Edited press release from EEF

The Netherlands gave the home fans something to cheer about when they came out on top in a dramatic CSIO3* 1.50m Longines EEF Region West qualifier in Peelbergen to successfully defend their title.

The Dutch quartet of Bas Moerings aboard the exciting 10-year-old KWPN mare Kivinia (I'm Special de Muze x Calido I), and Mel Thijssen riding Juice (Tyson x Carambole) – who both jumped double clears – Gert Jan Bruggink on Vigalio Sho Z (Vigo d'Arsouilles x Come On) and Mel’s sister Sanne Thijssen with Cupcake Z (Chacco-Blue x Nissan Caretano Z) finished four penalties clear of Belgium, while Great Britain were a further four faults adrift in third.

The hosts looked to be in control at the halfway point as they led the way on a score of zero, but nine penalties for Sanne with the 12-year-old Belgian Warmblood and eight faults for Gert Jan on the 11-year-old grey gelding in the second round opened up the competition.

“We had lots of good riders and good horses here, and it's never done until the very last round. That was obvious today,” said Dutch chef d’equipe Vincent Voorn.

“We had a few little mistakes in the second round, some pity faults from Sanne, then Gert Jan was a bit unlucky on the water, but that put the pressure on directly. Bas was great, his horse jumped phenomenally and he rode according to plan. Mel also rode great, Juice jumped fantastic. I'm very proud of the guys and girls, they did a very good job.”

It was Ireland who looked set to capitalise as they were just one penalty behind going into their final rider but shock ensued when that pair, David Simpson and Ovidius vd Donkhoeve (VDL Zirocco Blue x Chin Chin), were eliminated. As Ireland’s first pair, Denis Lynch and Cordial (Casall x Chicago Z) had withdrawn from the second round, this meant the team was eliminated.

The pressure was then on Mel and Juice, an 11-year-old KWPN mare, to produce a clear round to secure the win and avoid a jump-off with Belgium.

“I don’t think it is ever simple, whether you are first or last. I knew I had to jump clear, but I tried not to put too much pressure on myself to ride well. I had a good feeling in the first round and felt steady for the second,” said Mel.

Ireland’s misfortune was Belgium’s gain. Three clears in the second round from Wilm Vermeir and D’Amour JMG Z (Dieu-Merci van T&L x Indoctro) – who was also fault-free in the first round, Frederic Vernaet on the impressive 11-year-old Belgian Warmblood stallion Orak d’Hamwyck T&L (Tobago Z x Toulon) and Gilles Thomas riding Qalista DN (Emerald x Landetto) saw them climb the order from fourth at the halfway point to secure the runner-up position.

Belgium will take the maximum 100 points from this qualifier as Netherlands are only eligible for points in Region Central qualifying competitions.

Great Britain also rocketed up the leaderboard from sixth after three solid second round performances from Harry Charles riding Kannandillo (Kannan x Candillo), Millie Allen on the stunning nine-year-old grey gelding Clearround II Mondo Z (Comme Il Faut x Clearway) – who recorded a double clear, and Oliver Fletcher aboard Hello William (Waldo van Dungen x Stakkato), to occupy the final podium spot.

Germany finished fourth, France occupied fifth – the star of their team was Charlotte Leoni with Miss Marie van’t Winnenhof (Edjaz van'T Merelsnest x Toulon) who completed two rounds on a score of zero, while Spain were sixth. Spain’s Alvaro Gonzalez De Zarate Fernandez and the 10-year-old Oldenburger mare Casa Diva PS (Casallco x Silvio I) recorded two jumping clears but picked up one time fault in the first round.