Ireland complete hat-trick of Pony Nations Cup wins with victory in Hagen

Following victories already this year in Belgium and The Netherlands, the Irish Pony (U16) Show Jumping team completed a hat-trick of Nations Cup victories on Saturday, when they came out on top in a tight contest at Hagen Future Champions show in Germany.

Gary Marshall’s team were in second place at the halfway stage and overtook leaders France to take the winners trophy at the finish. Francis Derwin and the Clive Swindel-owned Connemara Pony Cul Ban Mistress were the star performers jumping a double clear round. Max Wachman jumped clear first time out with the Coolmore Showjumping-owned Cuffesgrange Cavalidam (ISH), and lowered a single fence in the second round. His brother Tom Wachman and Quaprice D’Astree picked up 7 faults in the first round before a faultless effort second time of asking. Seamus Hughes Kennedy and Rock Dee Jay picked up 8 faults in round one and had a single fence down when last to go.
This left Ireland on a two round total of 11 faults – a single fault ahead of France who finished second on 12 faults. Sweden and Germany finished joint third on 16 faults apiece, while Netherlands finished fifth and Italy sixth.

Following Ireland’s victory in Germany, Horse Sport Ireland CEO Ronan Murphy said:

“I am delighted to congratulate everyone involved in this fantastic Nations Cup win for our Youth riders. It highlights again the exceptionally talented pony riders we have in Ireland and the future certainly looks bright for Irish Show Jumping.”