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
Denne historien er fra March 28, 2024-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra March 28, 2024-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Rider Denies Doping After Team Loses Olympic Placing - Tine Magnus and the Belgian team said they do not know the source of the drug that caused the positive test
Olympic eventer Tine Magnus has denied ever doping after her Paris ride Dia Van Het Lichterveld Z gave a positive test at the Games. This means the Belgian team, which came fourth, has been disqualified. On 4 September, the FEI said the 10-year-old mare, owned by Kris van Vaerenbergh, tested positive for trazodone, which is listed as an antidepressant on the FEI's prohibited substances list.
Michael Eilberg
The top dressage rider talks to Polly Bryan about the special horse with the potential to carry him back onto the British team, how to be a better coach and using his talent for teaching to help the sport
Schooling success
Combining school and riding can be tricky, but horses can benefit a child's education. Lottie Morgan uncovers some options for horse-loving pupils
How to get a job in hunting
The British Hound Sports Association's apprentice scheme is providing young people with excellent all-round training in the skills required - and many others besides, as Tessa Waugh discovers
Burke's Affair to remember
A fast round delights one rider who comes away with a coveted grand prix trophy and a rankings class concludes with an unusual tie
Derby winner returns for further Hickstead glory
After watching wife Pippa compete at Burghley, William Funnell returns to the scene of his Derby triumph to win the All England grand prix
Derby winner returns for further Hickstead glory
After watching wife Pippa compete at Burghley, William Funnell returns to the scene of his Derby triumph to win the All England grand prix
'I'm grateful to have such a wonderful partner'
The brilliant duo of Martin Fuchs and Leone Jei seal back-to-back grands prix after a dramatic turn of events
Hamlett takes centre stage
Two horses round off their competitive careers with victories, a championship specialist earns her fourth title and a pair with a combined age of 105 prove invincible
'This is the ultimate five-star test'
Mark Phillips on Burghley's highs, lows, challenges and champions
