Today the first lap of the new FEI Nations Cup Series will kick off in the Arabian city Al Ain. However before the CSIO5*-riders made their apperance the CSI2*-riders 'battled' in the 1m40 class this morning. Irish Studentrider Michael Hutchinson, riding for an Arabian Sjeik, ended third with the 11-year-old Holsteiner Le Roi 10 (s. La Grain). His clear Jump Off in a time of 29:87 seconds was improved by Salim Ahmed Al Suwaidi (Butter Flay) and Moh 'D Rashed Al Romaithi (Caisun). In total nine combination crossed the finish line twice without touching the poles or exceeding the time limit. With almost 30% European also Marion Hughes (Crispien), Ferenc Szentirimai (Nifrana de Kreisker) and French rider Michel Hecart (Nokia de Brekka) ended in the top ten. source: equnews.be