NICK Turner, senior high performance team manager has announced the Irish eventing team that will compete in the Nations Cup at Ballindenisk this weekend.

Hoping to stave off the French challenge will be Aoife Clark (Arco BB), Sarah Ennis (Horseware Stellor Rebound (ISH)), Joseph Murphy (Westwinds Hercules (ISH)) and Sam Watson (Horseware Lukeswell (ISH)).

This weekend will see a number of Ireland’s top eventing combinations compete in Ireland’s first international eventing fixture of the season. With approximately 200 entries, Ballindenisk will see top competition in the three-star class right through to the one-star, pony and junior classes.

High performance senior eventing team manager, Nick Turner said: “This is an exciting team of horses and riders with a bright future, I would like to thank the owners of the horses for making them available to represent Team Ireland Equestrian at the Nations Cup in Ballindenisk and I look forward to a great weekend of sport.”

Breeding details of the Irish team horses:

Arco BB (KWPN):2005 grey gelding by Tolan R (KWPN) out of Uzabelle BB (KWPN) by Parco (BWP). Bred by: Michael Greeve, Owner: Paul Crompton.

Horseware Stellor Rebound (ISH)– 2004 gelding by VDL Ricochet (KWPN). Owners: Tom McGuinness, Nicky Potterton and the late Orla Ennis.

Westwinds Hercules (ISH) – 2005 bay gelding by Ramiro B (BWP) out of Westwinds Clover (ISH) by Porter Rhodes (TB). Breeder: Alice Keogh. Owner: Alison Schmutz & Andrew Tinkler.

Horseware Lukeswell (ISH)– 2005 bay gelding by Puissance (ISH) out of Gentle Servant (ISH) by Kings Servant (ISH). Breeder: Teresa Walsh. Owner: Sam Watson and Horseware Products Ltd.

The Only One (ISH) – 1999 bay gelding by Duca Di Busted (TB) out of Pride Of Kildare (ID) by Kildalton Son (ID). Breeder Walter Kent. Owners: Paul Quirk and Team Rutledge.

Read Sally Parkyn’s preview of Ballindenisk this weekend