Nations Cup Final in Donaueschingen
France beats the Netherlands in the Jump-Off

The second World Final of the Samsung Nations Cup Series was a huge success. It was held in the Park of the Fürstenberg family of Donaueschingen, and was ably organised by an experienced committee. 8 teams competed, of which 3 had ended the qualification period with 30 competitions in equal first place, with 34 points each. The strength of these 3 nations - France, Netherlands and Germany - was confirmed in Donaueschingen, when they finished the competition in this order on the first three places. France won the coveted trophy in a jump-off that went down to the last rider against the Netherlands. Germany was third in the competition, ahead of the United States, Italy and Switzerland. Belgium and Austria did not qualify for the second round.

With the Final bringing double points to the top 5 (12-8-6-4-2) and these points being added to the score after the 30 qualifying Nations Cups, France was the winner of the 2nd Samsung Nations Cup Series 1997/98 with 46 points, ahead of the Netherlands (42), Germany (40), Italy (34) and the United States (29).

There were 8 clear rounds (of 32 rides) in the first round, and 10 (of 24 rides) in the second round. Four riders achieved double clears: Hubert Bourdy on Helios, Thierry Pomel on Thor des Chaines, Jos Lansink on Carthago and Franke Sloothaak on Joly. Of these 3 competed also in the jump-off, where only Pomel, going last of all riders, achieved a third clear round.

Jeroen Dubbeldam of the Netherlands (who did not compete in the Final) was the Leading Rider of the whole Samsung Series. He had 4 double clear rounds and two single clear rounds, for a total of 14 points. Guido Dominici was second with 12 points ahead of Thierry Pomel with 11. V&L Sjiem of Jeroen Dubbeldam was the Leading Horse of the Series.

Visit Samsung Nations Cup website:
http://sports.samsung.com/samsungnationscup

In Memorium

Mark Gaskin, who competed for Great Britain in the 1993 World Pairs Championships in Gladstone, died recently from cancer. He was 59 years old.

Gillian Wilson, retired Technical Director of the Canadian Equestrian Federation and FEI judge in several disciplines, especially Dressage, died 15 September 1998, aged 79. At the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games Gillian Wilson was the Assistant Director of the equestrian events. As owner she lent Pepper Knowes to the Canadian Eventing Team for the 1959 PanAmerican and the 1960 Olympic Games .