Irish Pony riders win Belgian Nations Cup while Denis Lynch takes fourth in French five-star Grand Prix

Irish Show Jumping riders have enjoyed an excellent weekend at Youth and Senior level, with impressive results recorded across Europe.

Led by Chef d’Equipe Lucy Allen, the Irish Pony (U16) Show Jumping team of Ryan Sweetnam (Kilcummin Cruise) Jack Brennan (Alonsa), Niamh McEvoy (Caliber-de) and Alex Finney (Still Got Me), won this morning’s FEI Pony Nations Cup at Sentower Park in Belgium. Ireland were in the lead on a zero score following Thursday’s opening round and finished the second round on eight faults to take victory. Netherlands and Germany finished in a share of second place on 16 faults while Belgium finished fourth, Italy fifth, and Sweden sixth.

Horse Sport Ireland Chairman Joe Reynolds said:

“I want to congratulate Ryan, Jack, Niamh and Alex, led by Chef d’Equipe Lucy Allen on a brilliant performance to win today’s Nations Cup in Belgium. Hats off to them, they showed great composure to hold on to the lead when the pressure came on, particularly from the German and Dutch teams. Once again our pony teams have shown that they are at the forefront when it comes to competition at the highest level in Europe and continue to deliver outstanding results to be proud of.”

Meanwhile in the senior ranks, Tipperary’s Denis Lynch continued his excellent run of form at the Hubside Tour in Grimaud, France. Following on from a five-star Grand Prix win at the same venue last weekend, Lynch took fourth place in another five-star 1m60 Grand Prix with the 13-year-old stallion Cristello.

Denis Lynch and Cristello (Photo: Hubside Jumping)

Lynch collected €20,000 after jumping double double clear in 41.26 seconds. Belgium’s Niels Bruynseels and Gancia de Muze collected the winners prize with a time of 39.70 ahead of fellow countryman Jos Verlooy in second with Igor (40.28), while Italy’s Alberto Zorzi and Vauban du Trio finished third in 40.37.