Britain start in pole position in Friday’s Nations Cup

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Reigning champions Great Britain will start as pathfinders in the Agria Nations Cup of Great Britain, which takes place on Friday afternoon at Hickstead.

Olympic champion Ben Maher and Exit Remo will be the first combination into the arena to kick off the iconic team competition. He is joined by his 2023 team mate Tim Gredley on Medoc De Toxandria and last year's King George V Gold Cup champions, Robert Whitaker and Vermento.

The crucial anchorman position will be filled by John Whitaker and Equine America Unick Du Francport, who delivered a crucial clear round to help Britain clinch the Edward, Prince of Wales Cup 12 months ago. John, 68, has been on more than 180 Nations Cup teams during his remarkable showjumping career.

Having lifted the trophy at last year’s show, Di is very much hoping to repeat the win, to be a confidence boost for the Brits ahead of the Olympics. “It would be a huge boost for everybody, for those watching as well as for riders. It would be amazing to retain the trophy,” she said.

Sweden, fresh from their win at the Agria Nations Cup at Falsterbo, have been drawn second, followed by Brazil, The Netherlands, France, Ireland and Italy, with Germany getting the coveted last draw.

Edward Bunn, Hickstead’s Executive Director, expressed thanks to Agria for coming on board as title sponsor of the Nations Cup and of the Royal International Horse Show. “It’s my pleasure to welcome everybody here for the first Agria Nations Cup of Great Britain, and I just want to say thank you to Agria. I must say it’s been a pleasure to work with them and have them as our main partners this week.”

Tickets for the Agria Royal International Horse Show (24-28 July) can be bought online or at the gate. Watch the livestream at Hickstead.TV