<p>As the thrilling conclusion to the season, this event promises to showcase the best of the best in the world of show jumping. In this article, we'll take a closer look at five teams that are poised to make a big impact in Barcelona.</p>
<h2>Sweden: A Powerhouse Seeking Redemption</h2>
<p>The Swedish team, led by the dynamic duo of King Edward and Henrik von Eckermann, is a force to be reckoned with. Despite a less-than-ideal finish in Paris, this team is hungry for success and determined to prove their mettle in Barcelona. With their impressive track record and undeniable talent, Sweden is a top contender for the podium.</p>
<p>According to our numbers, Sweden could bring forward the highest-rated team, led by Henrik von Eckermann's King Edward (809). With back-up from his Olympic teammates, Peder Fredricson on the 18-year-old Catch Me Not S (757), Rolf-G&ouml;ran Bengtsson with Zuccero HV (744) and Malin Baryard-Johnsson on H&amp;M Indiana (757).</p>
<h2>Germany: Consistency and Skill in Spades</h2>
<p>Germany has been a standout performer throughout the season, thanks in no small part to the incredible efforts of their female riders. Jana Wargers and J&ouml;rne Sprehe have been particularly impressive, contributing to the team's stellar clear round rate.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Last year's Nations Cup Final winners have had an incredible season where team competitions are concerned, picking up four five-star Nations Cup victories. With a perfect balance of experience and youthful energy, Germany is a team to watch closely in Barcelona.</p>
<h2>The Netherlands: An Olympic Squad Ready for Battle</h2>
<p>The Dutch team is bringing their A-game to Barcelona, with a lineup that features Olympic-level talent. Maikel van der Vleuten, fresh from picking up an Individual Bronze medal at the Paris Olympics on his partner Beauville Z N.O.P. (780), leads a squad that includes the formidable Harrie Smolders and Uricas vd Kattevennen (754) and the Olympic super-sub Kim Emmen with Imagine (737). They are joined by the rising stars Lars Kersten and the ten-year-old Funky Fred Marienshof Z (711), who produced one of just two double clear rounds in the tough Nations Cup of Brussels.</p>
<p>With such a strong roster, the Netherlands is poised to make a serious run for the top spot on the podium.</p>
<h2>Ireland: Hungry for Victory and Ready to Shine</h2>
<p>Ireland has had a remarkable season, consistently performing at a high level and even topping the overall Longines League of Nations standings. On eight occasions, they have graced the podium of a five-star Nations, two of those have translated into wins. However, these near-misses have left this talented team eager to prove themselves once again.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Cian O'Connor has been the busiest Irish team rider and has been a key player in the Irish success, he will likely ride his promising nine-year-old Fancy de Kergane (736). He is backed up by Daniel Coyle and his incredible Legacy (763), as well as Denis Lynch and Mark McAuley. With this team, Ireland is a squad that should never be underestimated.</p>
<h2>USA: The Dark Horse with Plenty of Surprises</h2>
<p>While they may not be the first team that comes to mind when discussing favorites, the USA has proven time and again that they are capable of pulling off stunning upsets. The partnership between Spencer Smith and Keeneland (721) has been a key factor in their success, with an impressive clear round rate. If they can harness their talent and ride the wave of momentum from their win in Dublin, the USA could be the dark horse that takes the win in Barcelona.</p>
<p><img src="https://admin.equiratings.com/assets/3ff47237-14c0-45fe-bba7-e9f61555e220?width=1826&amp;height=1378" alt="Xei Oz the Story of 2024 in 5 Star Team Show Jumping  (2)"></p>
<p><br>As the Barcelona Longines League of Nations final approaches, the excitement in the show jumping community is palpable. With so many talented teams vying for the top spot, predicting a winner is no easy task. Will Sweden redeem themselves after Paris? Can Germany continue their streak of consistency? Will the Netherlands' Olympic squad prove too tough to beat? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the competition in Barcelona will be fierce, and the performances will be nothing short of spectacular. Don't miss out on this thrilling conclusion to the show jumping season!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Listen to the Barcelona Longines League of Nations Preview Show on the EquiRatings Jumping Podcast.</p>
<p><iframe style="border: none;" title="Embed Player" src="https://play.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/33315127/height/192/theme/modern/size/large/thumbnail/yes/custom-color/000000/time-start/00:00:00/playlist-height/200/direction/backward/download/yes/font-color/FFFFFF" width="100%" height="192" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>

