Spanish disaster for Great Britain

Great Britain’s showjumpers crashed out on day one of the Longines FEI Nations Cup final as their bid for a £366,000 cash jackpot came to a grinding halt.

The British quartet of London 2012 team gold medallists Scott Brash and Ben Maher, plus Guy Williams and William Whitaker, finished 11th of 15 teams at the Real Club de Polo de Barcelona.

Only the top eight progressed into Saturday’s final, with Britain now going forward to the consolation Challenge Cup competition today.

Recently-crowned European champions Ireland, though, exited in controversial fashion.

They initially finished tied in eighth place, but lodged an official protest against the four faults given to Bertram Allen and Molly Malone V at the water jump, which were ultimately not rescinded and meant they missed out on the final.

Major title contenders like Nations Cup holders Germany, Olympic champions France and the United States sailed through, but it proved another frustrating afternoon for Britain.

“I carry the can for it. I am the manager, and I am happy to do that,” Great Britain team manager Di Lampard said.

“My riders are all gutted. They have tried their hardest.

“I don’t know what we have done wrong. We are trying, but it isn’t coming off.”