With Spain’s victory in the Longines Challenge Cup, the consolation competition of the Nations Cup Final, the public who crowded the Real Club de Polo de Barcelona’s tribunes vibrated as never before. The heroes Alberto Márquez Galobardes (Ucello Masseure), Eduardo Álvarez Aznar (Rokefeller de Pleville Bois Margot), Santiago Núñez Riva (Valentino de Hus Z) and Sergio Álvarez Moya (Jet Run), and Marco Fuste as Chef d’Equipe obtained a historic victory for Spanish equestrian sport.
After failing to qualify for the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup Final by 45 hundredths of a second, the Spanish team completed a spectacular Challenge Cup.
As the three best rounds are the only ones counted, the 12 penalties of Santiago Núñez Riva were not added to Spain’s score. Only the four faults of Alberto Alverez Galobardes were taken into account as Eduardo Alvarez Aznar had a clear round. Sergio Alvarez Moya, the last rider of the team to enter the arena, knew perfectly well that only a clear round could grant victory to Spain. A stony silence invaded the tribune while the last Spanish rider was in the arena.The Asturian rider exploded with joy after completing the course clear with no penalties.
Netherlands finished second with a total of 8 points and Brazil obtained the third place with a total of twelve penalties.
Coinciding with the second gala dinner, the Longines Challenge Cup counted with the presence of Simon Baker, Longines elegance ambassador. The Australian actor, known for of his role in the TV show, The Mentalist, was in charge of the prize giving ceremony along with CSIO Barcelona’s high representatives.
Press Release from CSIO Barcelona by Oxer Sport – Pictures provided by Oxer Sport and taken by Nacho Olano