THE Irish show jumping team have scored a fantastic victory in Friday's three-star Longines EEF Nations Cup at Lisbon in Portugal, overtaking halfway leaders France with a flawless second round performance.

Chef d’Equipe Taylor Vard’s team of Richard Howley, Jessica Burke, Kevin Gallagher and Jenny Rankin, lifted the winner's trophy on a two round total of just four faults.

Ireland were in second place at the halfway stage thanks to clear rounds from Richard Howley with Consulent De Prelet Z and from Jessica Burke with Namamia. Kevin Gallagher with Ballypatrick Flamenco (ISH) and Jenny Rankin with Carmela Z both had just one fence down apiece.

Richard Howley completed his brilliant double clear with a faultless second round, while another Irish clear from Kevin Gallagher with Ballypatrick Flamenco (ISH) kept the pressure on midway leaders France. Another excellent clear from anchor rider Jessica Burke meant Ireland would finish on a two round total of four faults. When the final French rider crossed the line with eight faults, Ireland secured victory, France took second while Spain finished third of the nine teams who competed.

Rome Nations Cup

Ireland were also in five-star Nations Cup action on Friday afternoon at Rome in Italy, with Michael Blake’s team of Bertram Allen (Pacino Amiro (ISH), Denis Lynch (Cristello), Cian O’Connor (C Vier 2) and Darragh Kenny (VDL Cartello), finishing eighth of 10 teams. Ireland finished on a two round total of 20 faults, with the highlight being a clear first round from O’Connor with C Vier 2 and a clear second round from Lynch and Cristello. France took victory as the only team to finish on a zero score.

Darragh Kenny (riding Volnay du Boisdeville, winners of the Speed class at Rome) enjoyed a double of wins at the Italian show \ Tony Parkes

Kenny double

Earlier in the day, Offaly’s Darragh Kenny and Volnay du Boisdeville scored their second win in the space of 24 hours. The pair took the top prize in Thursday’s 1.55m speed class and again proved unbeatable in another 1.55m speed class on Friday morning. Alexander Butler also took fourth place for Ireland with Eindhoven G.H.

The Irish Show Jumping team is sponsored by The Underwriting Exchange

Equiline – Official athlete clothing supplier of Horse Sport Ireland.

Source Horse Sport Ireland press release