieved when the penalties start to roll in, but that was certainly the feeling when Pius Schweizer and his leggy liver chestnut had the last down and also added one time.
There was no way you could mistake the next rider being from the home nation, the crowd let out an almighty roar as reigning world champions from Tryon Simone Blum and DSP Alice trotted into the ring. This combination are on top form, and the mare really showed her athleticism through the short treble to come home with a lovely clear.
story continues after advertisement
Last of the first line riders was Shane Sweetnam of Ireland with his exuberant stallion Chaqui Z, who jumped an eye-catching round but unfortunately had the skinny plank at 10 down.
First out of the second line riders was Doron Kuipers with Charley; the beautiful big grey has a huge jump, but unfortunately had 5A down to finish on four.
It is starting to become obvious that the treble at 8ABC is going to be an influential factor in this class, approached on a curving related line off the open water, big triple bar in, one stride to a vertical and then two very short strides to a second vertical. Second out of the second line riders was Olivier Robert with Vangog du Mas Garnier, and the stallion backs right off as he jumps into the combination and has the B element down; this lovely jumping horse finishes the course without issue to post four faults.
The crowd begins to murmur as we wait and wait for the next rider to enter the arena – USA’s Nicole Shahinian-Simpson and Akuna Mattata. Eventually the mare is led into the ring with two grooms, while Nicole makes numerous attempts to mount the disagreeable mare. Akuna Mattata absolutely does not want to play the game tonight, rearing and striking out as Nicole and the grooms desperately try to get her on board, but alas time runs out and the bell goes, and the American’s Aachen dreams for this year are shattered. It’s a timely reminder that things can go wrong at any level, even to the very best. An absolutely heartbreaking outcome for the rider and team USA.
Angelie von Essen is next in the ring with her sweet gelding Luikan Q, and they were doing what was looking to be another super clear before rolling out the second last; four faults.
Gudrun Patteet comes in on her extremely attractive Sea Coast Valdelamadre Clooney, who puts in a huge leap at the water before running into all kinds of trouble at the treble combination: A comes down, two strides to B, B comes down, and then three strides to C which miraculously stayed up. A very good ride but Gudrun, and they manage to pull themselves together to complete the course on just the eight faults.
story continues after advertisement
Switzerland’s Bryan Balsiger is out next on his grey Clouzot de Lassus, who hits 8A but gets lucky, and then rolls off the oxer at 11 with his hind legs; another four-fault round.
Clintrexo Z is out next with Christian Ahlmann and the stallion is such a showman, bucking for the cheering crowd. The stallion does a little twist to get out over 5B, does the most incredible leap at the water, and just skips through the difficult treble; the crowd are really starting to get wound up when the last comes down! You can almost feel the collective hearts break in the stands! In a post ride interview Christian said that coming into the last he was conscious of time so upped the pace, then on the approach to the last vertical asked Clintrexo Z to come back, which he somewhat ignored and got too flat. Disappointing end to an otherwise superb first round for the German.
Last out of the second-line riders was Peter Maloney with Chianti’s Champion, recently acquired from the Netherland’s Frank Schuttert; the stallion lands a little bit close to the water, but is ok, to finish with a relaxed clear.
After the second riders have been, all teams are sitting on a best possible score of zero, except Switzerland who can finish the first round on no less than four faults.
First of the third line riders is Willem Greve and Zypria S; the mare with such lovely movement rolls out 5A and then also has the last down, to finish on eight.
Next in is Valdocco des Caps and Guillaume Foutrier, who are so speedy and so ‘French’ in their style, they rattle 8B but finish on a super clear round.
Laura Kraut’s Curious George has a cute name for a cute little horse, however the gelding really had to be persuaded at the water and ended up with a foot inside the tape, and then backed right off at the treble to have the B element down; Laura’s problems weren’t over yet though, as rounding the corner after the treble she also had the oxer at nine down. A total of 12 faults, which really hurts for the USA as due to Nicole Shahinian-Simpson’s dramatic elimination, all remaining scores must count.
Next comes the tall, noble mare Dalila de la Pomme with the young Swede Evelina Tovek, and despite backing off a little coming into the treble the 26-year old pilots the mare to a wonderfully composed clear round, well beyond her years and experience. Really lovely to watch.
