Equestrian: GB showjumpers finish fourth as Germans win

Great Britain's showjumpers failed to repeat their heroics of 12 months ago as Germany clinched a thrilling Nations Cup victory at Hickstead.

The British quartet of Guy Williams, Robert Smith, Peter Charles and Michael Whitaker had to be content with fourth as German star Marcus Ehning delivered a virtuoso display. Ehning and Plot Blue posted the day's only double clear - then went clear in a three-team jump-off, with France second and the United States third.

France would have won in "normal time" had European champion Kevin Staut recorded four faults or less as their final rider to go, but he had to make a retirement.

Britain remain fourth in the overall Nations Cup series with just two events left and crucially stand a healthy 5.5 points above the relegation zone.