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
Gemirande provides 24-carat magic
Venetia Williams sparkles again in the December Gold Cup and jockey brothers dead-heat
‘Happy hunting, everyone'
“The season for talks, dinners and parties has finally arrived for Tessa Waugh, whose distress about the snags of middle age fades away with some rousing festive spirits
'Monaco deserved this victory
Seemingly destined always to play the bridesmaid’s role, Harrie Smolders’ great partner Monaco finally tops an incidentpacked Rolex grand prix
'It had to end sometime'
The closure of beloved Hampshire saddlery Calcutt Sons is a loss to the hunting and wider equestrian worlds, as Octavia Pollock reports
'You couldn't want for more
The Ludlow's peaceful country makes for a day in \"hunting paradise\"
The greatest gift of all
Christmas is fast approaching and while we all like a bit of tinsel, the festive season is also a perfect time for giving to a horse charity. Niki Hinman finds out some of the options
Winter him well
A horse's winter routine can differ dramatically from his summer structure but what’s the knock-on effect? Ellie Hughes asks vets how to optimise routine management for the season
Neat feet
Excellent hoof care is a year-round concern but the winter months present their own problems. Richard Stephenson MRCVS explains the seasonal challenges afoot and how to stay one step ahead
In bygone days
Modern vets have much scientific knowledge behind them, but what about their forebears? Kieran O’Brien MRCVS opens up the world of Victorian vets in London
'When I joined the Pony Club it was just two boys and 48 girls'
Pepsi Kohler on being delightfully outnumbered by girls in the Pony Club, a leg-up from a royal and the H&H advert that changed his life
