The FEI Jumping Nations Cup trophy, which is the ultimate ambition of the teams who contested the second European Division One event in St Gallen today ©FEI

Guillaume Foutrier today earned France victory in the second leg of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) Jumping Nations Cup Europe Division One event.

Foutrier, riding Valdocco des Caps, was involved in a nerve-racking three-way jump off which saw him produce the fastest clear round in the race against the clock at St Gallen in Switzerland.

His performance ensured Italy had to settle for the runner-up spot and the home team, who won the opening Division One event in La Baule last month, finished third.

Foutrier’s victorious team mates were Penelope Leprevost, riding Vancouver de Lanlore, Nicolas Delmotte, on Urvoso du Roch, and Kevin Staut, aboard Calevo 2.

There are five more competitions to go in this season's European Division One section within the FEI Jumping Nations Cup competition ©FEI
There are five more competitions to go in this season's European Division One section within the FEI Jumping Nations Cup competition ©FEI

France had finished third in La Baule, behind Belgium.

Switzerland and France are now joint top of the standings, with 180 points, and with five more events to come – at Sopot in Poland, Geesteren in the Netherlands, Falsterbo in Sweden, Hickstead in Britain and Dublin in Ireland, with the final event taking place from August 7 to 11.

Britain are third in the standings on 120.

Teams participating in the FEI Jumping Nations Cup Europe Division One are seeking to secure a place in the FEI Jumping Nations Cup Final in Madrid.