New Zealand wins first Nations Cup of the year

New Zealand wins first Nations Cup of the year
A hugely impressive performance from the New-Zealand Show Jumping team saw them take victory in the very first five-star Longines FEI Nations Cup of the 2018 season today (Saturday) at Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.

Ireland and New Zealand went head to head in a jump-off to decide the winners. Samantha McIntosh went first with Check In and posted a clear round. The Kiwis were crowned winners after Breen and Laith faulted at the third fence in the jump-off.

Italy took third place on the podium ahead of Switzerland who shared fourth place with Saudi Arabia and the home team from UAE. Saudi Arabia and UAE took the two qualifying places on offer for Arab Nations for the 2018 Longines FEI Jumping final in Barcelona.

Derry’s David Simpson meanwhile took a half share in a special €50,000 bonus for those who jumped a double clear round. The only other pairing to jump double clear were Samantha McIntosh (NZL) with Check In.