Jérôme Guery is next with the attractive stallion Quel Homme de Hus, and the stallion is flashy but a little hard for Jérôme to keep on his desired lines, and he ends up taking down the oxer at nine.
story continues after advertisement
More drama ensues as the commentator informs the crowd that Switzerland’s Inonstop van’t Voorhof and Arthur da Silva will not be coming forward to compete tonight due to the horse not being completely sound, so that is now Switzerland down to three riders as well.
Daniel Deusser gets us back on track with the absolutely sensational Calisto Blue; this gelding is just so flash that even watching him is fun. The pair put in an absolutely flawless clear, until the crowd realises that he has just ticked over the time allowed! One fault! This could prove to be a very costly mistake for team Germany.
The final of the third line riders is Darragh Kenney and the chunky gelding Important de Muze, who come down on the back rail of 8A and then push out the front rail of fence nine, to finish on a total of eight.
After three riders each, we have best possible score of zero for teams France and Sweden, four for Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and Ireland, nine for Switzerland and 12 for team USA.
First of the final riders from each country is Marc Houtzager with the vastly experienced Sterrehof’s Calimero; they rattle number four, and are a little awkward through the combination, but their experience shows, and they come home with a great clear. The Netherlands complete round one with a total of four.
Kevin Staut is next with the handsome dark bay gelding Calevo 2, who knocks down the skinny plank at 10 with his knees, and proceeds to also roll the front bar of eleven to finish on eight faults. Team France also finish round one with four faults.
The uber cute Darry Lou comes next with Beezie Madden, putting in a really sweet clear. Unfortunately, due to the earlier elimination team USA aren’t able to discard Laura’s round, so they complete round one on a total of 12.
Peder Fredricson comes next with H&M Christian K, and the gelding gets very lucky at the water, and then completely out of the blue pulls up at 8B! The crowd is shocked. A brilliant ride by Peder gets the reluctant Christian K through on the second attempt, however the plank at ten also comes down for a total of 13 – eight jumping and five for time. Luckily for team Sweden they can discard this score, and they complete round one also on four.
Next comes the massive Iron Man van de Padenborre and Gregory Wathelet, and everything about this stallion just screams ‘power’. A great ride at 11 where the stallion had to be chased, but his huge scope got him out of trouble and the pair complete without adding any penalties. Team Belgium are another to complete the first round on four.
Steve Guerdat’s Vernard de Cerisy seems so slight after the bulk of Iron Man! He isn’t on his best form tonight, and jumps some awkward fences, with fence four falling, 8C rattling in the cups but staying up, and then number 10 also coming down, for an eight-fault round. After Arthur da Silva’s scratching Switzerland have no discard score and so finish round one on an unfortunate 17 faults, a result no one saw coming!
An unexpected eight faults for Steve and Venard de Cerisy
Funky Fred and Marcus Ehning are just so cool, and despite a big leap at the water seem on their way to an easy clear, and then to the horror of the crowd the last falls! Now we see how costly Daniel Deusser’s time fault becomes, as rather than being tied with the other teams for first on four faults, they are now sitting in sixth place on five! The German’s are in despair.
The last fence falls for German anchors Marcus Ehning and Funky Fred
Last on course in round one is the super stylish blood-type mare Irenice Horta with Cian O’Connor, she is just so sharp in front, and they spring around the big track for a nice quick clear. Team Ireland also finish round one on four penalties.
Clear for Cian O’Connor and Irenice Horta
We then have a break where some of the fences are raised for the second round, and we are treated to the presentations for the first round of the 5* dressage. It was quite entertaining watching the dressage horses (not) handle the big band and huge atmosphere in the main stadium, but Isabelle Worth’s Bella Rose is just so composed and beautiful that it is easy to see why she is such a master in her field.
Coming into the second round of jumping, the teams compete in reverse order of the penalties incurred in round one, meaning the teams order will be Switzerland first with 17 faults, then the United States (12), Germany (5), Netherlands (4), France (4), Sweden (4), Belgium (4) and last Ireland (4).
