13 november 2000

Americans Win Two in a Row in Samsung Nations‚ Cup Series

Toronto, Ontario 13 November 2000
Two weeks following their Nations? Cup victory in Washington, the United States team once again claimed victory in Toronto on the final day of the Royal Horse Show.

One of three Nations? Cup events held in North America, CSIO Toronto hosted the fifth Nations? Cup of the Samsung Series. Although there were three teams competing, the focus, as always, was on the rivalry between Canada and the United States.

The home team started strong in the first round with clear rounds from Jill Henselwood and her Dutch mare, Toyzrus, and seven-time Olympian Ian Millar riding Glory Days. Lead-off rider Mario Deslauriers kept it to four faults with Le Madro as did Ian’s son, Jonathon Millar, who had the last fence down with his chestnut stallion, Fine Line.

Canada’s first round total of four faults kept them ahead of the United States with eight. Although Margie Goldstein-Engle and her Olympic mount, Hidden Creek’s Perin, put in a clear effort and Leslie Howard’s 12 fault round was dropped from the scorecard, the U.S. had to count the four-fault efforts from Ray Texel, making his first Nations? Cup appearance with Pershing, and McLain Ward, who dropped a rail at the Samsung signature fence with Rio.

With only three team members, the Colombians did not have the luxury of a drop score and had to count all three scores for a first round total of 48 faults.

Heading into the second round, Canada had the lead but only by a rail. Lead-off riders Texel and Deslauriers each had four faults respectively for their country while Howard and Henselwood were able to post clears. When Goldstein-Engle posted her second clear round of the day, Canada failed to match it as Jonathon Millar dropped two rails. Ward left all
but one fence up, putting the pressure on Canada?s anchor rider Ian Millar.

A clear round was needed for the win, but when a fence came down, Millar knew it would come down to time if there was a tie. Racing against the clock, Millar was unable to leave the last fence up, much to the disappointment of the sold-out home crowd. The win went to the Americans with a two-round total of 12 faults while Canada, winners in
1998 and 1999, had to settle for second with 16 faults.

Although Roberto Teran Tefur and Manuel Torres each had four fault rounds in the second round, the Colombians finished in third position with a two-round total of 64 faults.

1. United States 12 faults: Ray Texel/Pershing (4+4); Leslie Howard/Clover Leaf (12+0); Margie Goldstein-Engle/Hidden Creek’s Perin (0+0); McLain Ward/Rio (4+4)

2. Canada 16 faults: Mario Deslauriers/Le Madro (4+4); Jill Henselwood/Toyzrus (0+0); Jonathon Millar/Fine Line (4+8); Ian Millar/Glory Days (0+8)

3. Colombia 64 faults: Roberto Teran Tefur/Cor de la Nuit (16+4); Manuel Torres/Marco (12+4); Carlos Lopez/Promise (20+8)

Overall Standings:
1. ITA, 14p
2. SUI, 9p
2. BEL, 9p
4. USA, 8p
5. HUN, 7p
6. GER, 5p
7. POL, 4p
8. CAN, 4p
9. KOR, 3p
10.ROM, 2p

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