Ireland achieves third successive victory at La Baule Nations Cup
Going for Gold Again: The Irish Show Jumpers' Triumph at La Baule's Five-Star Nations Cup
Three times champions, the Irish show jumping team sailed to victory once more at the five-star Nations Cup of France in La Baule. In a thrilling competition filled with world-class competitors, the emerald isle stood tall amidst the turbulent waves of competition.
The Irish Squad, a blend of rookies and seasoned veterans, entered the fray following a recent Nations Cup win in British Columbia[1]. Setting their sights on the prestigious title in La Baule, they knew they'd face a formidable challenge from a competitive field.
Getting things off to a cracking start, Wexford's Bertram Allen and his 9-year-old steed Qonquest De Rigo pulled off an immaculate round, leaving all obstacles untouched. Seamus Hughes Kennedy and his mount ESI Rocky, fresh from a fourth-place finish in the Rome Grand Prix, followed suit with an equally commendable round[1].
Tom Wachman, with Tabasco De Toxandria Z, temporarily put a blemish on their perfect record, picking up 8 faults. However, the team's anchor, Cian O'Connor, with his 14-year-old partner Bentley De Sury, jumped clear, keeping Ireland's score at zero heading into the second round[1].
Tied for the lead with Belgium at the halfway stage, the second round saw Allen and the Belgian Nicola Philippaerts match each other's clear rounds, keeping both nations at the top[1]. Hughes Kennedy and young gun Wachman followed with more flawless performances[1]. With Ireland guaranteed a zero score, team manager Michael Blake decided to rest O'Connor for the second round[1].
With only Peter Devos from Belgium picking up a single fence, Gilles Thomas had an opportunity to force a jump-off. However, a slight misstep saw Thomas collect four faults, sealing Ireland's victory, making them the only team to finish on a zero score[1].
Belgium had to settle for second place on four faults, while Brazil took third with 8 faults[1]. This victory marked the Irish team's third win at La Baule, following their previous triumphs in 1994 and 2011[2]. The team's strategic blend of youth and experience has allowed them to maintain their competitive edge, continuing to make a splash in the international show jumping scene[2].
[1] - Enrichment Data[2] - Enrichment Data (Historical Context)
The Irish squad, amidst the European leagues, aspired to replicate their Nations Cup win in British Columbia with the Champions League-like tournament in La Baule as their next mission. With the previous successes in La Baule in 1994 and 2011, they weren't strangers to the thrill of triumph in the European show jumping circuit.
