Headline: Irish Show Jumping Team Triumphs at Andalucía Nations Cup
Vejer de la Frontera, Spain – The Underwriting Exchange Irish Show Jumping Team delivered an impressive performance, outclassing 18 competing nations to win the three-star Andalucía October Tour Nations Cup this afternoon. Under the skilled guidance of Chef d’Equipe Michael Blake, the formidable team of Mikey Pender, Jason Foley, Seamus Hughes Kennedy, and Cian O’Connor demonstrated unparalleled talent and composure, finishing with a total of just nine faults.
A Dominant Display from the Irish Team
Kicking off their competition in Spain, the Irish riders set the tone early, leading from the very start. Their victory distinguishes them further in a season already filled with accomplishments, including high-profile wins at prestigious events such as Ocala and Aachen.
“We knew we were strong coming in,” Blake shared, reflecting on the team’s ability to handle the challenging course designed for the event. “The course designer set up a difficult course, with many combinations catching riders out. But our lads showed their class out there.”
The Irish team finished with a notable advantage, as Belgium came in second with 15 faults and the USA rounded out the podium on 17 faults.
First Round Perfection
The competition saw the Irish team build confidence through a series of faultless rounds. Kildare’s Mikey Pender, riding the Hughes Horse Stud-bred HHS Los Angeles (ISH), got the team off to a brilliant start with a clear round, being one of only two combinations to achieve this feat among the first 18 competitors. His stellar performance set the stage for his teammates, as Carlow’s Jason Foley followed suit with a flawless round on Jacksonville Eurohill.
Seamus Hughes Kennedy, the current 2023 Youth European Champion, continued the trend with yet another zero score aboard ESI Rocky (ISH), while veteran Cian O’Connor maintained their perfect tally with a pressure-free performance on Iron Man, solidifying Ireland’s lead ahead of their nearest challengers, France.
Navigating the Second Round
After the break, however, the team’s scores began to fluctuate slightly. Pender returned to the arena with the intention of keeping Ireland’s momentum but managed just four faults, clipping a top wall during an otherwise excellent round. Foley’s Jacksonville Eurohill was incredibly close to a second clear performance, ending up with four faults after a slight miscalculation at the final jump.
Yet, as the event unfolded, Hughes Kennedy ensured Ireland’s placing was secure, finishing the second round with only one time fault. O’Connor wrapped up the event, keeping the pressure on and making clear jumps, effectively igniting celebrations among the team and supporters alike.
The Impact of the Win
Following the victory, O’Connor expressed both joy and confidence in his team and horse, stating, “It’s fantastic to win today in Vejer. I was delighted to be lining out alongside three of the most talented young men on the Irish team. My horse Iron Man jumped outstanding, and I’m really excited about him for the future.”
This win marks yet another significant achievement for the Underwriting Exchange Irish Show Jumping Team, showcasing not only the depth of equestrian talent in Ireland but also setting a precedent for upcoming international competitions.
By winning the Nations Cup in Andalucía, the Irish team has not only fortified their position on the international stage but has also inspired countless equestrians and sports enthusiasts back home.
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