Irish raiders triumph in the US
9 November 2001
Top show jumpers from the Emerald Isle are enjoying a successful visit to the United States
The four-strong Irish show jumping squad of Cian O’Connor, Kevin Babington, Capt. Gerry Flynn and Robert Splaine have been flying the flag for Ireland since arriving in the US for the North American Fall Tour, which began last month.
Their successful visit has already included a Nations Cup team win at Washington on 28 October, while each of the riders have also distinguished themselves individually.
Most recently, Cian O’Connor and Waterford Crystal finished fifth in Wednesday night’s (7 November) World Cup Class at Toronto, against many of the best riders in America.
This combination has jumped clear in the Washington Grand Prix/World Cup Qualifier, the Washington Nations Cup, the New York Grand Prix/World Cup Qualifier and the Toronto World Cup Class.
Kevin Babington won the Leading Foreign Rider award at New York, and was sixth in the Grand Prix, while Robert Splaine took third in New York’s Welcome Grand Prix with Coolcorron Cool Diamond.
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Final team member Capt. Gerry Flynn has had a number of high placings with Rincoola Abu, including third in the $20,000 International Open Jumper class at Washington in October.
Supporters of the Irish team will be hopeful that the squad’s good form will continue into The Toronto Nations Cup which takes place tomorrow (10 November) at 8pm.