5 Jumping Teams to Watch at the Barcelona LLN Final

Main

<p><span class="OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none">Burghley first adopted the modern eventing format in 2006. </span><span class="OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none">Since then, there have </span><span class="OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none">been</span> <span class="OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none">1131</span> <span class="OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none">Burghley starters. Just 10 finished on their dressage score. </span><span class="OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none">No rider between 2006-2023 has FOD&rsquo;d at </span><span class="OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none">Burghley more than once, even though 202 riders </span><span class="OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none">have had multiple Burghley starts in that time.</span></p>
<p>There are a couple of stand-out Irish horses to watch today</p>
<h3><strong><img src="https://admin.equiratings.com/assets/1394358b-9bc4-4150-a5b5-d09a0a37c70a?width=2000&amp;height=600" alt="1"></strong></h3>
<h3><strong>Sarah Ennis | Grantstown Jackson</strong></h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>EquiRatings Speed Rank: 3 (97%)</li>
<li>Start Time: 13:48</li>
<li>Score: 34.5</li>
<li>Position: 39th</li>
</ul>
<p>At Burghley this year they produced their best international dressage test in 3 and half years. They were the third fastest at Badminton 2024 behind Lucy Latta, who was the fastest with a time penalty - Sarah Ennis had 3.6 (9 seconds over). They were the second fastest combination at the Europeans in 2023 (2.4-time penalties, 6 seconds) the only one to make the time that day was Lordships Graffalo.</p>
<h3><img src="https://admin.equiratings.com/assets/2bea699b-2995-40c0-8319-2524b08cb1a3?width=2000&amp;height=600" alt="2"></h3>
<h3>Austin O'Connor | Colorado Blue</h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>EquiRatings Speed Rank: 1 (98%)</li>
<li>Start Time: 12:13</li>
<li>Score: 33.9</li>
<li>Position: 37th</li>
</ul>
<p>This is the fastest horse in the field - alongside Lorships Graffalo. They were the second fastest around a tough track at Maryland (3 seconds over). Made the time at CCI5* previously (Badminton) They were the fastest of the day at Badminton when Lordships Graffalo won. They did run out at the leaf pit here last year - but it was a rare mistake. Made the time at CCI5* on four previous occasions, and clear around 7 (started at 8).</p>
<h3><img src="https://admin.equiratings.com/assets/ae25da0c-34f5-4b1c-8184-56446cd33e12?width=2000&amp;height=600" alt="3"></h3>
<h3>Ros Canter | Lordships Graffalo</h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>EquiRatings Speed Rank: 2 (97%)</li>
<li>Start Time: 15:40</li>
<li>Score: 22.0</li>
<li>Position: 2nd</li>
</ul>
<p>Badminton winner, European Champion. Generational Talent. Only one to make the time at the Europeans in 2023. Their only cross-country jumping penalty on the record was the penalty/non-penalty that happened in Paris. Made the time at CCI5* twice.</p>
<h3><img src="https://admin.equiratings.com/assets/4fb862ae-d78a-40c0-82f9-623c78b7e5c5?width=2000&amp;height=600" alt="4"></h3>
<h3>Oliver Townend | Cooley Rosalent</h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>EquiRatings Speed Rank: 4 (96%)</li>
<li>Start Time: 14:19</li>
<li>Score: 24.4</li>
<li>Position: =5th</li>
</ul>
<p>1 second over the time at Kentucky 2024. 3-time winner of Burghley and 8 five stars<br>Oliver has made the time here twice before</p>
<h3>Mia Farley | Phelps</h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>EquiRatings Speed Rank: 12 (94%)</li>
<li>Start Time: 13:12</li>
<li>Score: 33.7</li>
<li>Position: 36th</li>
</ul>
<p>Fastest and only horse to make the time at Maryland. No US riders has made the time at Burghley since Sinead Halpin in 2013 (Manoir de Carbville).</p>
<h3>Sophia Hill | Humble Glory</h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>EquiRatings Speed Rank: 6 (96%)</li>
<li>Start Time: 14:06</li>
<li>Score: 36.9</li>
<li>Position: 50th</li>
</ul>
<p>Only one 5* start but made the time at that run in Adelaide. They finished on the podium that day and were the only horse inside time. This year made the time at Bramham and Bicton which are both hill and testing XC tracks.</p>

