WITH 11 teams vying for the title, Spain's Nations' Cup produced many similar team scores at the end of play in Gijon today (Friday), Ireland taking equal fifth with Saudi Arabia, and three nations tying for second place.

Belgium were the outright winners on twelve faults, one fence ahead of Britain, France and Canada, who finished on 16 faults apiece. And just one fence behind this trio came Saudi Arabia and Ireland on 20 faults.

Clear rounds on the Irish team came from Shane Breen and 'Carmena Z', Capt. David O'Brien and the seasoned Irish-bred campaigner 'Mo Chroi', and Cian O'Connor with 'Splendor'. But all three also had double errors in their other rounds, while Dermott Lennon and 'Hallmark Elite' had four faults first time out, and added another eight on their second attempt.

Jumping at the five-star Spanish venue continues until Sunday, culminating in the 125,000 euro Grand Prix.
 

Shane Breen - opened for Ireland