The podium in Herning after the team final! Photo (c) Jenny Abrahamsson.
Ben Maher; “It’s been a great day! I didn’t know if we would be able to hang on today, knowing that the other teams would be coming back strong. I can only say it was an exciting competition, and I was lucky to give the team a good start. Michael and William did an unbelievable job today and put some pressure off Scott, who had us a bit worried half way around knocking one down [joking] – but he’s a great guy to have when it really counts.”
Scott Brash; ”I am very happy. I was really lucky today to be in a position where the other guys made sure I could have one down. They all did a fantastic job, and Ben has done a great job from day one. It was great that we ended up on top!”
William Funnell; “Obviously for me having had two bad rounds and then jumping a clear to today to be part of the gold medal team was fantastic, and I didn’t realize that it was so long since we last won an European team gold medal.”
Ben on his individual lead; “It’s a long way to go. The European Championships are maybe more difficult than other championships because all the results are counting. I am lucky because I have an unbelievable horse! She really is a dream to ride […] I am sure there will two more big rounds on Saturday, but I will keep trying to do my best. This is showjumping and there are always things that can happen!”
Rob Hoekstra - British chef d’equipe; “Obviously I am highly delighted with this! We have made an effort to do well at championships, and over the years we have won quite a few Nations Cups but when it comes to championships not enough– Germany has been absolutely fantastic at the championships and we would like to equal their record or take it over. They are fantastic, so congratulations to them and also to Sweden that did a fantastic comeback.”