Federation Equestre Internationale News FEI Eventing World Cup News

Bettina Hoy (GER), riding the 11-year old gelding Woodsides Ashby, won the 17th and penultimate leg of the FEI Eventing World Cup held at Martinvast-Cherbourg (GER) from 22 to 24 August. She performed a highly technical Dressage test scoring the qualifier's best mark (36.5) and cleared the cross-country course with no penalties. She had one Jumping rail down which brought the pair's final score to 40.5 points.

Bettina's performance was all the more remarkable as she not only won the competition but also placed 10th with Ringwood Cockatoo with 57.6 points. She is the third rider, after Britain's William Fox-Pitt and fellow German Andreas Dibowski, to win a World Cup qualifier. This insures her presence at the Final in Pau where her chances to conquer the final victory are more than strong. Also, despite a recent fall which had left her unconscious for more than four minutes and ligament problems she is recovering from, Bettina has already confirmed her participation in the forthcoming European Championship CCIO*** at Punchestown (IRL).

The runner up position went to Bettina's husband Australian Andrew Hoy on the 11-year old gelding Mr Pracatan with a final score of 44.4.

Belgium's Karin Donkers placed 3rd, which had already been the case last year. She rode Gormley and scored 44.7 points, which is only 0.3 more than Andrew Hoy. Karin said it had been really difficult keeping up with Bettina and Andrew Hoy, but that she was satisfied with her results.

Heidi Antikatzides (GRE), who competed in the Olympic test event two weeks ago, placed 4th riding her faithful Michaelmas.

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The 18th and last FEI Eventing World Cup qualifier will be held in Sweden in the framework of the Malmö City International Horse Trials from 28 through 31 August. The city of Malmö is located in southern Sweden and the show ground known as Ribersborg is a well-established sea-side recreation area. It is the second time that Malmö hosts a World Cup qualifier and the city authorities, who are one of the event's main sponsors, are delighted that such a top equestrian competition is becoming a regular part of the area's summer activities.

All 50 riders and horses who will participate in the Final will be known after this weekend.

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