France Emerges Victorious in CSIO4*-W Nations Cup
The second week of the Morocco Royal Tour culminated on Sunday evening with an exhilarating showdown in the CSIO4*-W Nations Cup, where France secured a remarkable victory, sponsored by the Ministry of National Education, Preschool Education, and Sports. Competing on their home turf, the Moroccan team finished in a commendable second place, while Germany claimed the third spot on the podium.
At 2 p.m. on Sunday, October 11, the much-anticipated CSIO4*-W Nations Cup commenced following a vibrant parade of nations. The riders faced a meticulously crafted course designed by Spanish course architect Santiago Varela. He shared insights on the complexities of designing such a course, stating, "Creating a Nations Cup course is a challenging task, as it must accommodate the varying skill levels of all riders and the necessity of two rounds. Moreover, the welfare of the horses remains a top priority. The aim is to create a technically demanding course that does not compromise the horses' comfort. Ultimately, the sport shines through, delivering a fantastic competition, which we witnessed today."
Moroccan Riders Shine in Competitive Arena
Among the nine nations vying for glory in the first round, Spain, with a total of 16 penalty points, unfortunately did not qualify for the subsequent round. Brazil, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Italy, Germany, Belgium, Morocco, and France proceeded to the second round, where the stakes were high. The Moroccan riders rose to the challenge, concluding their efforts with just four penalty points and securing a coveted spot in the jump-off alongside France, Germany, and Belgium.
Chosen by Moroccan team manager Philippe Rozier, Abdelkebir Ouaddar was the first to tackle the decisive jump-off course aboard Festival d'Argouges. As the crowd held its breath, Ouaddar executed a stunning ride, clocking in at 33.78 seconds, setting an ambitious target for the remaining competitors. Next up was France's Jeanne Sadran, who, alongside her trusted steed Dexter de Kerglenn, delivered a blistering time of 33.24 seconds, which dashed Morocco's hopes of clinching the title. Germany's Tom Schewe, riding Congress Blue PS, secured the third podium position with a time of 34.93 seconds, while Belgium's Mike van Olst, aboard Comme Elle Faut Odth Z, finished fourth at 33.95 seconds, adding four penalty points to their overall score.
The fiercely contested Nations Cup ultimately went to France, much to the delight of assistant team manager Olivier Guillon, who remarked, "It was an absolute pleasure. This team is somewhat new, especially with Jeanne and Olivier Perreau, who are typically part of Edouard Coupérie's squad. Our time in Morocco has been wonderful, and it plays a crucial role in our success. The organization here is exemplary, prioritizing the needs of riders and horses, a sentiment shared by all. This tour holds significant importance on the international calendar, attracting numerous requests from French riders."
Jeanne Sadran also reflected positively on her performance throughout the week, stating, "All the horses performed exceptionally well this weekend, marking a great opportunity for me to get back on track. I've faced challenges in recent months that affected my confidence, so it feels wonderful to regain my natural rhythm in the saddle. Dexter is an extraordinary horse, and he showcased his exceptional abilities yet again today. He is in excellent form, and we have much to achieve together as we approach the upcoming World Cup season."
Philippe Rozier, the newly appointed team manager for Morocco, expressed pride in his team's second-place finish, stating, "Upon taking the reins as manager, our primary goal was to secure a medal at the Mediterranean Games, which we achieved with two medals. Additionally, we aimed to return to the podium in a Nations Cup. What stands out most is the quality of riding demonstrated by our entire team. We produced four impressive rounds, and days like today are invaluable for our progress. We serve as a role model for the young riders watching, showing that when a strong group leads, it benefits everyone in every country. Kebir had concerns about being selected for the jump-off, but I had complete faith in his abilities."
Prior to the Nations Cup, the CSIO4*-W riders participated in the Prix SOREC, a 1.45m Grand Prix, where Saudi Arabia's Abdullah Alsharbatly emerged victorious aboard Atome des Etisses, completing the course in a remarkable 45.79 seconds. The Netherlands' Mans Thijssen followed closely in second place with a time of 46.20 seconds on Nero Z. Representing Morocco, Abdelkebir Ouaddar claimed third place aboard his 10-year-old stallion Larsino, finishing in 46.89 seconds.
With two weeks of intense competition now concluded, the Morocco Royal Tour is set to move to El Jadida for its inaugural CSI5* event, signaling the beginning of the indoor season for many riders.
As reported by worldofshowjumping.com.
