HORSE Sport Ireland’s senior eventing high performance teammanager has today announced the Irish Eventing Nations Cup team that willcompete at Fontainebleau Nations cup in France this weekend.

Turner named four combinations from a total of11 Irish combinations that will compete at the French venue this weekend, two of whom competed on last year’s Boekelo Nations Cup team win.

The Fontainebleau Nations Cup Team in alphabetical order will be:

·Clare Abbott riding Euro Prince (ISH) – 2003gelding by Lougheries Quiet Man (UNK) out of Miss Tullydraw(UNK). Breeder & Owner: Dr. Cormac McKay.

·Cathal Daniels riding Rioghan Rua (ISH) - 2007 mare by Jack Of Diamonds (SWB) out of Highland Destiny (ISH), by Flagmount King (ID). Breeder/Owner:Margaret Kinsella

·Jonty Evans riding Cooley Rorkes Drift (ISH) -2006 gelding by Courage II out of Doon-A-Ree-Lass (ISH), by Rachelle Comet (TB). Breeder: William McCarrison Owner: Fiona Elliot

·Austin O’Connor riding Kilpatrick Knight (ISH)(TIH) – 2005 gelding by Master Imp (TB) out of Golden Choice (ISH), by Golden Trump (ID). Breeder: Joan J Dolan. Owner: Mrs W Foster

Speaking after the announcement, Turner said: “Irish eventing is in great place at the moment and I had some tough decisions to make in announcing the team but I am confident that we can put up a good performance this weekend.

“Both Cathal and Jonty competed on the winning Boekelo Nations Cup team last year while Clare has represented Ireland at many top level events including a top ten finish at Pau four-star last year. Austin also competed at the European Eventing Championships last year. With this combinedexperience and knowledge I am looking forward to the weekend ahead.”