Irish pick up vital points

DESPITE racking up 41 faults, Ireland’s show jumpers placed second to France in the nations cup at Zagreb yesterday.

The result saw them extend their lead in the FEI Nations Cup Series to 86 points, 14 more than second-placed Denmark and, with just two rounds remaining, Ireland look set to replace France in the Samsung Super League.

Yesterday’s high scores reflected the difficult conditions brought about by poor weather in Croatia, with team manager Robert Splaine saying: “The ground conditions were a huge factor here. We had a storm last night and one today and two of our horses pulled shoes in the first round. The score sheet gives some indication of just how difficult it was for all the teams involved, but I’m happy that we have added three vital points to our overall Nations' Cup League score.”