Ireland third in Belgium
The Meath-based rider and the 10-year-old gelding ran into trouble at the treble, but single time faults in each round from Tipperary’s Denis Lynch on Abbervail van het Dingeshof proved crucial in helping the team limit its two-round total to 18.
Corkman Billy Twomey and Je t’Aime Flamenco added four faults to his first-round clear, while 20-year-old David Simpson (Cruise With Me) also played his part with four faults in round one, followed by eight in round two.
The 10-country contest was won by France on four, with the home side second on eight faults.
Team manager Robert Splaine said: “That was tough jumping today with fences not far off Super League size, but the lads put in a really gutsy performance. It was the first nations cup appearance for most of the horses and the performances clear up a lot of issues in my own mind, and some important decisions can now be made ahead of the Meydan Series, which begins later this month.”
O’Connor was surprised by Splendor’s actions which saw him requiring stitches in a chin injury.
“He was clear in the combination, but got a bit confused in the treble. He had all the preparation, though, and was clear on Thursday in a class with one time fault.
“I’m not so worried, though. It’s just one of those things, said O’Connor, who takes Complete and Baloufina to the Global Champions Tour show in Vigo, Spain, next week.
Meanwhile, the ShowjumpingIreland Premier Series moves to Coilóg, Co Kildare, for the second leg this weekend, with €12,000 on offer.
Today’s qualifier sees a field of 76 bidding for a place in Monday’s grand prix.
