The team of Michael Whitaker on GIG Amai, Scott Brash on Intertoy Z, Mark Armstrong on Thesaura and Peter Charles (pictured) on Murkas Pom D'Ami were drawn second last of the ten nations competing and, after the first round, they shared the lead with France and the United States, all on four penalty points.

A strong performance from the home side, who are the defending champions, in the second round left France outright winners, staying on their first round score, with the US runners-up on 8pen.

Britain finished on 12 penalty points while Ireland finished sixth on 16.

Charles, who switched allegiance from Ireland in 2008, was one of only seven riders to produce double clears on the day.

It was an encouraging start after Britain only avoided relegation on a technicality, which also required a successful appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

The competition will see four countries relegated this year.

World Class showjumping performance manager and Britain's chef d'equipe Rob Hoekstra said: "I am highly delighted with the team today, not only in their performance but also in the way they have pulled together as a team of five out here in La Baule."

The Nations Cup next heads to Rome later this month, followed by events in St Gallen, Rotterdam, Falsterbo, Aachen, Hickstead and finally Dublin, which concludes the series in early August.


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