Ireland wins the FEI Nations Cup of Great Britain

Ireland won The FEI Nations Cup of Great Britain at Hickstead today, making it their first win this season and indeed their first FEI Nations Cup win at Hickstead since 2001.

The Robert Splaine-led team of Shane Breen (Cos I Can), Richie Moloney (Ahorn Van De Zuuthoeve), Darragh Kerins (Lisona) and Clem McMahon (Pacino) finished on just four faults, beating France in a thrilling competition that went down to the final round.

As always the contest ebbed and flowed, with Germany, Ireland and France tied for the lead after the first round of competition. As the event progressed, France assumed control as the final riders went out for the second time.

But with Ireland and Germany still capable of winning, the competition was wide open. Germany needed to go clear to put the pressure on the other two, but they faltered. However Ireland threw down the gauntlet to the French, with Clem McMahon, who retired in the first round, jumping clear to put the pressure on Penelope Leprevost.

The Irish were guaranteed a jump off, even if Leprevost went clear, and the pressure was heaped on France. However, Leprevost had an early fence down so she retired, with France relegated to second.

“It means a lot,” said Robert Splaine, Ireland’s Chef d’equipe. “We've had a tough season so far, so we needed the result and we got it. I’m always optimistic when we go to a show, because I have a fantastic team of riders who are all top class. We’ve had a bit of misfortune this year so the win was much deserved.”

Earlier in the day there was a exciting renewal of The Bunn Leisure International Stakes, with France's Eugenie Angot and Davendy S winning an enthrallingly-close class.

Drawn early in the class, Eugenie then had to watch through her fingers as a series of riders went close to her time. A quicker time was possible, as several proved, but none managed to stay clear, picking up at least four seconds in penalties.

Joe Clayton (Antello Z) finished second, with 66.86, with Philipp Weishaupt (China Blue 4) third in 67.23. Five riders finished within a second of Eugenie, but she held on to win.

“She's a brilliant horse, naturally quick and I didn't do anything too risky. I think she's very good, I think I'll be back here next year for the Nations Cup on her, so it was nice to win a class like this,” said Eugenie.

Result:

1. Ireland 4 faults: Cos I Can (Shane Breen) 0/4, Ahorn van de Zuuthoeve (Richie Moloney) 0/0, Lisona (Darragh Kerins) 0/4, Pacino (C McMahon) Ret/0.

2. France 8 faults: Old Chap Tame (Eugenie Angot) 0/0, Reveue de Hurtebise (Kevin Staut) 0/4, Armitages Boy (Aymeric de Ponnat) 0/4, Topinambour (Penelope Leprevost) DNS/Ret.

3. Germany 12 faults: Catoki (Philipp Weishaupt) 0/4, Cefalo (Holger Wulschner) 4/12, Chiara (Ludger Beerbaum) 0/4, Cornet Obolensky (Marco Kutscher) 0/4.

4. Great Britain 20 faults: Billy Angelo (William Funnell) 4/4, Murkas Nevada (Peter Charles) 4/4, Hello Sailor (Tina Fletcher) 0/4, Argento (John Whitaker) 8/4.

5. Sweden 24 faults: Udermus (Douglas Lindelow) 4/0, Carrento Ztar (Angelie Von Essen) 4/8, Glory Days (Daniel Zetterman) 8/0, Chamonix H (Helena Persson) 8/8.

5. Belgium 24 faults: Conisha van de Helle (Niels Bruynseels) 8/0, Dylano (Maurice Van Roosbroeck) 16/4, Quarco De Kerambars (Rik Remeryck) 0/8, Cor van de Wateringhoeve (Dominique Hendrickx) 8/4.

7. Netherlands 28 faults: Tyson (Leon Thijssen) 8/4, Sam (Albert Zoer) 12/4, Cerona HS (Hendrik-Jan Schuttert) 16/0, Tobalio (Albert Voorn) 0/8.

8. Switzerland 40 faults: Touchable (Claudia Gisler 12/8, Clipmyhorse Cash and Go (Simone Wettstein) 0/13, Tamira (Marc Oertly) 4/4, Loxy de la Reselle (Andreas Ott) 24/12.

FEI Nations Cup™ 2012 – Standings after Round 7 at Hickstead (GBR):
1. Germany – 47
2. France – 37
3. Great Britain – 32
4. Sweden – 31.5
4. Switzerland – 31.5
6. Netherlands – 29.5
7. Ireland – 29
8. Belgium – 28.5