CHIO Aachen, Germany
IRELAND threw down the gauntlet in the Mercedes-Benz Aachen Nations' Cup, winning after three riders had jumped and two combinations who'll be travelling to the Olympics achieving double clears - with Mexico and Britain in second and third respectively.
Denis Lynch (Vistogrand), Bertram Allen (Pacino Amiro), Shane Sweetnam (James Kann Cruz) and Cian O'Connor (Fancy De Kergane) were among five teams who took a clean sheet to round two.
Shane and James Kann Cruz are on the Olympic team and Bertram and Pacino Amiro are the alternates.
They were level with Sweden, Mexico, Britain and the Netherlands, then jumped three clears in round two, so Cian and the nineyear-old stallion did not have to jump again.
Irish chef d'equipe Michael Blake said it was his "full bucket list" to win this title, which Ireland had not done since 2010.
"It was the plan to bring the best team and thankfully things went our way. Thank you to Mexico and Great Britain for pushing us to the line." Britain were in fine form, with one unlucky rail for Harry Charles and Casquo Blue in round one, and Ben Maher (Dallas Vegas Batilly), Scott Brash and his Paris Olympics ride Hello Jefferson and Robert Whitaker (Vermento) jumping clear.
Ben and Scott repeated their foot-perfect performances in round two, but luck was not with Harry, who notched up 12 faults. And Robert and the Blatchfords' 11-year-old stallion clipped just one to put Britain on four faults.
This was the same tally as Mexico: Nicolas Pizarro (Pia Contra), Andres Azcarraga (Contendros 2), Federico Fernandez (Romeo) and Eugenio Garza Perez (Contago), who edged ahead on time.
British showjumping performance manager Di Lampard was delighted.
"They're coming into form at the right time," she said.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة July 11, 2024 من Horse & Hound.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة July 11, 2024 من Horse & Hound.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
'Sorry, but I wasn't feeling it'
Fresh from the opening meet, Tessa Waugh hasn't quite yet been bitten by the hunting bug. Without the crisp autumnal air and cheek-pinching cold she hoped for, it's a sluggish start
New pair pull off a win
A former European Championships pony is on form with his new rider, while elsewhere former showjumpers and eventers take ribbons
Lording it over the rest
Horses who have returned from injury, a second generation homebred and a long format specialist score on the final weekend of the British season
Smith hits flying form
A \"her way or no way\" mare helps Zoe Smith to an impressive ribbon haul and a rider beats his own boss to the top spot
Jankorado hits the jackpot
Paul Sims is triumphant despite his interrupted jump-off preparation and a borrowed horse comes up trumps
Peanut
From \"dangerous, scary\" to hedge-hopping brilliance, hunting has been the making of this unstable but very lovable equine character
She's a corker
Communication, says long-standing and highly respected Belvoir master Lady Sarah McCorquodale, is the key to all, as Catherine Austen discovers
Access all areas Cavalier Centre
The Cavalier Centre is a fully accessible, state-of-the-art equestrian centre designed to improve lives through horse-based activities. Ellie May Forrester pays a visit
'Use it or lose it'
Not everyone wants to reach for the pipe and slippers at a certain age. Becky Murray speaks to some veteran horse-and-rider combos for their secrets of human and equine longevity
A new way forward
Worm control in horses is vital, but established methods will not remain effective for much longer. Tim Mair FRCVS explains why and how we need to change
