Irish U18 Show Jumping team score superb win in Dutch Nations Cup

A brilliant performance from the Irish U18 (Junior) Show Jumping team of Max Wachman, Ella Quigley, Caragh Charlton and Tom Wachman, managed by James Kernan, saw them claim a superb victory in a hotly-contested Nations Cup today (Saturday) at Wierden in The Netherlands.

The Irish Junior Show Jumping team of  Max Wachman,, Tom Wachman, Ella Quigley and Caragh Charlton pictured on the podium with manager James Kernan following victory in the Dutch Nations Cup

Ireland were in a share of the lead with Belgium at the halfway stage on just a time fault thanks to clear rounds from Max Wachman with Dorette, Caragh Charlton with Galina and just a time fault from Tom Wachman with Atlantic Du Seigneur.

Max Wachman got Ireland off to a perfect start to round two when he completed a double clear round – one of just two riders to do so in the competition. A clear from Ella Quigley with Horinde H then put Ireland into the outright lead and when Cara Charlton lowered just a single fence when second last to go, Ireland could not be beaten. Ireland finished on a two round total of five faults to finish a fence ahead of Belgium in second while Germany finished third of the 11 teams that took part.

Speaking afterwards, Irish Youth team manager James Kernan said:

“I am absolutely delighted with all our team, they were fantastic. Coming into the competition the two Wachman brothers had some match practice but the others not so much. It was a tough Nations Cup and I have to say I think the standard of riding and the standard of horses has really moved up a level over the last year. It is outstanding to win the first Nations Cup of the year for Ireland and I want to thank all the owners, trainers, sponsors and Horse Sport Ireland for their support.”

 

Max Wachman

On Friday in Wierden, rising star Max Wachman, who is trained by Irish Olympian Cian O’Connor, also claimed victory in the Junior Grand Prix Brooklyn De Hus.