The Irish show jumping team claimed their second Nations Cup win in the space of a week, this time landing the Danish Nations Cup in Uggerhaine.
The Irish quartet of Jenny Rankin, Aidan Killeen, Susan Fitzpatrick and Ger O’Neill, managed by Taylor Vard, came out on top last Friday at Drammen in Norway, again took their place at the top of the podium today following a tense third round jump-off against Poland.
Tyrone’s Rankin with Bennys Legacy finished with one fence down first time out, while Laois’s Aidan Killeen with Fair Play, finished with five faults. Kilkenny’s Susan Fitzpatrick with Fellow Castlefield produced a perfect clear round to keep Ireland in touch, while another Kilkenny rider, Ger O’Neill and Irish Sport Horse Castlefield Vegas, finished with just a time fault.
Morocco had held the lead at the halfway stage on just a time fault, with Sweden in second on four faults while Ireland were in a share of third with Poland on five faults.
Eight of the 13 teams who lined-out made it through to the second round, with Britain, Belgium and Italy among those who failed to make the halfway cut.
A thrilled Irish Chef d’Equipe in Uggerhaine Taylor Vard, explained that they had made an early morning plan in the event of a jump-off.
"I really am delighted for all four of our riders, they were amazing. In the first round, I thought maybe it was slipping away from us but in fairness to the team, they really fought back in the second round to take the win.
"They showed great team spirit and it was a great team effort. Hats-off to the Polish team who pushed us all the way."
