The second competition in the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Final, the Longines Challenge Cup, was cancelled last night due to adverse weather conditions in Barcelona. 

A major thunderstorm and torrential rain made conditions impossible and, with the safety of horses and riders as the top priority, the decision was made to call off the competition.

The President of the Ground Jury, Technical Delegate and President of the Veterinary Commission, in consultation with the organiser, agreed unanimously on the cancellation. In accordance with the preamble of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping Rules, the FEI Jumping Committee was also consulted on the decision and was in full agreement.

“We had no choice but to call off tonight’s class,” FEI Nations Cup Jumping Director John Roche said, “but it was not an easy decision to cancel it completely as it has a knock-on effect on Division 1 for 2017 in the FEI Nations Cup. Under the series rules, the best ranked Division 2 team at the 2016 Final will be promoted to Division 1 for 2017.”

In line with the series rules, Spain will jump in Division 1 next season as they were placed 12th in Thursday’s first competition. Austria, which finished 13th in the first competition in Barcelona, will remain in Division 2 for the 2017 season. The Austrian and Spanish chefs d’equipe were informed of the decision by the FEI last night.

Subject to weather conditions, the Organising Committee is planning to maintain the full programme of events for 24 September. A decision will be made in the morning.

Source: Press release from the FEI // Photo © FEI/Jim Hollander