Blake names strong squad for Hickstead Nations Cup

Ireland Chef d’equipe Michael Blake lifts the Aga Khan trophy alongside riders, from left, Cian O’Connor, Shane Sweetnam, Conor Swail and Max Wachman after their victory in the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup of Ireland  at the RDS in Dublin. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

The Underwriting Exchange Irish Show Jumping squad competing in the CSIO5* FEI Longines Show Jumping Nations Cup of Britain has been named.

Team Manager Michael Blake has selected Shane Breen with Cuick Star Cervec, Trevor Breen with Gonzalo, Jack Ryan with BBS McGregor (ISH), Daniel Coyle with Legacy, and Mark McAuley with GRS Lady Amaro (ISH) for the final five-star Nations Cup before the Dublin Horse Show.

Irish teams have enjoyed an excellent Nations Cup season to date, with wins in Rome and Langley as well as a number of podium finishes and Horse Sport Ireland High Performance Show Jumping Director Blake is hopeful of another strong showing at the hollowed grounds of the All-England Jumping Course, Hickstead.

Blake said: “We are delighted to be back in Hickstead for another crack at the Nations Cup of Britain – we have a strong team and are hopeful of another positive showing.

“We have been in great form throughout the season and another good result here sets us up nicely for Dublin and, hopefully, to have a crack at the final in Barcelona later in the year.”

The squad for Hickstead, in alphabetical order, is as follows;

Shane Breen with Cuick Star Cervec, owned by Breen Equestrian Ltd & Quirke Sport Horses Ltd.

Trevor Breen with Gonzalo, owned by Home Farm Equestrian

Daniel Coyle with Legacy, owned by Ariel Grange and Daniel Coyle

Mark McAuley with GRS Lady Amaro (ISH), owned by S.N.C McAuley

Jack Ryan with BBS McGregor (ISH), owned by Marguerite Ryan

BREEDING: 

BBS McGregor (ISH) – 2012 gelding by Cardento (HOLST) out of Random Chance (ISH) by Mark Twain (TB). Breeder and Owner: Marguerite Ryan, Co. Kilkenny. Rider: Jack Ryan (IRL).

GRS Lady Amaro (ISH) – 2013 mare by Amaretto Darco (BWP) out of Legal Lady (TB) by Over The River (TB). Breeder: Denis Hickey, Co. Wexford. Owner: S.n.c McAuley. Rider: Mark McAuley (IRL).