Ireland ready for Sharjah CSIO4* Nations Cup

Picture caption: Mikey Pender and HHS Calais jumping to victory in the five-star FEI Nations Cup in Rome

The Underwiting Exchange Irish Show Jumping team begin their season in a competitive renewal of the CSIO4* Sharjah Nations Cup this afternoon.

Horse Sport Ireland Show Jumping High Performance Director Michael Blake has named a strong quartet for the first Nations Cup of 2024, with jumping beginning at 12pm Irish time.

Blake has selected Mikey Pender and HHS Calais (ISH), Shane Breen with Z7 Ipswich, Billy Twomey with Diego del Caribe and David Simpson with Pjotr van de Kruishoeve. Ireland have been drawn third of the eight nations.

Blake said: “We’re looking forward to getting going for the 2024 campaign in what we hope will be a successful season. It’s a strong Irish team and we’ll have the host nation and the Germans to really look out for if we’re going to come out on top.”

BREEDING: HHS Calais (ISH) – 2011 gelding by Cavalier Royale (HOLST) out of MHS OBOS Cruise (ISH) by OBOS Quality (OLD). Breeder: Ita Brennan, Co. Kilkenny. Owner: Bravo Hughes Ltd. Rider: Michael Pender (IRL).