First into the ring for round two is Pius Schwizer with Cortney Cox, and much to everyone’s dismay the gelding pulls up at fence 5B! After a rebuild, they reapproach only to have the gelding stop in the same place again. With Arthur da Silva’s earlier withdrawal, team Switzerland needed all three remaining results to count. This means Switzerland is now out of the competition.
While the crowd is still processing this unbelievable turn of events, McLain Ward enters the ring and steers Noche de Ronda to another masterful clear, and we have our first double clear round of the 2019 Aachen Nations Cup.
The arena then falls whisper quiet as Simone Blum and DSP Alice commence their round, the mare is just so adjustable and in tune with her jockey and the reigning world champions also finish with a double clear.
Maikel van de Vleuten and Dana Blue enter the ring looking to emulate their first round clear, however it is not to be, and the Dutch pair have both 5B and the plank at 10 down to add eight to their score.
Penelope Leprevost and Vancouver de Lanlore are foot-perfect, and we have our third double clear.
Sweden’s Henrik von Eckermann has to really push Toveks Mary Lou to make the distance at fence four, but the mare responds beautifully and they jump are the next combination to share in the double clear prize pool.
Lucky at fence four, but it is double clear for Henrik von Eckermann and Toveks Mary Lou
And then – more drama! How much more of this can we take! – the commentator announces that my personal favourite from round one Utamaro d’Ecaussines and Niels Bruynseels will not be coming forward for round two, as the horse is not completely well. Team Belgium are now down to three riders.
Last of the first line riders in round two is Shane Sweetnam and Chaqui Z, and the stallion puts in a classy clear to redeem himself from the four faults he incurred in the first. Team Ireland are still on track.
Despite team Switzerland being eliminated from the competition, Bryan Balsiger still elects to jump in the second round with Clouzot de Lassus; the gelding is looking a little tired now, and takes down fences three, six and 12.
Next is Christian Ahlmann and Clintrexo Z, and the German’s absolutely cannot afford to add anything to their score to stay in touch with the leaders. The stallion has a toe on fence two, but it stays up, and does the most magnificent leap at the water… the whole crowd is riding the horse, and the stadium erupts as he comes home clear.
Then came Doron Kuipers and Charley; a big drift through the double 5AB, and really fast into the treble but they are ok, and then the plank at 10 comes down! Four faults in the second round, and it is a two-round total of eight for the Dutch rider.
Vangog du Mas Garnier and Olivier Robert shock the crowd by completely demolishing fence 5A with a headbutt; this definitely seems to be the bogey fence for round two. The only reason my table-mate and I could come up with for why this combination was now such an issue after being completely fine in the first round, is that the big screen behind it now appeared brighter due to the darkening sky; but this was just our speculation, and with horses you can never really know! Two new rails were brought in to replace to broken ones, with the pole men getting huge cheers as they ran the poles across the massive arena, and then Olivier was ready to recommence. Vangog jumped through fine with a bit of encouragement on the second attempt, however, was a little rattled and running for the rest of the course and proceeded to have fence 10 down. Four faults in round one, 10 in round two, for a total score of 14 penalties for the Frenchman.
Sweden’s Angelie von Essen and Luikan Q were next into the arena, and the gelding was so responsive to Angelie through the tough treble and the combination come home with a well-deserved clear, adding nothing to their four faults from round one.
Belgium’s Gudrun Patteet and Sea Coast Valdelamadre Clooney put in a rather tense and hurried round for eight faults, only then to have the commentator announce that the pair were disqualified in the post-round inspection due to the presence of blood! Due to Niels Bruynseels and Utamaro d’Ecaussines already having withdrawn from round two, the Belgians needed all three remaining scores to count, and therefore team Belgium is also out of the competition!
Last of the second line rider to go is Peter Moloney and Chianti’s Champion, who put in a good round and were quite unlucky to have fence nine down after only a very light touch. After their first round clear, this combination finish on a total of four.
Due to Arthur da Silva not coming forward, USA’s Laura Kraut and Curious George get the third line riders underway; they are another combination to fall victim of 5AB, with the gelding not even really taking off to take out the whole first element with his chest. Laura does a great job of getting him through on the second attempt, however Curious George isn’t travelling quite as fluently as before and they also end up in the water. They complete the competition with 11 faults in round two, and a total of 23 over the two rounds. Things aren’t looking great for team USA.
