Federation Equestre Internationale News FEI Eventing World Cup News

A truly international trio wins the first Final of the FEI Eventing World Cup

The Swedish rider Linda Algotsson (SWE) on Stand By Me won today the first Final of the FEI Eventing World Cup held in Pau, South-western France. The pair convincingly took the lead since the very beginning by performing a high-quality Dressage test (38) and went clear in both Cross Country and Jumping. The winner was presented with a trophy for perpetual competition generously donated by Mr and Mrs Apter, owners of Stunning ridden by William Fox-Pitt.

Linda is followed by Andrew Nicholson (NZL) on Fenicio and Gina Miles (USA) on McKinlaigh with 51.6 and 53 points respectively.

Her performance is all the more remarkable as she scored one of only two clear rounds within the time allowed in the Cross Country and, even with two fences in hand before the third phase, went faultless on the very technical Jumping course. Linda's success is that of an entire family. Her sister Sara placed 7th riding the Swedish warmblood Robin Des Bois bred by the Algotsson sisters' mother by the same mare as Stand By Me.

When asked to comment on the horse's exceptional performance, especially since the pair won the silver medal in the European Championship only five weeks ago, she said: "That are Swedish horses for you, they can do everything!"

Runner-up and Olympic champion Andrew Nicholson paid tribute to Linda in a true spirit of horsemanship and fair-play. He expressed the view that the short Eventing format, which is becoming the standard for the Olympic Games and will also gradually be introduced for Championships, was beneficial for the sport as it would allow for horses to be seen more often on the international sporting scene. All three riders conveyed their full support and enthusiasm for the World Cup concept as a showcase of modern Eventing.

The FEI Eventing World Cup will resume in only ten days' time in Nichelino (ITA).

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