Fifth-place finish for Ireland in CSIO3* Vejer Nations Cup

Niamh McEvoy and Templepatrick Welcome Limmerick jumping clear in the Nations Cup at Vejer De La Frontera

The Underwriting Exchange Irish Senior Show Jumping team finished fifth in the CSIO3* Nations Cup at Vejer De La Frontera, Spain, this afternoon.

Michael Blake’s team of Billy Twomey with Diego Del Caribe, Tom Wachman with Berlux Z, Niamh McEvoy with the Irish Sport Horse Templepatrick Welcome Limmerick and Cian O’Connor with Maurice ended up on a final tally of 12 over the two rounds.

Ireland were drawn last to jump of the 15 nations taking part and were in contention at the halfway point, with McEvoy and O’Connor both producing excellent clear rounds within the time.

They were one of six teams on four faults at the break after Wachman had dropped a pole. Twomey’s score of eight was Ireland’s discard.

In round two, Twomey added four to Ireland’s total, with Wachman’s four becoming the second round discard. McEvoy also added an unlucky four before O’Connor and Maurice produced another superb round to go double clear on the day and leave Ireland in fifth position.

O’Connor told Horse Sport Ireland: “I’m delighted with Maurice in our first Nation’s Cup together.

“I’m also very pleased for my co-owner Pat Crean and I’m grateful for his support – I now head to Monterey, Mexico in two weeks time with Maurice, Clown and Highland President – which I’m really looking forward to.”

With host nation Spain finishing on four faults as well as France, the two went into a jump-off. Teresa Blazquez-Abascal jumped clear on board Nasa de Toxandria for Spain and with Marie Demonte dropping a pole for the French on board Epona du Quesnoy, victory went to Spain.

BREEDING
Templepatrick Welcome Limmerick (ISH) – 2010 mare by Limmerick (HOLST) out of Go Luckey (ISH) by Lux Z (HANN). Breeder: Dorothea Wilson. Owner: Robin Bingham. Rider: Niamh McEvoy (IRL).