Ireland celebrate Nations Cup win
Equestrianism
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Ireland repeated the message that was delivered to the British team at Aachen when they won yesterday's Nations Cup at the Dublin Horse Show, finishing with just 0.25 of a fault in hand.
The Irish might, however, have extended the winning margin had Eddie Macken jumped a second time. He had a wonderful clear on Miss FAN in the first round, but there was no need for him to reappear. The Irish victory was already secure.
Ireland were leading at half-way, with France second and Britain third. The British had to count three riders with four faults: Nick Skelton on Everest Showtime, William Funnell on Comex and John Whitaker on Grannusch. Michael Whitaker's eight faults on Midnight Madness became the discard score.
The British rallied in the second half. Showtime was clear, Midnight Madness had just 0.25 on time faults and Grannusch was faultless. France might have forced a jump-off with Ireland, but Herve Godignon's mount, Twist du Valon, dropped a foot in the water.
"There's nothing better than a win in front of the home crowd," Ned Campion, chef d'equipe of the Irish team, said. Ronnie Massarella, his British counterpart, was disappointed by the narrow defeat, but encouraged by his team's performance. "I'm more confident about the European Championships now," he said.
Showtime's improved form after her rest last week was particularly heartening, and Skelton is again regarding the mare as his probable partner for the European team, while Gran-nusch also showed good form after his holiday.
Midnight Madness's second round retrieved his reputation, despite going that split second over the time allowed. A whistle from Skelton alerted Whitaker to the fact that he needed to get a move on, but he did not quite reach the finish in time.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments