Lausanne (SUI), 4 May 2012 – Lummen in Belgium played host to the opening leg of the 2012 FEI Nations Cup Promotional League European series today (4 May), and it was the Italian team who came out on top in the tough 14-nation contest.

A total of nine countries went through to the second round, with Belgium and Canada sharing the lead carrying just four faults each at the halfway stage, while Italy, Germany, Mexico, Spain and Switzerland carried eight and Denmark carried 14.  But as the leaders faltered, the Italians stood firm, and it was second-round clears from Juan Carlos Garcia (Bonzai van de Warande), Francesca Capponi (Stallone) and Natale Chiaudani (Almero 12) that clinched it for Stefano Scaccabarozzi’s side that also included Luca Marziani (Wivina).

JOINT RUNNERS-UP

Twin brothers Nicola (Carlos VHPZ) and Olivier Philippaerts (Cabrio van de Heffinck), sons of Belgian star Ludo Philippaerts, were joined by Donaal Brondeel (Dreemeersen Adorado) and Niels Bruynseels (Castelino van de Helle) to secure joint-runner-up spot for the host nation led by Chef d’Equipe Philippe Guerdat. They shared second place with Canada’s Yann Candele (Carlotta Singular La Magnifica), Tiffany Foster (Victor), Jill Henselwood (George) and Ian Millar (Star Power) when each side added just four faults to bring their final tally to 12.

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