Lead by Chef d’Equipe Otto Becker, the Germans rode on champion steeds Paule S, (Thieme), Toys (Sprehe), Gangster V/H Noddevelt (Deusser) and Dorette Old (Wargers).

“I feel great, I’m very proud of this team,” Becker told the Spruce Meadows Media press conference following the event. “In the end, it was teamwork. Teamwork makes the dream work.”

They conquered the 12-jump, 14-effort course designed by charming Venezuelan course designer Leopoldo Palacios, with the teams from Ireland and Great Britain coming second and third respectively.

Thieme, the current Rolex Grand Slam Contender following his recent win in Aachen, Germany, in July, also told how he was determined but worried going into tomorrow’s CPKC ‘International’, presented by Rolex.

“I’m a very happy person today,” said Thieme, who opted to give champion horse DSP Chakaria the day off in preparation for tomorrow. “But I am a little worried about tomorrow. I tried to make the best plan, to give Chakaria a perfect day tomorrow, but there is something inside me telling me that she’s being just a touch too careful here.

“But it is what it is. I have to trust her now. She is always brave.

“Sometimes you have to take a little risk to win.”

Daniel Deusser Reigns Supreme!

Earlier in the day, British besties Matthew Sampson and Donald Whitaker came second and third in the Suncor Winning Round after being pipped by Germany’s Daniel Deusser, in his first win of the day, claiming top spot with stallion Bingo STE Hermelle (Number One d'Iso).

Sampson guided his Dutch-gelding, Fabrice DN (Gelha's VDL Emiliion) to the runner-up position, while Donald Whitaker completed the stage aboard Ulania 3 (Uriko).

Nations Cup Results