The Irish did narrowly miss out on the Aga Khan trophy in front of their own crowd. Despite a rock-solid round by Cian O'Connor, it was Mclain Ward's clear round that earned the American team the title in the CSIO5* 1m60 Nations' Cup of Ireland.
After the first round, the U.S. and Irish teams shared the lead with both zero penalty points on their register. Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Sweden shared third place, all with a total of eight penalty points.
Thibeau Spits (BEL), European Champion Young Riders in 2022, had Impress-K Van't Kattenheye Z at the start in this Aga Khan. Belgium was provisionally in third place with a total of eight penalty points, just behind Ireland with also eight in total. The oxer after the water threw them a bit off balance, causing the pole to hit the ground. With that jumping fault another point was charged for time, which could become an expensive mistake for the team in the standings.
At the last it was still between Ireland and America. Cian O'Connor had the pressure on his shoulders for the Irish team, starting last on Fancy de Kergane, a still relatively young horse. Ireland provisionally stood at a total of eight penalties, behind the American team with only four penalties. With a voice help toward the final oxer, he crossed the finish line flawlessly. A very satisfied O'Connor left the ring smiling, as Ireland still had a chance. This horse also stayed double clear in Aachen.
One more combination to go. Mclain Ward and Callas did excellently in the first round but now had all eyes on them with the pressure of the team on their shoulders. Swept clear, they headed for the final line. The pair took the victory effortlessly.
After the first round, the U.S. and Irish teams shared the lead with both zero penalty points on their register. Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Sweden shared third place, all with a total of eight penalty points.
Thibeau Spits (BEL), European Champion Young Riders in 2022, had Impress-K Van't Kattenheye Z at the start in this Aga Khan. Belgium was provisionally in third place with a total of eight penalty points, just behind Ireland with also eight in total. The oxer after the water threw them a bit off balance, causing the pole to hit the ground. With that jumping fault another point was charged for time, which could become an expensive mistake for the team in the standings.
At the last it was still between Ireland and America. Cian O'Connor had the pressure on his shoulders for the Irish team, starting last on Fancy de Kergane, a still relatively young horse. Ireland provisionally stood at a total of eight penalties, behind the American team with only four penalties. With a voice help toward the final oxer, he crossed the finish line flawlessly. A very satisfied O'Connor left the ring smiling, as Ireland still had a chance. This horse also stayed double clear in Aachen.
One more combination to go. Mclain Ward and Callas did excellently in the first round but now had all eyes on them with the pressure of the team on their shoulders. Swept clear, they headed for the final line. The pair took the victory effortlessly.