IRELAND made an impressive second round comeback in the FEI Nations Cup at Gijon last Saturday to finish in third place behind the victorious French team, with The Netherlands in the runner-up spot.

The team of Shane Breen, David Simpson, Cameron Hanley and Anthony Condon rose from joint sixth place at the halfway stage to stand on the podium at the finish. Led by chef d’equipe Taylor Vard, Ireland tried out new combinations at this venue and two eight-year-old horses, Cameron Hanley’s Quirex and David Simpson’s Keoki, made their first team appearance.