Ireland joint-fifth in France

Ireland show jumping manager Robert Splaine’s prediction that yesterday’s French Nations Cup would be a difficult test proved accurate, as Ireland finished joint fifth of the eight teams.

Despite clears from Shane Sweetnam, Jessica Kürten and Cian O’Connor, Ireland finished on 12 faults with Britain and Switzerland, giving Splaine food for thought as he prepares to announce his squads next week for the Italian and Swiss outings.

“This was a very tough competition. Olympic qualification was at stake for many of the combinations at La Baule today, so the level of competition was incredible.