Ireland are victorious in the Nations Cup at the Winter Equestrian Festival

Ireland win Nations Cup at Winter Equestrian Festival — The Irish team of Andrew Bourns, Eoin McMahon, Chef d’Equipe Michael Blake, Max Wachman, and Cian O’Connor hoist the Dennis Quinland trophy in victory.

(Image credit: Sportfot)

Ireland rode to victory in the $150,00 Nations Cup CSIO4* at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF), with the final round under the lights on a course that caused challenges for some. It was the fourth Nations Cup triumph for Ireland – led by chef d’equipe, Michael Blake – in the 21-year history of the class at WEF.

After round one Ireland was tied with Canada on zero faults following clear rounds from Eoin McMahon and Chakra 9, Max Wachman and Berlux Z and Andrew Bourns on Sea Topblue.

There were 16 clear trips in the first round over the course designed by Nick Granat (USA) and Steve Stephens (USA). Pathfinder Eoin and Chakra 9 had just one time fault in round two. “She jumped fantastic in the first round, and she jumped great in the second round as well,” said Eoin. “I was a bit too slow; that was a rider error. I was very happy that it didn’t cost us tonight. It’s always a real privilege to be able to jump for Ireland. I’m very grateful for Michael selecting me.”

Cian O’Connor was the anchor rider for Ireland with Cerruti Van Ter Hulst Z, Fence four – a lime green open-arched wall – proved to be a nemesis for them as it had for several other riders. “She took a serious dislike to the wall as soon as I turned the first time,” said Cian. ”I felt it, but she dug her heels in. But listen, that’s horses. We’ll regroup and school the wall probably and build her back up. She’ll be back to fight another day.”

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Sarah Eakin is an international equestrian journalist who writes for publications on both sides of the Atlantic, including Horse & Hound, The Independent and The Daily Telegraph in the UK. A former Pony Club team member for dressage, showjumping and eventing, Sarah’s mother trained National Hunt horses and she and her three brothers also played polo. Formerly married to a US professional polo player, Sarah is currently based in Wellington, Florida.

Ireland victorious in Nations Cup at the Winter Equestrian Festival

Max, 18, felt similarly grateful to be a part of Team Ireland, and he gave a noteworthy double-clear performance, one of only five in the class. “I’m delighted, and it’s a great feeling to win,” he said

Riding in the third spot for the Irish team, Andrew and Seatop Blue were coming off a strong WEF circuit, having won the CSI4* grand prix during week three. They recorded just an unlucky four faults in round two.

“I was very happy with him tonight,” said Andrew. “This is his first Nations Cup. I was a little worried he might come out in the second round and think it was a jump-off. But, after the second or third fence, I realized that I was right on the money with him.”

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