A BRILLIANT performance from the Irish U18 (Junior) show jumping team of Tipperary brothers Max and Tom Wachman, Ella Quigley and Caragh Charlton, managed by James Kernan, saw them claim a superb victory in a hotly-contested Nations Cup on Saturday at Wierden in The Netherlands.

Ireland were in a share of the lead with Belgium at the halfway stage on just a time fault thanks to clear rounds from Max Wachman with Dorette, Caragh Charlton with Galina and just a time fault from Tom Wachman and Atlantic Du Seigneur.

Max Wachman got Ireland off to a perfect start in round two when he completed a double clear round – one of just two riders to do so in the competition. A clear from Ella Quigley with Horinde H then put Ireland into the outright lead and when Caragh Charlton lowered just a single fence when second last to go, Ireland could not be beaten. Ireland finished on a two-round total of five faults to finish a fence ahead of Belgium in second while Germany finished third of the 11 teams that took part.

Fantastic

Irish youth team manager James Kernan said: "I am absolutely delighted with all our team, they were fantastic. Coming into the competition, the two Wachman brothers had some match practice but the others not so much. It was a tough Nations Cup and I have to say I think the standard of riding and the standard of horses has really moved up a level over the last year. It is outstanding to win the first Nations Cup of the year for Ireland and I want to thank all the owners, trainers, sponsors and Horse Sport Ireland for their support."

Max Wachman and Brooklyn de Hus, winners of the Junior Grand Prix at the Dutch Youngster Festival at Wierden, The Netherlands \ Monique de Smit DigiShots

Max Wachman GP win

On Friday in Wierden, rising star Max Wachman, who is trained by Irish Olympian Cian O’Connor, also claimed victory in the Junior Grand Prix at the Dutch Youngster Festival, riding Brooklyn De Hus.