Ehning edges out Kurten in World Cup final thriller

SHOW jumper Jessica Kurten put in another flawless performance in the World Cup final at Kuala Lumpur yesterday, but it was not enough to catch leader, Germany’s Marcus Ehning (Sandro Boy) and the Antrim rider finished in second place.

Lying third going into yesterday’s final round, Kurten and Castle Forbes Libertina produced another two clear rounds, their fifth of the finals, to overtake overnight joint leader Switzerland’s Beat Mandli (Ideo du Thot). However, the day belonged to masterful Ehning, who proved he was a match for the best the Irish rider could throw at him.

Kurten, who finished on a total of one penalty, with the winner on zero, expressed no disappointment, despite coming so close. As is typical, she pointed to Lady Georgina’s mare as the star, saying she had utter confidence in her.

“In never felt in any danger. I was worried in the first round that Libertina would take charge, but she jumped sensationally. She just wants to do everything right,” said the German-based rider, who lost out on the title after being slower than Ehning in Thursday’s opening speed class.

Equestrian Federation of Ireland president Charles Powell was quick to pay tribute to the rider from Cullybackey, who is ranked number two in the world behind Ehning.

Speaking from the Malaysian capital, Powell described Kurten’s achievement as “a fantastic performance and an inspiration to the Irish team for the season ahead”. The result comes as a boost for Ireland ahead of the Samsung Super League, which starts next week in France. Kurten will miss the opener, but is expected to be in the squad for the second in the series, the Nations Cup of Germany, in Aachen two weeks later.

Meanwhile, Paul O’Shea, riding The Patriot, won his second grand prix in the Boswell Equestrian National League yesterday at Thomastown, Co Kilkenny. The Limerick rider won the grand prix league opener at Co Louth Show and, with 20 points, has a 12-point lead on Cian O’Connor.