Germany wins the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup of Great Britain

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The team of Ludger Beerbaum (Chiara 222), Marcus Ehning (Plot Blue), Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum (Bella Donna 66) and Hans-Dieter Dreher (Magnus Romeo) have a wealth of experience between them and they duly produced clear round after clear round. Such was their dominance that Ludger didn't have to ride in the second round.

"We always like to come to Hickstead - the main ring has been completely renewed [following development works in 2011], which we really appreciate," said Ludger. "To come here and win the Nations Cup is very prestigious."

Marcus Ehning, a World and Olympic gold medallist, commented: "The course was very fair, it was perfect for us - the right team definitely won!"

The British team had mixed fortunes, with Hickstead first-timer Scott Brash posting two superb clears on Ursula XII, while fellow London 2012 team mate Peter Charles and Murka's Odie De Frevent finished on just four faults. William Funnell finished on five faults in round one and eight in round two; while Ben Maher (making his Hickstead FEI Nations Cup debut) and his Olympic horse Tripple X III had a very uncharacteristic couple of rounds with eight and 13 faults respectively.

The Brits finished on a team total of 17 faults to conclude the day in fifth place, equal with the Ukrainian team.

William Whitaker won the opening showjumping class in the International Arena, finishing clear in a time of 68.45sec to beat William Funnell into second (on Billy Balou) while uncle Michael Whitaker finished third on Eros H.

In the showing classes, Jayne Ross and Hello Dolly were WOW Saddles Supreme Riding Horse Champions, with reserve going to Danielle Heath with Quantum Of Solace. In the Leeman Family Supreme Working Hunter championship, Malibu II took the spoils with Rory Gilsenan, keeping Louise Bell and Into The Blue in reserve.

Tomorrow is Ladies' Day at Hickstead, where celebrity judge Christopher Biggins will judge our best dressed ladies competition, while the feature class of the day is the Templant Events Queen Elizabeth II Cup, a highlight of the national showjumping calendar.