The Longines League of Nations Final boiled down to a jump-off between traditional rivals Ireland and Britain, with a mere 0.23 seconds edge enabling Scott Brash to bring the title home for Britain aboard Hello Jefferson. He was timed in 38.19 seconds, riding to beat the mark set by Billy Twomey with Jumping Jack Van de Kalavallei (38.42).
Scott last month won the world’s richest grand prix at Spruce Meadows, and is well-remembered for clinching British team gold at the 2024 Olympics.
A delighted Di Lampard, the British chef d’equipe, said, “Today means the world. To think this our third 5-star (team) win on the trot is incredible and to finish the season winning Calgary (a Nations Cup), St-Tropez and now the (Longines League of NationsTM) Final, is just the icing on the cake.”
Explaining Great Britain’s resurgence in the 10 years the she has been team manger she commented, “There are some fantastic riders n the world but I have three of the best, and other ones coming up to join them.”
Scott responded to acknowledgement of his incredible run of results: “Yes, I’m having a very lucky season!”
Scott Brash clinched gold for the British–again!
It was the first jump-off in the three-year history of the League finals, which were held as usual in Barcelona, Spain. Britain and Ireland had 8 faults each after two rounds to prompt the tie-breaker over the course designed by Santiago Varela.
Bronze went to Germany, last year’s champion, far back on 21 penalties. European Champions Belgium had one penalty extra (those time faults can be costly) to finish fourth on 22.
The U.S. and Netherlands each had 24 in the two-round, nine-nation face-off, but the U.S. overall time was quicker to give it the nod for fifth.
In the first round for the U.S., Laura Kraut (Bisquetta) and Karl Cook (Caracole de la Roque) were fault-free, Callie Schott (Garant) had 4 and Alessandra Volpi was the drop score on Gipsy Love with 12.
Under the League format, only three come back for the second round. Laura’s horse barely stepped on the plasticine edging the water jump for 4 faults. Karl had the second fence down, shook his head in dismay, and then dropped the rails at an oxer to wind up on eight penalties. Callie had a single knockdown for 4 faults.
The best U..S. effort at the show came on Friday from Alex Matz, who was second on Ikigai to Scott Brash in the grand prix.
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