The inaugural Longines League of Nations final ended as any championship should – down to the wire.
The defending champions against the 2021 champions.
Rising star Richard Vogel against former world no. 1 Harry Smolders.
12-year-old bay stallion against 12-year-old bay stallion.
Germany and the Netherlands were tied on 12 faults as the final two riders entered the ring at the Real Club de Polo de Barcelona. Under the Nations Cup format, there is no drop score in the second round. Three riders return for each nation. All scores count.
Vogel threw down the gauntlet with a perfect double free over Santiago Varela’s cross, one of just four on the day, to keep Germany on 12th.
“I think he flew over the second round. It was incredible to see,” said teammate and reigning Olympic champion Christian Kukuk.
A clear from Smolders would force a jump. A single timing error would give Germany the win.
Smolders and Uricas v/d Kattevennen looked every inch the veteran couple they are as they successfully navigated the tricky double of verticals that caught out several couples on the day. So three fences from home, they cut the plank at fence nine, put paid to Dutch hope.
Meet your first EVER #LonginesLeagueOfNations Champions, Team Germany!
In a contest that kept us guessing as to the final combination, it was Team Germany who stormed to victory in Barcelona! Congratulation!!
Andre Thieme & DSP Chakaria, groom: Heidemarie Jäckel
… pic.twitter.com/KaFXtxEEm2— Longines League of Nations (@LonginesNations) 6 October 2024
It is Germany’s second straight victory at the Nations Cup final and the first ever for the newly minted Longines League of Nations series, where the world’s top 10 teams battled it out over four games for a place in the 2024 final.
“It’s a dream come true,” said German head chef Otto Becker.
“It’s always special to win here in Barcelona. We won in Abu Dhabi, the first game [of the LLN] ever. And now we won their first ever final. And I am so perfectly happy. I was so excited until the end and my team did a great job.”
And just like in the 2023s Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ Finalit was the clear round from anchor rider Vogel and United Touch S that cemented the victory. The spectacular colt jumped clear in four of five rounds at Ocala, Rotterdam and Barcelona during the 2024 LLN Series (Jumpr Stats).
“I have a very special horse,” Vogel said. “I think United showed us once again today how extra and special he is, especially how he jumped in the second round. There aren’t many horses that can come back that strong. So I’m very happy , how he jumped today and I’m glad I gave him a good enough ride to jump double clear.”
The Netherlands finished second on 16 penalties. Sweden was third in 20. Series leader Ireland also finished in 20, but lost a spot on the podium to their 3+ seconds slower time.