Fantastic feat of the Egyptian show jumping team, which not only qualifies for the Tokyo Olympics (together with Qatar), but also did it with by winning the fourth Nations Cup of Rabat in front of strong teams, such as Switzerland, which had held the trophy for two years.
But it must be said that this team from Egypt had serious arguments with three riders and horses winners of Grand Prix 5 *, Nayel Nassar (Lucifer V), Abdel Said (Venice Reverdy) and Sameh El Dahan (Suma’s Zorro) with the “Youngster” Mohamed Taher Zeyada, 24, riding the excellent Vizalaty. All these riders came from all over the world, Europe (Ireland and Belgium), United States and Egypt, and, as explained by their team chef, Eng Hesham Hatab “This is the first time we could gather together these four riders, all extremely motivated by the perspective of this Olympic qualification. It’s been sixty years since Egypt was no longer qualified for the Games … none of these riders were born. This is a great moment for our country and we will receive all the necessary support from the nation to go to Tokyo in the best possible conditions of preparation. “
“It’s the victory of a team in the broadest sense,” stressed Sameh El Dahan. “Behind us four, there is a whole staff, grooms, veterinarians, technicians, but also families and supporters, it’s really a great moment for all of us “.
The titleholder, Switzerland did not deserve with a young team. Finally, composed of young riders with old horses or old riders with young horses, according to the famous saying. To keep the Moroccan Nations Cup in their hands, Alain Juffer and Cornet MM needed to go clear to avoid leaving the trophy to Egypt. A bar of too much! An Egypt which, assured the team chef and president of federation, will focus on Tokyo, with, in any case, this same triumphant team of Rabat.
CSIO4*-W Nations Cup (264.7) 1.60m – Coupe des Nations Ministère de la Jeunesse et des Sports
14 Nations
1) Egypt (1)-(3)/236.36-4, 2) Switzerland (1)-(4)/225.03-5, 3) Italy (9)-(5)/232.68-14, 4) Brazil (0)-(14)/234.15-14, 5) Canada (5)-(10)/235.25-15, 6) Poland (8)-(17)/230.03-25, 7) France (8)-(20)/228.95-28, 8) Qatar (10)-(18)/238.45-28, 9) Morocco (13)/233.13-13, 10) Great Britain (14)/235.69-14, 11) Jordan (20)/243.17-20, 12) United Arab Emirates (21)/232.65-21, 13) Saudi Arabia (21)/234.09-21, 14) Belgium (45)/249.57-45
Complete results of the Morocco Royal Tour HERE
Sameh El Dahan riding Suma’s Zorro – Photo Courtesy of © DR/MRT/Jessica Rodriguez
Thierry Pomel, coach of France (7th with a young team) about the course of this Moroccan Nations Cup drawn by the Irishman Alan Wade: ‘A true course of Nations Cup, a course all finesse, difficult, the same level as what is found in Aachen, La Baule or Calgary … it will be necessary to deal with this triple combination at the end of the course that could be a decisive passageway where many things could be played ‘. It is indeed this triple combination that will have been the judge this afternoon in Rabat, with the vertical after the river. Virtually the only two obstacles where Olympic dreams have come and gone today.
The circuit began in Tétouan from October 3rd to the 6th, in the superb installations of the Royal Guard. It is a magnificent site with permanent facilities including grandstands and stables decorated in traditional Moroccan style.
The stage of Rabat, from October 10thto 13th, is held in the facilities of the Royal Moroccan Federation of Equestrian Sports,seamlessly organized and featuring exciting night classes such Friday’s 4* Grand Prix. The flagship event will be the Nations Cup, scheduled for Sunday afternoo
The final leg takes place in El Jadida, from October 17-20, runs in indoor and offers a sports program similar to that of Tétouan.There spectators can also experience the largest event dedicated to the equine world in Africa: the Salon du Cheval.
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