The Henders & Hazel Nations Cup was the absolute highlight of Friday evening at the Brussels Stephex Masters. Ten national teams lined up for the grueling CSIO5* 1m60 Nations Cup, which turned into a thriller until the very last ride. France was ultimately crowned the winner.
With a total of nine penalties, France claimed victory in this Nations Cup. For les bleus, Nina Mallevaey with Dynastie de Beaufour (Diamant de Semilly x Cassini I) and Antoine Ermann with Floyd des Prés (Vigo Cece x Papillon Rouge) delivered double clear rounds. With only four penalties in the second round and an overall time of 213.57 seconds, they secured the win.
The Belgian team could count on a roaring home crowd and did not disappoint. Under the guidance of chef d’équipe Peter Weinberg, the squad showed resilience. Gilles Thomas, riding Ermitage Kalone (Catoki), produced a crucial clear in the first round, while Thibeau Spits (Impress-K van ’t Kattenheye Z) stayed faultless in the second round after a costly time penalty in the first. Gregory Wathelet with Bond Jamesbond de Hay (Diamant de Semilly) also bounced back impressively with a clear after four penalties in the first round. Thanks to these strong performances, Belgium secured second place with a total of 9 penalties and a time of 215.03 seconds.
The battle for third place went to Switzerland. Strong rounds from Steve Guerdat with Dynamix de Belheme (Grafton) and Janika Sprunger aboard Orelie (Emerald Van ’t Ruytershof), combined with some expensive mistakes in the second round, brought the Swiss to 12 penalties and a time of 210.69 seconds.
Completing the top five were Great Britain and Germany, who also finished on twelve penalties, but slightly slower in their overall times. They placed fourth and fifth respectively, with 215.12 and 215.18 seconds.
