Podium finish for Ireland in Wellington Nations Cup

  • 5 March 2023, 02:31

The Underwriting Exchange Irish Showjumping team finished third in tonight’s CSIO4* Nations Cup in Wellington, Florida (USA).

The Irish team, led by Team Manager Michael Blake, totalled a score of 16 faults after the second round of jumping to claim the podium finish, behind winners Canada and second placed Brazil.

The Irish team of Shane Sweetnam, riding his own and Voquest LLC’s Namaste Van Het Eyckeveld, Max Wachman riding Susan Magnier’s Kilkenny (ISH), David Blake with Pine Hollow Farm’s Claude and Cian O’Connor with Coolmore Showjumping’s Berlux Z, equalled Brazil in jumping faults but placed behind them based on second round times.

Tonight’s Nations Cup included teams from 11 nations, with eight progressing to the second round. Canada claimed the top spot with a team total of 8 faults.

Speaking after the competition, Ireland’s Michael Blake said: “We knew Canada had a strong team coming out this evening and I’d like to congratulate them on their performance.

“We had some very strong performances tonight and some unlucky faults. As always, I would like to thank the owners of our Irish team horses who make competing in Nations Cups and successes like tonight possible. And to our team sponsors – thank you”

Pictured Left to Right: Shane Sweetnam, Cian O’Connor, Marcus Swail, Michael Blake, Charles Ancona, David Blake and Max Wachman pictured in front of the Charles Ancona stand at Wellington. Photo Credit: Ashely Neuhof Photography

Breeding:

Kilkenny (ISH) – 2012 gelding by Cardento (HOLST) out of MHS Pembrook Lady (ISH) by Guidam (SF), bred by Sinead Brennan, Co Kilkenny. Owner Susan Magnier. Rider Max Wachman

The Irish Show Jumping team is sponsored by The Underwriting Exchange
Charles Ancona – 
Official athlete clothing supplier to HSI’s Senior Olympic programmes