Caitriona Murphy and Judith Faherty

THE new Ashford Farm team of owner Enda Carroll and rider Jonathan Gordon have set their sights on the Irish senior Nations Cup team for 2017.

The 22-year-old Mayo native was announced as the new stable rider for Carroll’s Belgian powerhouse earlier this week, following the news that Marlon Zanotelli and his wife Angelica Augusstson Zanotelli are to branch out on their own.

Speaking to The Irish Field, Carroll said: “When Marlon handed in his notice, I mentally ran through the list of top young riders and Jonathan stood out, for his manner, his professionalism and, of course, his riding ability.

“I had noticed him at shows and he has a gentlemanly way of going, he does his talking in the ring.”

Gordon will take on the Ashford Farm’s string of horses that includes three 1.60m horses, Extra Van Essene, Zerlin M and Casper, among others, while fellow new Ashford arrival US rider Caroline Curcio will ride younger horses.

“Jonathan joins us on October 1st and we will go on the Autumn Tour in Oliva Nova and then go to shows in Maastricht and Frankfurt,” outlined Carroll. “This autumn will be about Jonathan getting to know the horses and then in the new year, we will be ready to do some damage!

“It is a great pleasure to have an Irish rider here and I am really motivated to get on an Irish team. It would be a privilege and an honour to be involved with the Nations Cup team. I hope the chef d’equipe will pay attention to us next year.”

Gordon himself said his new role as head rider at the Bocholt-based stable was every young rider’s dream.

“Enda told me that once the story broke about Marlon leaving his phone didn’t stop ringing with riders asking if they could come ride for him, and for him to then approach me and want me to ride his horses, it’s a huge honour,” Gordon said.

However, it wasn’t an easy decision for the youngster, who has been based with Manfred Marschall in Germany for four and a half years.

“It was a tough decision to leave. I have been with Manfred since I was very young and they are like a family to me. They are sad to see me go but also very supportive.”

He added: “I had to think about it but it didn’t take me long. Enda convinced me. When he wants something bad enough, he will always get it. It’s a dream opportunity and I think we can make a really good team.”

Gordon is looking forward to taking up the ride on Carroll’s superstars and the possibility of lining out for Ireland in senior Nations Cups excites him.

“We have a plan of attack for next year. It is brilliant to have an Irish owner and an Irish rider so hopefully we can get on teams next year and do really well.”