The Swiss were imperious all afternoon, securing their semi-final spot in the eighth and final regional qualifier in style. Joining them in the semi-final in Budapest will be Hungary, Germany, Netherlands, Austria and Slovakia.

Their first three riders - Martin Fuchs riding Sportstall Tina Pol Ag’s Fortjump Du Beaumenil, Barbara Schnieper aboard Martin Hauser’s Canice and Anthony Bourquard with Esther Steiger’s Everest D’Ellipse - all jumped double clears, meaning their fourth rider Gaetan Joliat on Olivier De Coulon’s Chelsea Z made his debut in the competition in the jump-off.

Hungary was also in great form with all of their riders - Vince Jarmy with Miklos Jarmy’s JB Koronaor, Ferenc Szentirmai on Lovassport Nonprofit Kft and PS Pferdehaltung GmbH’s Quandro Blue PS, Andras Jun Kovy aboard Robert Bole’s Egano Van’t Wingerdhof Z and Peter Szuhai riding Psz Sport Horses Kft’s Casino Royal Z - jumping at least one clear round to leave them on a score of zero at the end of the two rounds.

Vince and the 14-year-old Hungarian Sports Horse stallion – who had produced a double clear – were chosen for the jump-off but weren’t quick enough to stave off the 20-year-old Swiss rider who cruised around to stop the clock three seconds ahead and secure the win.

“The plan was definitely this, that's for sure. We had a really great day today. All the horses jumped fantastic,” said chef d’equipe Peter van der Waaij.

“We have Martin Fuchs with a new horse for him, we had Barbara Schnieper with Canice who are a very experienced combination, Anthony with also a lovely horse, Everest, who looks very promising. Gaetan thought that he was going to have a very easy day today, but then we sent him in the jump-off. We couldn't be happier.”

Switzerland was bolstered by the presence of Olympic rider and former World Cup & European champion Martin Fuchs who was their pathfinder today.

“It was definitely a very good course, challenging for a 1.50m plus, very hard I would say,” said Martin.

“I rode a new horse which made it a bit more difficult but he performed so well in both rounds. I’m happy that I had a good day, my teammates had such great performances and we could share these memories together.”

 

Switzerland was part of a four-way tie for the lead at the halfway point along with Hungary, Slovakia and Netherlands.

Netherlands couldn’t replicate their first round form in the second and ended up finishing on eight faults which left them in third.

Sadly for the hosts, they dropped off the pace after their first two combinations - Dominika Gaalova on Belam S.R.O.’s Quarz Du Coeur Des Collines and Peter Kopecky with Schou Absolute Horses’ Bingo Von Hof - both clocked up eight faults in the second round. Despite a clear from Bronislav Chudyba riding Fabrie Fijen Sporthorses’ Jojo JK SR, a further eight faults from Radovan Sillo and Belam S.R.O.’s Quadrosson Ask saw them complete on a score of 16 in fifth place.

Denmark capitalised on Slovakia’s demise, a double clear from Soren Pedersen and Paul Schockemohle and Tailormade Horses Aps’ Tailormade Casallorette PS helping them to climb from fifth after round one to finish fourth, while Qatar were sixth, thanks in part to a double clear from Bassem Mohammed and Soren Truelsen’s Rocket Man.

Austria wound up seventh while Germany, who won the first qualifier in Mannheim had a disappointing day to complete in eighth place. Italy, Czech Republic and South Africa rounded out the minor placings.

Where to Watch and Follow
Full results of the CSIO3* Bratislava Nations Cup can be viewed here.