Ireland win three-star Nations Cup in Peelbergen

MICHAEL Blake’s Irish show jumping team of Alexander Butler, Eoin Gallagher, Eoin McMahon and David Simpson claimed a brilliant win in yesterday’s Longines EEF Nations Cup at Peelbergen in The Netherlands.

Ireland were in a five-way tie for the lead at the halfway stage thanks to clear rounds from Alexander Butler with Athene, Eoin Gallagher (on his senior team debut) with Faltic HB, Eoin McMahon with Chakra and David Simpson with Foudre F.

Ireland continued to clock up perfect clear rounds second time out with Butler, Gallagher and McMahon all completing double-clear performances meaning Ireland has secured a convincing win with zero faults before their final rider entered the arena.

Britain finished as runners-up on eight faults, the same score as Spain who took third of the 13 teams that took part on a slightly slower time.

Irish team manager Michael Blake was delighted, saying: “I was confident that we had a good team coming here but they still had to deliver on the day which they did. We had a few horses jumping a Nations Cup for the first time and Eoin Gallagher making his Nations Cup debut.

“It was very close at the halfway stage and the course builder put up six fences for the second round. That suited our horses as they are all big jumpers and we are really delighted which this win which means we have qualified for the Longines EEF Nations Cup Final in Warsaw. I want to thank all of the riders and the owners, grooms and support staff for making this win possible.”