NEWS IN BRIEF: Ireland's Nations Cup campaign off to a good start

The Irish Show Jumping teams landed two podium finishes in Nations Cup competition over the weekend

Leanne O'Sullivan

21 February 2018

NEWS IN BRIEF: Ireland's Nations Cup campaign off to a good start

The Hickstead Derby, All England Jumping Course, Hickstead, West Sussex, England, 26 June 2016

Cody Glenn/Sportsfile: August 2017: Oisin O'Connell with Cian O'Connor, Rodrigo Pessoa and Bertram Allen, at the Dublin Horse Show 2017 where members of Team Ireland Equestrian met members of the Riding for the Disabled Association of Ireland FREE PHOTO

A hugely impressive performance from the Irish Show Jumping team saw them take the runner-up spot in the very first five-star Longines FEI Nations Cup of the 2018 season on Saturday at Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.Led by Chef d’Equipe Taylor Vard, Ireland were in a four-way tie for the lead at the halfway stage on just four faults along with Italy, New Zealand and Saudi Arabia.

Led by Chef d’Equipe Taylor Vard, Ireland were in a four-way tie for the lead at the halfway stage on just four faults along with Italy, New Zealand and Saudi Arabia.

In the second round Cameron Hanley and Aiyetoro repeated their earlier four fault score when first out for Ireland.

David Simpson and Keoki then gave Ireland a huge boost with their second clear round, before Darragh Kennedy and Cartown Danger Mouse (ISH) improved on their first round score to come home with just four faults.

Last to go, Shane Breen and Laith were the second round discard score, with Ireland finishing on a two round total of 12 faults – the same score as New Zealand.

HEAD TO HEAD

Ireland and New Zealand went head to head in a jump-off to decide the winners. Samantha McIntosh went first with Check In and posted a clear round.

The Kiwis were crowned winners after Breen and Laith faulted at the third fence in the jump-off.

Italy took third place ahead of Switzerland who shared fourth place with Saudi Arabia and the home team from UAE. Saudi Arabia and UAE took the two qualifying places on offer for Arab Nations for the 2018 Longines FEI Jumping final in Barcelona.

Derry’s David Simpson meanwhile took a half share in a special €50,000 bonus for those who jumped a double clear round.

The only other pairing to jump double clear were Samantha McIntosh (NZL) with Check In.

THIRD IN OCALA

The Irish show jumping team finished in joint third place in Sunday’s Longines FEI Nations Cup at Ocala in Florida, USA.

Ireland were in joint fourth place at the halfway stage on 16 faults.

The second round saw Daniel Coyle and Cita finish with one fence down, while Paul O’Shea and Skara Glen’s Machu Picchu also picked up four-faults.

Darragh Kenny and Go Easy De Muze looked to be heading for Ireland’s first clear coming to the last fence, but the Longines vertical fell to the floor.

Last to go, Cian O’Connor and Clenur delivered a foot perfect clear round to leave Ireland on a two round total of 24 faults – tied for third place with the home team from the USA.

Canada were the clear winners on eight faults while Brazil took runner-up spot on 16 faults.