Splaine goes with the tried and tested

AN Italian job is not beyond the bounds of possibility in the second leg of the FEI Nations Cup League next week, according to Ireland show jumping manager Robert Splaine, who has nominated the same quartet that won last weekend’s French Nations Cup in his Rome squad.

The Corkman is not one for hyperbole, but you would forgive him in the circumstances. Giving further credence to Splaine’s opinion, is that Billy Twomey will travel to the Italian fixture with the talented Tinka’s Serenade, linking up again with fellow La Baule winners Cian O’Connor (Larkhill Cruiser or Splendor), Cameron Hanley (Southwind VDL), and Shane Sweetnam (Amaretto Darco), while the five-man squad for Rome sees Shane Carey replaced by Shane Breen and Camblin.

“To make lofty predictions at this level would be foolish, but such a team has proved it is capable of winning,” said Splaine yesterday. “Of course, it’s a very tough league, as demonstrated in La Baule, where the result was very tight. Even to finish with a reasonable score is a high achievement,” said Splaine yesterday.