Longines League of Nations Ocala, World Equestrian Centre, Florida, USA
IRELAND’s showjumpers are looking stronger than ever and a competitive quartet were on top of the world when winning the second leg of the Longines League of Nations (LLN).
Going one better than their runner-up spot in the series in Abu Dhabi last month, Ireland’s Florida-based squad of Darragh Kenny, Daniel Coyle, Shane Sweetnam and Cian O’Connor dominated from the outset, winning on a score of five, ahead of Switzerland who rocketed up the leaderboard in round two with a full house of clears, finishing with eight penalties.
USA and the Netherlands had held the lead with Ireland on a zero score after round one, but mistakes crept in for both sides during round two and each completed on 12; USA joined the podium ahead of the Dutch with a quicker time.
Ireland came out all guns blazing, with first-round clears from Darragh on Amsterdam 27, Daniel with Legacy and Shane riding Nations Cup debutant Otis Blue – a late replacement for an injured Bertram Allen – which meant that fourth rider Cian and new ride Maurice weren’t required to jump.
This combination proved a crucial part of the equation for the deciding leg however, as one of the trio picked by chef d’equipe Michael Blake.
With four faults collected at the midway double by pathfinder Darragh but with nothing to add from Daniel and Legacy, Cian carried the pressure that a single rail could cost them victory, potentially forcing a jump-off with USA.
But he and Pat Crean’s 12-year-old remained foot-perfect over the obstacles set by Alan Wade, just adding one time-fault, to seal a momentous victory for an ecstatic Irish side.
NO ROOM FOR ERROR
この記事は Horse & Hound の March 28, 2024 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は Horse & Hound の March 28, 2024 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
'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
