This is the 26^th World Cup Final – the series began in 1979.

Riders from 12 different leagues qualify for the Final – Central Europe, Western Europe, USA West Coast, USA East Coast, Canada, South America, South Africa, Central Asia, South East Asia, Japan, Australia and New Zealand.

Only one rider has ever won the series three years in succession – Rodrigo Pessoa winner in 1998/99/2000 – even more remarkably the Brazilian rider achieved that distinction partnering the same horse on each occasion – Baloubet du Rouet.

Rodrigo was just 25 years old when he recorded his first success but the youngest rider ever to win the World Cup title was Canada’s Mario Deslauriers who was 19 years of age when steering Aramis to victory in 1984.

In 2003, a total of 41 riders competed and Pessoa and Baloubet finished in the top three for the sixth consecutive time.

Gothenburg has been the most visited venue for the final – it has staged the final on 10 occasions. The finals alternate between Europe and the US and Las Vegas, venue in 2000 and again in 2003, will host the 2004/2005 final next April.