Irish aim to steal march on Dutch

IRISH show jumping team manager Robert Splaine has only one aim in today nations cup at the Fáilte Ireland Dublin Horse Show: to finish well ahead of the Netherlands.

Ireland are in the throes of a relegation battle with the Dutch and a result that would put some distance between the two countries before next month’s Barcelona final. A win would obviously be welcomed, said Splaine, but only as long as the Dutch are at the other end of the result sheet.

“Our main aim is to be well ahead of the Dutch. We need to leave them far behind us,” said the Corkman. “This is a Super League show and there are no weak teams, so it will be difficult, but I am confident the lads will fight to the last.”