IRELAND'S pony team were victorious in the Dutch Nations' Cup at Wierden in the Netherlands today (Thursday) romping home with two fences in hand to beat challengers Belgium.

With eight nations competing on a strong technical course, the German and Swedish teams did not qualify for the second round, but Ireland  sailed through on just four faults.

With Bertram Allen and 'Acapella Z' delivering a clear second round, followed by another zero score from Tom Foley with 'Crown Jewel', clear first-rounders Max O'Reilly Hyland and 'Rock Dee Jay' had a single mistake, to give Ireland a two-round total of just eight faults.

Emma O'Dwyer and the Irish-bred gelding 'Jacknell Street', who had jumped clear first time out, did not need to jum again to ensure the Irish victory.

This was Ireland's second consecutive team win at Wierden, having also claimed the Pony Nations' Cup in 2010.

Emma O'Dwyer - clear first round