« Making predictions has never been this challenging. »
The moment is almost upon us. Tomorrow evening at 8 PM, we’re kicking off a spectacular event. Nine powerhouse equestrian nations will compete in the Henders & Hazel Nations Cup, in the following starting order:
Ireland
Mark Mcauley | Grs Lady Amaro
Jack Ryan | Bbs Mcgregor
Max Wachman | Kilkenny
Michael Duffy | Cantano 32
Mexico
Nicolas Pizarro | Atlantica du Soleil Z
Fernando Martinez Sommer | High Five
Jose Antonio Chedraui Eguia | H-Lucky Retto
Manuel Gonzalez Dufrane | Hortensia van de Leeuwerk
Argentina
José Maria (jr) Larocca | Finn Lente
Leandro Moschini | Abril Iconthon
Damian Ancic | Santa Rosa Chabacon
Ignacio Maurin | Chaquitos PS
Sweden
Angelie Von Essen | Alcapone des Carmille
Erica Swartz Ryan | Madonna
Evelina Tovek | Azaria Dinero
Peder Fredricson | Vroom de La Pomme Z
The Netherlands
Kevin Jochems | La Costa
Loewie Joppen | Havel van de Wolfsakker Z
Michael Greeve | Jacksonville Eurohill
Harrie Smolders | Bingo de Parc
Great Britain
Harry Charles | Aralyn Blue
Ben Maher | Exit Remo
John Whitaker | Equine America Unick du Francport
Scott Brash | Hello Valentino
Germany
Jana Wargers | Dorette
Maurice Tebbel | Chacco’s Light
Christian Ahlmann | Mandato van de Neerheide
Daniel Deusser | Killer Queen Vdm
Belgium
Olivier Phillippaerts | Le Bleu Diamond V’T Ruytershof
Abdel Saïd | Bonne Amie
Jérôme Guery | Floris TN
Gregory Wathelet | Bond Jamesbond de Hay
France
Simon Delestre | I Amelusina R 51
Olivier Robert | Iglesias D.V.
Roger Yves Bost | Delph de Denat Hdc
Kevin Staut | Beau de Laubry Z
But who are the top contenders?
Naturally, each team’s Chef d’Equipe has confidence in their own squad. However, hazarding a guess about the toughest competitors proves difficult. With the upcoming European Championship and the Spruce Meadows Masters looming, hard choices had to be made.
Jos Lansink, Chef d’Equipe of the Netherlands, commented, “It’s truly unpredictable how the competition might unfold. We aren’t all that familiar with many of the pairings. Take my team, for instance. Unfortunately, one of my European Championship riders’ horse wasn’t fit. So, I had to make a last-minute adjustment to my team for this Nations Cup. But we are all in. What a fantastic venue this is. I’ve been to numerous competitions, but this one is truly special.”
The Belgian Chef d’Equipe, Peter Weinberg, had earlier hinted at Sweden as the team to watch. Henrik Ankarcrona, leading the Swedish team, saw this as a great compliment: “Last year, behind an impressive French team, we secured second place in the Henders & Hazel Nations Cup in Knokke. Peder Fredricson also clinched victories in both Knokke Hippique’s and the Brussels Stephex Masters’ Rolex Grand Prix, presented by Audi. So, the Stephex events certainly seem to favor us! Did you know that my debut as a Chef d’Equipe for a Nations Cup was in Belgium (Lummen), and that we won it!? I have many fond memories of this country. This week, I’m banking on a team with immense future potential. It’ll be intriguing to see them in action. I hope we come out victorious. But if not, I’d be pleased if the home team, Belgium, takes the win.”
Peter Weinberg certainly has high expectations: “I expect nothing but the best from my riders and horses. They’re in great form, having delivered flawless rounds in recent top-tier events. They are all very experienced. Moreover, this competition is a top priority for all of us, making it quite a high-pressure scenario – even for the Chef d’Equipe. But that pressure can often bring out the best in us.
Henders & Hazel Nations Cup | Friday 24 August 2023 | Grand Place Arena | Join us at 6.15 PM for the Team Presentation – The competition starts at 7.45 PM.
