IRELAND'S Eventing high performance manager, Sally Corscadden has today (Tuesday) announced the Irish eventing team for Boekelo CCI 3* Nations Cup. The long format three-star event kicks off tomorrow (Wednesday) with the first horse inspection, followed by dressage on both Thursday and Friday, cross country on Saturday and the final showjumping phase on Sunday. The CCIO3* will see 13 countries compete in the Nations Cup with athletes from 17 countries competing individually. Ireland have four riders travelling to Boekelo with six horses.

The Nations Cup team in alphabetical order will be:

• Declan Cullen with Seavaghan Ash (ISH) a 2009 skewbald gelding by Glenhill Gold (ISH) out of Davy’s Instructions (TB) by Safety Catch (TB). Breeder Seamus MacGouran. Owner Becky Cullen.

• Michelle Kenny with RLE Aspe (HOLST) a 2008 bay mare by Singulord Joter (BH) out of Ramatuelle (HOLST) by Levernois (HOLST). Breeder: May Thomas (GER). Owner: River Lodge Equestrian.

• Austin O’Connor with Kilpatrick Knight (ISH)(TIH) a 2005 bay gelding by Master Imp (TB) out of Golden Choice (ISH) by Golden Trump (ID). Breeder Joan J Dolan. Owners: Mr Eugene McKenna & Wendie Foster

• Sam Watson with Imperial Sky (ISH)(TIH) a 2006 grey gelding by Puissance (ISH) out of Skies of Blue (ISH) by Horos (TB). Breeder: Carolyn Lannigan O’Keefe. Owners Hannah Bailey and Cathy Byrne.

Sam Watson also competes individually with Ardagh Highlight (ISH) and Austin O’Connor also competes individually with Lucky Contender (ISH). Speaking about Ireland’s final Nations Cup campaign for 2017 Sally Corscadden said; “We always look forward to the Nations Cup at Boekelo as it is the only one run over the long format. It provides a great opportunity to try new combinations on a team with future championships in mind. This will be the first time Michelle Kenny (a former junior and young rider team member) and Declan Cullen have the opportunity to compete on a senior Nations Cup team, however they will be well supported by the experienced campaigners Austin O’Connor and Sam Watson.”

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