Germany has won the Longines League of Nations Final in Barcelona after a thrilling jump-off against Brazil. Both teams finished the two regular rounds on four penalties, meaning the victory had to be decided in a jump-off. Belgium secured a strong third place with five penalties.
Richard Vogel seals the victory
Germany could rely on a strong performance from its entire team. Marcus Ehning remained faultless with Coolio 42 (Casalito) in both rounds, posting times of 67.38 and 66.84 seconds. Jörne Sprehe also jumped clear with Toys (Toulon), stopping the clock at 67.55 and 68.85 seconds.
Richard Vogel and Cloudio (Casall) also produced a clear first round in 66.60 seconds. In the second round, the pair picked up four penalties in 67.86 seconds. Sophie Hinners, riding Iron Dames my Prins (Zilverstar T), recorded four penalties in 67.04 seconds.
In the decisive jump-off, Vogel was the final German rider to enter the arena. Riding Cloudio, he kept all the poles up and crossed the finish line in 40.85 seconds, securing the Nations Cup victory for Germany.
Brazil second, Belgium on the podium
Brazil finished second. Stephan de Freitas Barcha remained clear with Chevaux Primavera Imperio Egipcio (Calvaro F.C.), recording times of 67.93 and 69.05 seconds. João Victor Castro Aguiar Gomes de Lima also jumped clear with Cashpaid J&F (Casall) in 69.61 and 69.88 seconds. Rodrigo Pessoa and Major Tom (Vagabond de la Pomme) picked up four penalties in the first round before jumping clear in the second, while Pedro Junqueira Muylaert recorded the additional Brazilian score with Gemme Villers (Maloubet de Pleville).
Belgium claimed bronze on five penalties. Pieter Devos jumped clear in both rounds with Primo DV, while Emilie Conter produced a clear first round with Portobella van de Fruitkorf. Abdel Saïd, riding Wathnan Bonne Amie, also contributed to Belgium's podium finish.
The United States finished fourth on 12 penalties, with Italy completing the top five on 16 penalties.
