Splaine opts for two debutants in squad

IRELAND show jumping manager Robert Splaine has blended two debutants with three riders boasting vast experience in his nations cup squad for next week’s Dublin Horse Show.

Corkman Shane Sweetnam and Kildare’s Nicola FitzGibbon have yet to contest the competition for the Aga Khan Trophy, but they have been teamed up with stalwarts, world number three Billy Twomey, also from Cork, and Tipperary riders Denis Lynch and Shane Breen.

Dublin is the seventh leg of the FEI Nations Cup Series and, with Ireland lying second, the prospect of lifting league honours should spur on the Irish squad.