THE Irish show jumping squads for next week’s Nations Cup competitions at Al Ain in the United Arab Emirates and at Ocala in Florida, USA, were named by Horse Sport Ireland this afternoon (Tuesday).

Al Ain is a five-star fixture with the Nations Cup competition taking place next Thursday, February 16th.

The Irish squad for Al Ain in alphabetical order is:

Anthony Condon with Balzac, owned by Anthony Condon & Kat Taylor

Michael Duffy with Belcanto, owned by Alan Burnell

Paul Kennedy with Cartown Danger Mouse (ISH), owned by Jane Kennedy

Michael Pender with Can Ya Makan, owned by Team Z7

David Simpson with Chessy 17, owned by Elm Rock LLC

The Irish chef d’equipe in Al Ain will be Mayo's Cameron Hanley who said: “I’m really looking forward to being involved with the team in Al Ain, its a young team and a great opportunity for them to compete as a team at a five-star star level. Even though this will be more about gaining experience, they are all professionals and I expect them to be very competitive.”

OCALA NATIONS CUP

Ireland will also be represented in the four-star Ocala Nations Cup in Florida a day later on Friday, February 17th.

The Irish squad for Ocala in alphabetical order is:

Kevin Babington with Shorapur, owned by Shorapur LLC

Andrew Bourns with CHS Inception (ISH), owned by Deirdre Bourns

Richie Moloney with Carrabis Z, owned by Equinimity

Cian O’Connor with Seringat, owned by Ronnoco Jump Ltd

Shane Sweetman with Chaqui Z, owned by Shane Sweetnam & Spy Coast Farm LLC

The Irish chef d’equipe for Ocala will be Clare's Michael Blake who said: “This is a very strong squad for the North American Nations Cup. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the owners that continue to make horses available to Team Ireland. I would encourage the many Irish people based in Florida to come out and support the Irish team next Friday.”

As Al Ain and Ocala are not part of the European Division 1 Nations Cup series, Ireland will not be competing for points at these venues. Ireland’s first points-scoring opportunity in Europe Division 1 will be at La Baule, France, in May.