Agria Irish Eventing Team named for Nations Cup final in Boekelo

Chef d’Equipe Dag Albert hopeful of strong showing for Netherlands test

Dag Albert is hoping for a strong finish to the FEI Eventing Nations Cup campaign at the final in Boekelo.

Beginning tomorrow with the dressage phase and running through until Sunday, Albert has named a strong quartet to compete in The Netherlands.

Horse Sport Ireland High Performance Eventing Director Albert has chosen Austin O’Connor with Isazsa, Aoife Clark with Sportsfield Freelance, Susie Berry with Clever Trick and Padraig McCarthy with Pomp N Circumstance for the last major team assignment of the year.

Ireland has enjoyed a productive campaign, with the undoubted highlight coming when they triumphed at Millstreet in the home Nations Cup.

They followed that big win up with an excellent result in Aachen when finishing third in the four-star competition, as magnificent cross country performances earned them a spot on the podium.

For Albert, the final represents another opportunity for Ireland to show their class among the best Eventing nations in the world.

The Agria Irish Eventing team after winning the FEI Eventing Nations Cup in Millstreet. (L-R) Ian Cassells and Millridge Atlantis; Patrick Whelan and Altitu; Dag Albert (Chef d’Equipe); Jennifer Kuehnle and Polly Blue Eyes; Robbie Kearns and Ballyvillane OBOS. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography

He said: “I’ve been very happy with the season so far – obviously to win in Millstreet was brilliant because we would always look to target our home Nations Cup, but I was also very pleased with how the team performed in Aachen.

“They really showed what they’re all about, particularly cross country, and a podium there is a great result.

“The programme is a constant work in progress but we have some of the best riders in the world with us and I’m hoping they can show that in Boekelo.

“It will obviously be a tough test as there are some excellent combinations here but our guys are here in form and we’re very much looking forward to it.”

The Irish Senior Eventing team is sponsored by Agria

Charles Ancona – Official athlete clothing supplier to Horse Sport Ireland’s Senior Olympic programmes

Bucas – official supplier to Horse Sport Ireland’s High Performance programme

The Irish High Performance Show Jumping Programme is exclusively funded by Sport Ireland