6 Speed Horses

<p>The Spruce Meadows Masters has been deeply rooted in showjumping history. Riders gather from all over the world with their best horses for a chance to compete on the legendary grass turf in the International Arena.</p>
<h2><br>The Live Contender</h2>
<p>The main focus of the week will undoubtedly be on Andre Thieme and his incredible partner, DSP Chakaria. The pair became European Champions almost exactly three years ago and have since gone on to claim several Grand Prix titles. It wasn't until several months ago that they claimed their first Rolex Major Grand Prix title in front of the home crowd in Aachen. This means they will enter the Spruce Meadows Grand Prix as the live contender to win the Rolex Grand Slam of Showjumping.</p>
<h2>The Only Winner &amp; Grand Slam Master</h2>
<p>The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping was first launched in 2014. Over these 11 years, only one rider has successfully managed to win three Rolex Majors consecutively and thus claim the Rolex Grand Slam. It was in Calgary nine years ago that Scott Brash achieved this and, to date, he remains the only athlete to accomplish this feat.<br>Fresh from helping Team GB win Olympic Team Gold, Brash will be on the radar of many to produce a strong performance in Sunday's Grand Prix. He will likely come forward on his Olympic mount, Hello Jefferson. Already, Hello Jefferson is the horse with the most starts in Rolex Major Grand Prix in the history of the league. In Aachen last June, the bay gelding jumped his 14th Rolex Grand Slam to overtake HH Azur, who had competed in 13 Rolex Major Grand Prix.<br>Thus far, Hello Jefferson's best finish in a Rolex Grand Slam Grand Prix was in 2022 at the CHIO in Aachen. The pair finished second behind surprise winners, Gerrit Nieberg &amp; Ben 431, by less than a second margin.<br>Will their 15th attempt be the one that gets Hello Jefferson his Rolex Major Grand Prix victory?</p>
<h2>The Consistent Contender</h2>
<p>We cannot look past last year's Grand Prix winners here in Spruce Meadows. Martin Fuchs and his gorgeous grey gelding, Leone Jei, were breathtaking here last year when they produced the only double clear to claim the victory. Leone Jei's record in the Rolex Grand Slam Grand Prix is absolutely extraordinary. To date, Leone Jei has competed in 11 Rolex Majors. Only twice has he finished outside the Top 8. Besides their win here last year, they also won the 2022 Geneva Grand Prix and joined Gazelle, Pret a Tout, and HH Azur as two-time Major Grand Prix winners. So far, only Scott Brash's Hello Sanctos is a three-time Major winner and did so consecutively. In their last two outings, Leone and Martin have finished just beside the podium in fourth place, both at the Dutch Masters in 's-Hertogenbosch and at the CHIO Aachen. With such an incredible record and superb recent form, they are definitely a combination to be reckoned with this week.</p>

Rolex Grand Slam Regulars Take Root in Spruce

<p><strong>Into Second Place early on Valmy Biats (Emily King) DR Time: 9:30</strong><br>Looking at recent tests, we expect that a good day would land around the 25 mark and an off-day is around 28. They will very likely slot in behind Ros in second place overall for the early part of the morning.<br>We include them here because they have not been outside the top 5 internationally in 2024, including 4th at Badminton and 5th at Aachen. A good start means we can really begin to speculate about the time penalties on Saturday and the impact it will have for them. They weren't slow at Badminton or Aachen but it is the phase where they might drop marks.<br><br><strong>The defending champion who needs to stay close: Cooley Rosalent (Oliver Townend) DR Time: 11:17</strong><br>While Ros has been the star of the sport for a couple of years, Oliver Townend, with 8 five-star wins - including here last year and Kentucky with this horse, is the rider that is most likely to spoil her party.<br>Cooley Rosalent is still only 10 but already has two five star podiums to her name - both in the US and at Maryland in particular, over a tough cross country track. They started on a 23.1 that day. They scored 19.8 at Burgham in a CCI4*-S last time out but are unlikely to match that tomorrow. Expect they go second with a low twenties test.<br><br><strong>The speed horse that needs to keep in touch: Artist (Monica Spencer) DR Time: 14:00</strong><br>We expect that we will return to more Monica Spencer conversations on Saturday morning. Artist is a thoroughbred horse who could make up a lot of ground on Saturday afternoon but a good start will decide how meaningful that climb will ultimately prove.<br>Their last test at this level was at Kentucky where they scored 31.9. Anything around that will leave too much to do but a late twenties test gives them something to work with. One to watch but not an overnight top five horse.<br><br><strong>The star of the sport: Lordships Graffalo (Rosalind Canter) DR Time: 15:32</strong><br>What a position it will be for Ros to know that she already likely leads overnight and she still has the star of the sport to deliver their test.<br>Lordships Graffalo has it all - but whether that includes a sub 20 dressage remains to be seen. They have been comfortably in the 22-24 range for most of their recent big day test - but worth noting, they have always been a little ahead of Izilot DHI in this phase.<br>Who knows what is to come, but&nbsp;<em data-stringify-type="italic">can they</em>&nbsp;take the lead - absolutely. Even if they don't, they will very likely remain the favorite due to all that lies ahead this weekend and (whisper it) they could potentially break the <br>Burghley record finishing score (25.4)<br><br><strong>Last year's record breaker: Vitali (Tim Price)&nbsp;DR Time: 15:47</strong><br>Tim and Vitali delivered an 18.7 dressage test at Burghley last year, a CCI5* record low outside of championships.<br>At many events, the final phase has been their undoing, but likely to feature in many conversations over the weekend. Highly likely to be in top 5 on Friday night.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><img src="https://admin.equiratings.com/assets/5a61a432-e5b9-4aed-83db-e2df1f3c66ce?width=1080&amp;height=1080" alt="Square Burghley  2024 (2)"></p>

