VISITING nation Brazil won the FEI Nations Cup in Hickstead after a fantastic performance saw them finish with four faults, a massive 10 faults ahead of the Netherlands in second place. Rodrigo Pessoa’s Irish team placed fifth after a disappointing first round saw the faults rack up, however after Germany's Marcus Ehning was disqualified after blood was found on Comme Il Faut, Ireland moved up to take fourth.

Ireland went in to the penultimate round of the FEI Nations Cup series in seventh place, needing a good result to stay ahead of Spain, who currently lie last on the table, and cement their place at the world final in Barcelona this September. In a change from 2016, no Division 1 team will be relegated this season, however only seven will qualify for the final.