Ireland bidding to go one better in Bratislava EEF Nations Cup

  • 8 June 2023, 17:07

Taylor Vard and his Ireland team of Matt Garrigan, Conor Drain, Nano Healy and Diarmuid Howley who were second in Drammen, Norway

Taylor Vard and his EEF CSIO3* Irish Nations Cup team are aiming to build on an excellent runner-up showing in Drammen last week by winning in Bratislava tomorrow evening.

Ireland are in the Slovakian capital hoping to keep their good form going in the three-star competition and Vard has a completely different set of combinations lining up for what looks to be an entertaining evening under the lights.

Harry Allen, Jason Foley, Comdt. Geoff Curran and Thomas Ryan will form the team who jump in the purpose-built arena within a football stadium against nine other nations and Vard is excited by the prospect.

“It’s a new team and another great opportunity to look at new combinations,” Vard said.

“Obviously we’re here looking to improve on last week if possible, but I’ve a feeling this could go all the way to three rounds and if it does we’ll send Harry in to do battle.

“We’re looking forward to a really great competition, it’s under the lights and that can play a major factor in Nations Cups. It can obviously be a completely different experience for a horse, who can be very comfortable jumping during the day and then suddenly things change at night time, especially with the water jump.

“So we are schooling tonight, go into to ring and let the horses adjust to the night time experience and enjoy themselves. Hopefully that will set us up for a big performance then tomorrow night.”

The Underwriting Exchange Irish Show Jumping Squad competing in Bratislava, France, is;

  • Harry Allen with Calculatus, owned by Quin Yu Pang
  • Comdt. Geoff Curran with Tempo Manor (ISH), owned by the Minister for Defence
  • Jason Foley with Oscar V/H Hulstenhof, owned by Bruntwood Stables Bvba
  • Thomas Ryan with Di Cantera van ter Hulst Z, owned by CKFD SA.

BREEDING:

Tempo Manor (ISH) – 2012 gelding by Sligo Candy Boy (ISH) out of Roxy Lux (ISH) by Lux Z (HANN). Breeder: Noel Wright. Owner: Minister for Defence. Rider: Commandant Geoff Curran (IRL).

 
 
 

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