A last-minute change of bit sealed victory for Belgium in a thrilling jump-off in the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup at Hickstead today (July 31), securing them a coveted place in the Barcelona world final.
First win at Hickstead
It was the first time the Belgian team have topped the podium at the Hickstead leg of the world jumping series, after jump-off rider Pieter Devos posted a blistering round with Dylano.
Three teams completed the second round on four penalties – meaning Belgium, the USA and Switzerland had to pick one rider to jump against the clock.
Bets were on for an American win, but an uncharacteristic mistake from Beezie Madden and Cortes ‘C’ left the door wide open for the Swiss and Belgian riders.
Janika Sprunger piled on the pressure, posting a fast clear for Switzerland with Bonne Chance CW. But last-to-go Pieter took a whopping two seconds off her time to claim top prize for his team.
“Finally, a win at Hickstead,” said Chef d’Equipe Dirk Demeersman. “Before when I came as a rider I had many disasters here, so I am very happy to win.”
The new bit that saved the day
Pieter was far from the obvious choice to jump-off for the team, after a four faults in first round and 12 faults in the second made him the discard score on both occasions.
But the determined 29-year-old changed his bit from a hackamore and begged his team manager for the chance to improve on his performance.
“I really, really wanted to ride the jump-off and make my next round better,” said Pieter. “In the second round after the water jump I had no control in the hackamore, so for the jump-off I changed to another bit.”
Chef d’Equipe Dirk added: “That was an unusual performance in the second round for Pieter, and I really believe in the combination so I was sure he would do something good.
“I was sure that he would do his very best and I had a rider who was motivated like hell.”
A tricky day for the Brits
Belgium has won a ticket to the Nations Cup final in Barcelona in September, but after a disappointing sixth place team GB still have to score points in Dublin next week to qualify.
It was a tricky day for rising star Holly Gillott, whose scores were discarded after gelding Dougie Douglas picked up 13 faults in round one and nine faults in round two.
Pathfinder Michael Whitaker improved on an initial five faults to jump clear second time round, and Guy Williams put on a solid performance with Titus getting one and five faults per round.
But ever-reliable Ben Maher saved the day posting a fantastic double-clear with up flashy mare Diva II, who claimed a grand-prix win on the final day of Olympia last year.