There was a double celebration for Great Britain’s eventers at the World Equestrian Games on Sunday as they not only collected a silver medal for their troubles but also bagged Team GB a quota place at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games in the process.
The quartet of Tina Cook, William Fox-Pitt, Harry Meade and Zara Phillips put themselves in second place heading into the final phase, with the latter getting the team rolling aboard High Kingdom.
And the London 2012 silver medallist didn’t disappoint, producing a clear round and stopping the clock inside the allotted time for a final score of 68.9 penalties.
Cook went next and was followed by Meade – who claimed an individual bronze from Normandy – before Fox-Pitt brought the team home aboard Chilli Morning.
With the scores in Britain could celebrate having achieved their aim of securing Rio Olympic qualification and securing a team silver medal, following in the footsteps of the dressage contingent.
Chef d’Equipe Yogi Breisner said: “The number one target of the World Equestrian Games was Olympic Qualification, which we’ve done.
“We’re delighted to win the team silver medal and an individual bronze, and I think the selectors have done a great job.
“I would like to thank UK Sport and the lottery funding for their tremendous support, without which we wouldn’t be able to achieve these aims.
“I feel very privileged and proud to work with this group of six riders, who have demonstrated their professionalism, talent and natural horsemanship during these Championships, and particularly during Saturday’s cross-country test.
“The result from this competition gives us a wonderful platform to go forward to the European Championships at Blair next year and on to Rio.”
© Sportsbeat 2014