Rodrigo Pessoa names Irish Show Jumping team for Thursday’s Aachen Nations Cup in Germany

The Irish Show Jumping team have received a favorable draw and will be last of the eight teams to jump in tomorrow’s (Thursday) world famous Mercedes-Benz Nations Cup at Aachen in Germany, with team manager Rodrigo Pessoa this evening naming a strong Irish line-up.

Ireland, sponsored by Devenish and The Underwriting Exchange, will line out as follows:

Cork’s Shane Sweetnam with Chaqui Z  – owned by Spy Coast Farm LLC
Waterford’s Peter Moloney with Chianti’s Champion – owned by Team Harmony
Offaly’s Darragh Kenny with Important De Muze  – owned by Kerry Anne LLC
Meath’s Cian O’Connor with Irenice Horta – owned by Ronnoco Jump Ltd

Pessoa is expecting another tough test in Aachen this year, where Ireland staged a second half comeback in 2018 to narrowly finish as runners-up behind the home team from Germany.

“Aachen is always very tough. Germany have regained Daniel Deusser and Christian Ahlmann on the team along with Marcus Ehning and Simone Blum. On paper they are incredibly strong and will be the team to beat but we will give it a go. Last year we finished second, just two points off the winners so this year we are hoping to go one better,” commented Pessoa shortly after the draw for the starting order took place.

The Mercedes-Benz Nations Cup at Aachen in Germany starts at 6.30pm tomorrow Thursday and is live on ClipMyHorse.tv

The World Equestrian Festival at Aachen CHIO is expected to attract more than 350,000 spectators and along with the Show Jumping Nations Cup, Ireland will also field teams in the Eventing and Dressage Nations Cup competitions.

The Irish Show Jumping team is sponsored by Devenish and The Underwriting Exchange
Equiline – Official athlete clothing supplier of Team Ireland Equestrian