Daniel Deusser is out next with Calisto Blue, and he is absolutely not going to repeat his one-fault error from round one! He and the gelding are in the form of their lives, putting in a most impressive clear to the ecstasy of the home crowd. They finish the two rounds with just the one time penalty. That has to hurt.
Willem Greve and Zypria S see an early rail falls at fence two, and then fence nine gets rolled out by the front legs; round two score eight, total penalties 16 for the Dutchman.
Guillaume Foutrier and Valdocco des Caps jump a lovely elastic round, however 5B comes down. Also, a big bounce of the back rail of 8, but it stays in the cups. A good round of four penalties, to add to their first round clear.
Evelina Tovek and Dalila de la Pomme put in another excellent round; however, the mare seems a little more hesitant than in the first and they end up taking down 8C. Still an excellent effort for the young Swedish girl, and they add just the four penalties to their first round clear.
Belgium’s Jérôme Guery decides to still come forward for round two despite team Belgium being out of the competition, and Quel Homme de Hus does not lay a toe on anything, jumping a flawless round with just one time fault to add.
Darragh Kenney and Important de Muze put in a great round for Ireland, however they come into the 9-10-11 related line a bit too quick and they take out the skinny plank at 10 with Important’s knees. Four faults from round two to add to eight from round one, for a total of 12 penalties for the Irish duo.
With one rider to come from each nation, we have Sweden sitting on four, Germany on five, France and Ireland on eight, the Netherlands on 16, USA on 23 and both Belgium and Switzerland out of the competition.
First out of the final riders is Beezie Madden with her wonderful little Darry Lou, and they rattle fences 6 and 8B but everything stays in the cups and we have another combination home on a double clear!
It’s a double clear for Beezie Madden and Darry Lou
Marcus Ehning elects not to start Funky Fred in round two as they German’s have already posted three perfect clears, therefore his round can have no influence on their overall total of five penalties.
Next we see Sterrehof’s Calimero with Marc Houtzager, and the gelding is another who seems a little tired and they have a foot in the water and fence 10 down in front.
Unable to emulate their first-round clear, Marc Houtzager and Sterrehof’s Calimero incur 9 in round two
Kevin Staut and Calevo 2 seem much more settled that in the first round, and they jump a very good round to add no penalties to their first-round score of eight.
Then we have the round that will decide the fate of the competition: Peder Fredricson and H&M Christian K. A clear will give Sweden the win, one time fault will put them equal with Germany on five, leading to a jump-off, and a rail would hand the win to the home nation Germany. After a really difficult round in the first leading to 13 penalties, the pressure on Peder’s shoulders must have been tremendous. The Swedish rider used every ounce of his experience and professionalism to pilot an at times reluctant Christian K to the most unbelievable clear – they even trotted into element C of the treble combination, just to keep the crowd on their toes until the very very end! Brilliant riding gives the win to the Swedish team, it was hard-won and extremely well deserved.
The moment it became apparent the German’s could not win the competition, the stands began to empty and disgruntled German’s decided it was time to go home.
But the competition was not yet over, and despite his team being out of the event Gregory Wathelet and Iron Man de Padenborre were still in the running for a share in the €80,000 double clear bonus. However, it was not meant to be, and 8C came down, as well as them exceeding the time allowed. The Belgian combination finish on a total of five.
Last rider for Ireland Cian O’Connor also elected not to start his mare Irenice Horta in round two, as even a clear round would not be able to alter the result for team Ireland and so he decided to save her for Sunday’s Rolex Grand Prix.
So, a memorable conclusion to an unforgettable class, such a convincing and well-deserved win for team Sweden!
It’s a fantastic win for team Sweden!
Final results:
- Sweden – 4 faults
- Germany – 5 faults
- France – 8 faults
- Ireland – 12 faults
- United States – 23 faults
- Netherlands – 24 faults
And the following incredible combinations each took home €20,000 for being one of the five double clears of the night:
- Henrik von Eckermann – Toveks Mary Lou
- Simone Blum – DSP Alice
- Beezie Madden – Darry Lou
- McLain Ward – Noche de Ronda
- Penelope Leprevost – Vancouver de Lanlore