Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) Show Jumping High Performance Director Michael Blake has named his squad in a bid to defend their title as reigning Aga Khan Trophy champions. The Underwriting Exchange Irish Show Jumping team have enjoyed a successful season to date, including a second-place finish in last week’s five-star Nations Cup in Hickstead, wins in Rome and Langley earlier in the year, along with numerous podium finishes. “We have had a very good year so far and we are really looking forward to next week.", Blake said to HSI.
“We bring forward a very strong squad, who have displayed excellent Nations Cup form this year. There are some strong teams for this year’s renewal of the Aga Khan Trophy, but I am confident that we have an equally strong team. We have the added advantage of the amazing support from the home fans."
The squad in alphabetical order is:
- Daniel Coyle riding Legacy, owned by Ariel Grange and Daniel Coyle.
- Michael P Duffy riding Cinca 3, owned by Hibernian Sport Horses Ltd.
- Cian O’Connor riding Eve D’ouilly, owned by Nicole Walker.
- Michael Pender riding HHS Calais, owned by Bravo Hughes Ltd.
- Shane Sweetnam riding James Kann Cruz, owned by Gizmo Partners LLC.
The home leg of the Nations Cup is always a special occasion. With just over a week to go, there is a palpable excitement among the riders.
O’Connor is no stranger to Aga Khan Trophy success, having been part of the winning team last year and also in 2015, 2012 and 2004. He said: “It’s always an honour to be a part of the Irish team but there is something extra special about lining out in Dublin.
Duffy is making his Aga Khan debut having been part of the Irish Nations Cup teams in Rotterdam and Abu Dhabi earlier this year. Speaking to HSI he said: “I’m delighted to selected on the Irish team for the Aga Khan cup next week with Hibernian Horses’ Cinca 3. She’s having a fantastic season so far with multiple podium finishes at 5* Grand Prix level and Nations Cups for Ireland this year."
Also making his Aga Khan debut is Pender. “I’m thrilled to be part of the Aga Khan team next week – it’s a lifelong dream of every Irish rider. I’m very grateful to the people who have helped along this journey and most of all HHS Calais, who has been an incredible horse for me.
Source: Horse Sport Ireland