The Nations Cup was the absolute highlight of Friday afternoon at the Sunshine October Tour in Andalucía. Seventeen national teams lined up for the CSIO3* 1m50 Nations Cup, which turned into a thriller until the very last combination. Ireland was ultimately crowned the winner.
With a total of 6 penalties, Ireland claimed victory in this Nations Cup. Niamh McEvoy with Olympic GL FVD (Galisco van Paemel) and Max Wachman with Tipperary (Arko III) delivered clear rounds. With only 2 penalties in the first round, 4 in the second and an overall time of 219.42 seconds, they secured the win.
The Silver medal was decided in the final moments of the Nations Cup and eventually went to Brazil. The team was led by Piet Raijmakers. Eduardo Pereira De Menezes on H5 Londontime (Hummertime) and Pedro Junquiera Muylaert in the saddle of Gemme Villers (Maloubet de Pleville) as well as Pedro Veniss with Duelante 3k (Lorandos) delivered crucial clear rounds in the second part of the competition to lead their team to second place with a total of 8 penalties in 221.90 seconds.
The battle for third place went to Germany. Strong rounds from Jens Baackmann with Lorenz 86 (Livello) and Maximilian Lill aboard Casallco's George PS (Casallco), combined with some expensive mistakes, brought the Germans to 13 penalties and a time of 217.44 seconds.
The Spanish team could count on a roaring home crowd and did not disappoint. Under the guidance of chef d’équipe Reyes Martín García-Abril, the squad showed resilience. Spain secured fourth place with a total of 13 penalties and a time of 220.34 seconds.
France completed the top five with, again, a total of 13 penalties in 221.73 seconds.