Friday Five to Follow

<p>The Rolex Grand Prix at the Brussels Stephex Masters is poised to be a thrilling showdown, with some of the world's top show jumping combinations vying for the prestigious title. From seasoned champions to rising stars, the competition promises to keep spectators on the edge of their seats as riders navigate a challenging course in pursuit of victory.</p>
<h2><br>The Favourites</h2>
<p>A strong line-up of riders is set to take on this Rolex Grand Prix of Brussels on Sunday afternoon. One of the biggest hopefuls for the win is Swiss powerhouse, Steve Guerdat. With <strong>Dynamix de Belheme </strong>as his partner, he brings the second highest-rated horse in the world to the start in Brussels. Aside from being reigning European Champions, this pair are fresh off winning Individual Silver at the Paris Olympic Games earlier this month. It will come as no surprise that this pair enter the competition as favourites to win with a win chance of 9%.</p>
<p>The Swiss already spoiled a Belgian party here on Friday when they beat the home nation to win Friday&rsquo;s Nations Cup. They come out in full force again for the Grand Prix on Sunday. Another strong contender for the win is Martin Fuchs on <strong>Conner Jei</strong>. A combination that has shown hugely strong form over their last couple of outings. Before securing the Swiss Nations Cup win here in Brussels, they had come fresh off jumping double clear in the Nations Cup in Dublin, before taking victory in the Rolex Grand Prix there. They enter the competition as second favourites on a win chance of 7%. No rider has won more five-star Grand Prixs this year than Fuchs, can he add another Rolex title to his ever-growing collection?&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Up-and-coming stars</h2>
<p>The amount of young, raw talent set to compete in the Rolex Grand Prix of Brussels is astounding. No less than three of the top 10 highest-rated nine-year-olds in the world will take the start, all for the home team. Pieter Devos and <strong>Casual DV Z</strong> are Belgium&rsquo;s biggest hopeful at a home victory entering on a win chance of 6%. As the highest-rated nine-year-old in the world, Casual has taken to upper-level sport with incredible grace and consistency.&nbsp;<br>Thibeau Spits and <strong>Impress-K van &lsquo;t Katteneye</strong> won their first five-star Grand Prix a few weeks ago and are definitely not to be discounted. In her own back garden in Brussels, Emilie Conter will ride <strong>Portobella van de Fruitkorf</strong> in today&rsquo;s Grand Prix. The pair made their Rolex Grand Prix debut two weeks ago in Dublin which saw them finish inside the Top 10.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>On Flying Form</h2>
<p>Several combinations are entering the Rolex Grand Prix of Brussels on a run of strong form. Winners of last weekend&rsquo;s LGCT Grand Prix of Valkenswaard, Lorenzo de Luca &amp; <strong>Denver de Talma </strong>(4% win chance), are the Italian hopefuls today. They finished ahead of Dutch powerduo, Harrie Smolders &amp; <strong>Monaco N.O.P.</strong> (6% win chance), who will line out again today. We can&rsquo;t mention the Dutch without highlighting the incredible performance from U25 rider Lars Kersten with <strong>Funky Fred Marienshof Z</strong> in Friday&rsquo;s Nations Cup. The pair produced one of just two double clears in the class and are clearly in great shape.</p>
<h2>The Bruynseels Stephex Masters</h2>
<p>The Belgian riders are coming out in full force today to attempt to treat their home audience to a win. One man that will likely be on many a sports fan&rsquo;s radar is Niels Bruynseels. Niels is a three-time winner of the Grand Prix of Brussels, his last one dating back to 2019. Today, he comes forward on a younger horse. On <strong>Origi vd Bisschop</strong>, he was part of the Belgian team that finished second in the Nations Cup here on Friday.&nbsp;</p>
<p><br>With an impressive lineup of talented riders and horses, the Rolex Grand Prix of Brussels is sure to be a nail-biting affair. Will Steve Guerdat and Dynamix de Belheme continue their winning streak, or will a new star emerge to claim the coveted title on home soil? One thing is certain &ndash; the competition will be fierce, and the victor will have truly earned their place in the winner's circle. As the excitement builds, all eyes will be on Brussels to witness show jumping excellence at its finest.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><img src="https://admin.equiratings.com/assets/bc343d05-b789-466d-9d35-4e1f49340ad4?width=1290&amp;height=1656" alt="Eb Pcg Grand Prix Top 10 Win Chances"></p>

5 Jumping Teams to Watch at the Barcelona LLN Final

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5 Jumping Teams to Watch at the Barcelona LLN Final

6 Speed Horses

Rolex Grand Slam Regulars Take Root in Spruce

Friday Five to Follow

Star-Studded Field Set to Battle for Rolex Grand Prix Glory at Brussels Stephex Masters

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